Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime is available now for all systems worldwide, except for the Playstation 3 in Europe, where it will come out on March 30th (as per Atari's Twitter post). If you're on the Xbox or PlayStation 3, you can buy the game through the marketplace interface of your console. You can buy and download the PC version from Amazon or Steam. I recommend that you purchase it from Amazon, as Spook Central gets a small commission for sales made there - and chances are you already have an an Amazon account, so you're already good to go.

However, please be aware that THE PC VERSION HAS NO ONLINE CO-OP PLAY; local co-op only - as per reports at the Atari and Steam forums. I have not seen this for myself yet, because I've been too busy writing coverage for the game to actually download and install it, but multiple reports can't be wrong. So, AGAIN, PC gamers get screwed! We had no online play in Ghostbusters: The Video Game, while the consoles had it; and now again we lose it while the consoles get the glory. Now I *KNOW* that Atari hates PC gamers. Adding insult to injury, the PC version is the same price as the console versions, so we get LESS GAME FOR THE SAME PRICE! (From what I've been told, when you convert Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network currency to dollars, the game is selling for $10 on the consoles.) Here are the co-op stats reported by Co-Optimus:


And if that's not enough, here's a snippet from IGN's review, which makes it quite clear that PC gamers are getting the short end of the stick... and you DON'T want to know where that stick is being shoved:

Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime is all about multiplayer, but the PC version is gimped when compared to the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 downloads. Over on the consoles, players have online multiplayer. On the PC, you can only play locally. That sucks, but the mouse aiming is far more precise than a controller's joystick so I guess the PC gets that. Even the local multiplayer is far from perfect in Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime. When I was playing with a group of IGN editors and someone finally had enough of Chapter 10's garbage and put down the controller, the remaining players either had to find a replacement or restart the level. We couldn't just turn off the controller and have the computer jump in.

Would you like to see the game bootup and some online play in action on the PS3? Then check out this video uploaded by YouTube user SmartPerson2011. PC gamers, it's okay to cry.

If you still want to play the PC version - and for me, that's my only choice, unfortunately - here's what you need to run it (info from Atari's PC mini-site). You'll notice that it only says that an internet connection is required for online activation, but nothing about it being needed for gameplay - as there is no online play on the PC.

PC MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

• OS: Windows XP SP2, Vista SP2, 7
• CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 or AMD Athlon X2 4400+
• RAM: 1 GB
• Video: ATI Radeon HD 2600 or NVIDIA GeForce 8600 or faster*
• Sound: DirectX 9.0c-compatible
• HD: 500MB free
• Peripherals: Keyboard + 3 button mouse, Microsoft Xbox 360 Controller for PC, Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows, Logitech Gamepad F310/F510/F710**
• Other: Internet Connection required for online activation

* Video cards that do not meet or exceed the performance of these cards, such as the Intel G43/G45 Integrated, are not supported.
** DirectInput Gamepads, such as the Logitech Rumblepad 2, are not supported.

The version of the game sold on Steam includes 12 "Steam Achievements". The version of the game sold on the Atari website (and presumably every place else) does NOT include Achievements (that area on the main menu is blank). Almost all of the Steam Achievements, noted with the icons and titles below (provided by the Steam site), are the same as those on the Xbox, so they unlock the same as well. One achievement is different: "Full House" on the Xbox was replaced with "Driver's License" on the PC, the goal of which is to "finish a vehicle level". The reason for the change is because "Full House" is an online achievement, and the PC version doesn't have any online play. Also, some of the achievement icons are different. I think Steam has the correct icons since the Xbox icons were put up a month or so ago.


When Ghostbusters: The Video Game came out almost two years ago, PlayStation 3 owners were also given various goodies to buy for their avatars. Xbox 360 owners who felt left out in the cold can rejoice as some Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime items are now available for your Xbox avatar. There's an Ecto-4WD remote toy (320 points), a GB Trucker hat (80 points), a Stay-Puft pet (320 points), a Slimer pet (320 points), and a GB Jumpsuit (240 points). More information and pictures can be found at Proton Charging and Ghostbusters News. Proton Charging also posted a video to Facebook showing the PS3 demo booting up and then showing the Xbox goodies in the marketplace.

If you'd like to read a little more about the game, check out David Williams's Dev Diary on the story over on the PlayStation Blog, Ghostbusters Wiki's interview with writer Tom Waltz, and Goozer Nation's interview with producer Jonathan Moses.

Los Angeles, CA -- March 23, 2011 -- Atari, one of the world's most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment, announced today the release of the first ever Ghostbusters digital title, Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime. In conjunction with Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime is now available on Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStationNetwork, and Windows PC Download at Steam and Atari.com.

Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime is a four player, ghost busting adventure that will take players on a brand new paranormal experience. Players will suit up with their proton packs and assume the role of a rookie hired by the Ghostbusters to save New York City from a disaster of ghoulish proportions in either single player, or cooperative (online or local).

The action-packed gameplay progresses as players explore a series of haunted environments that must be cleared of any ectoplasmic threats. The gripping adventure rages on as players encounter gigantic bosses that require a concentrated effort to defeat using a medley of highly destructive weapons including the Proton Stream, Plasma Inductor, and the Fermion Shock. The rookie Ghostbusters will face the dangers of the eerie world alone or with a ghost busting team of friends both locally or online through the game's multiplayer capability.

Developed by Behavior Studios, Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime carries a suggested retail price of $9.99. For more information, please log onto www.atari.com or www.atari.com/gbsanctumofslime.

About ATARI, SA
Atari group is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive entertainment. Atari's brands and content are available across all key traditional and digital distribution touch points, including browser-based and social online platforms, PC, consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony, and advanced smart phones (i.e. iPhone, Android and RIM devices).

Divisions of Atari, SA include Cryptic Studios, Eden Studios, Atari Interactive, Inc. and Atari, Inc. Atari benefits from the strength of its worldwide brand and its extensive catalogue of contemporary classic game franchises (Asteroids, Centipede, Missile Command, Lunar Lander), original owned franchises (Test Drive, Backyard Sports, Deer Hunter), MMO games from Cryptic Studios (Star Trek Online, Champions) and third party franchises (Ghostbusters, Rollercoaster Tycoon, Dungeons and Dragons). Atari also leverages the power of its franchises to deliver movies and merchandise to consumers around the world.

For more information please visit: www.atari.com
© 2011 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.
Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 130 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at www.sonypictures.com.

With Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime coming out this Wednesday, March 23rd, on the Xbox Live Arcade, the PlayStation Network, and PC digital download (price $10), Atari is working overtime to get more and more information out to the fans up to the very last minute. Atari has granted me an exclusive Developer Q&A, which you will find below. When you get done reading it, head on over to Ghostbusters News for their exclusive Q&A.

---------------------------------------------

Spook Central was given the opportunity to take part in a Q&A session with Jonathan Moses, Senior Producer at Atari, to discuss the upcoming Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime video game.

Spook Central: When news of the game first broke last December, IGN reported that one of the new rookies was named Oscar. Now that character is named Alan. What was the reason for the name change? Also, is the character's name officially spelled "Alan" or "Allan"? I've seen it written both ways.

Atari: Just Alan. What do you have against the name Alan :) We had originally named him Oscar, but that name and the story we'd crafted for him didn't fit with other things that may be happening in the Ghostbusters lore.

Spook Central: It's been said that there will be hidden relics to find in the game. What will these look like? Where might they be hidden? Is there a reward for finding them, other than bragging rights?

Atari: The hidden relics all look like plush versions of Stay Puft. They're hidden in breakable props within the levels - and there is a lot of stuff to break and explore to find them all.


Spook Central: This shot from the first trailer shows a "dollar sign with angel wings" icon, hovering around a person cowering on the floor. The dollar sign indicates money, but what do the angel wings signify? What does this icon symbolize/what is it for? What other icons might be seen in the game?


Atari: The wings are gone in the final version. We reworked a lot of the interface from what is seen in that early image. The score within the game is all based on the money you earn busting ghosts, breaking stuff, and finding relics. There are two different power-ups you'll find that impact your score too. There is the multiplier that while active increases the amount you get for each ghost and item destroyed, and then there are the bonus point pickups. We also have damage multipliers and shield icons.

Spook Central: In an interview with Total Video Games last month, Jonathan Moses from Atari said that there are 14 levels in the game. The official fact sheet says that there are 12 levels. Which is correct? Are there any online-only or hidden levels? (question based on a comment by Mrmichaelt)

Atari: I misspoke. It is 12!

Spook Central: How long are the levels going to be? With only 12, I hope it's not a really short game :-)

Atari: The levels are pretty long, and the boss fights get pretty hard. I think the game should take most people about 10hrs to play.

Spook Central: It's well known that the game is reusing a lot of assets from Ghostbusters: The Video Game. How much of the game will be "familiar" and how much will be new?

Atari: There is definitely a good balance.....

Spook Central: Where does this game stand in the Ghostbusters' universe and do you plan on continuing to make Ghostbusters games in this style if this is successful enough? (question submitted by Chris 'The Basqman' Salavarrieta)

Atari: The world of the Ghostbusters is a great place for games. We're looking at doing more with Sanctum of Slime, but I'd hope to get back to a shooter style as with the last game, and maybe try some other stuff too. We're talking about many different options.

Spook Central: Will a demo be made available to allow for a "try before you buy" experience? After all of the headaches most people had getting the PC version of Ghostbusters: The Video Game to run (or even install), a free demo would definitely be a good thing - especially on the PC.

Atari: Yes, there are demo / trials for all platforms available (PC, XBLA, and PSN).

I'd like to thank Jonathan Moses for graciously answering the questions, and Marissa Florindi for offering the opportunity to me and setting up the Q&A.

Be sure to check out Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime when it arrives this Wednesday, March 23rd, on the Xbox Live Arcade, the PlayStation Network, and PC digital download.

(first published by USA Today on 2/22/2011 and 2/23/2011, but given out by Atari to all sites on 2/24/2011)

MEET THE ROOKIES
Even though they're inexperienced each one has their place in the team and they work together as a whole to bring down the bad guys. Whatever is waiting for them today, the first day at work, they'll meet it head on, with all their daring, skill and courage.

About the Game
Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime brings arcade style gameplay to the beloved franchise. Strap on your proton packs for an all new ghostbusting adventure! Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime brings paranormal activity to Xbox Live Arcade, Playstation Network and PC Download! With 4 new playable characters and a whole new team of Ghostbusters, get ready for a fast-paced battle against the evil spirits that lurk in New York City to take down Dumazu the Destroyer!

Game Features
• 12 levels of arcade-style Ghostbusting fun with an all new cast of Ghostbusters
• Immerse yourself in the fight against the paranormal - battle ghosts in NYC's sewer tunnels, cemeteries & more
• Explore the unique powers of 3 different ghost fighting weapons
• Ride through the city in the all new ECTO-4WD as you battle evil ghosts while in transit
• Up to 4 player co-op multiplayer - combine weapon attacks with your teammates to increase the power of your attacks

Platforms: XBLA, PSN, PC Download
Target Release Date: March 2011
SRP: $9.99
Genre: Top Down Shooter, Action Adventure
ESRB: E10+
Developer: Behaviour
# of Players: 4 player co-op

Get Slimed: The Making Of The Classic Animatronic Character is a 15-minute interview with Steve Johnson, the original designer of Onionhead (later known as Slimer) for the film Ghostbusters, in which he talks about how the classic character came into being. It was recorded in early 2009 and the original 2009 cut premiered on November 20, 2009 in three parts on Steve's YouTube channel (video embedded below), and was later shown in its entirety on a bonus DVD included with the Slimer "collectible figurine" statue. The new 2010 cut of the interview was recently released by EonEntertainment onto a DVD that also includes over 200 photos and over 40 minutes of raw behind-the-scenes video pulled from Steve's archives. It is this new 2010 DVD that I am going to be reviewing and discussing in more detail.

Read more »

Massimo Piana's new site Ghostbusters Mania is officially open for business. There are some parts of the site in English and some parts in Italian, so if you need a translation of the Italian parts into English, Google is here to help. Overall, it's a very enjoyable site. Go check it out.

[UPDATE - 1/30/2011]
Massimo, being the cool cat that he is, just did a little write up about Spook Central over on Ghostbusters Mania. I'm honored. Thanks, Massimo.

I'm honored...I really am. The blokes from Shaun of the Dead decided to write a movie about me entitled, appropriately enough, Paul, and they got sexy Sigourney Weaver to star in it. I hear she plays my love interest. How cool is that?!?

Actually, that's partial wishful thinking on my part. Yes, Sigourney is in a movie entitled Paul, which is written by and stars the guys from Shaun of the Dead, but it isn't about me...unless I'm a rude, crude, grey alien who speaks in Seth Rogen's voice (I guess my name-alike Paul Rudd wasn't available). I'm not, of course. I'm actually a brown, furry alien who speaks in Paul Fusco's voice.

Anyway, the movie comes out on March 18th here in the U.S. (February 18th in the U.K.), and although I have some high hopes for it, since it's written by and stars the guys from Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, from the looks of the trailer below, it looks like one of those crappy crude America comedies that we've been inundated with the past few years.


You know, I've been a talking three-eyed monkey, and now I'm a talking alien. I don't know which is worse.

My first post of the new year is actually not about Ghostbusters. This is a personal post, and one that won't even be of much use to the large percentage of you who live outside of the New York area, but it's something that I'm proud of, and wanted to make a special mention of it.

My parents, Linda & Joel Rudoff, celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary this past Tuesday. Their anniversary will be announced in the LI Life section of the Sunday January 2nd issue of Newsday. That's tomorrow, for those of you playing along at home. Although the newspaper is available on Long Island and in the City, I think the LI Life section might only be in the Long Island edition. I mean, that would certainly make sense given the name of the section.

Anyway, I'm very proud that my parents have made it this long, especially given the run of bad health they've both had these past two years. I know that they won't make it another 35 years, but I'm wishing them all the best to make it to the big 50th anniversary.

Newsday already published the announcement on their website on December 27, 2010 at 2:23 PM, correctly listed under Nassau County anniversaries, and also incorrectly under Suffolk County anniversaries, but without the photograph that should be published in tomorrow's paper.

35th
LINDA AND JOEL RUDOFF of East Rockaway were married Dec. 28, 1975. Linda is a retired home health care nurse, and Joel is a retired custodian at Nassau County Medical Center. They have two children.

[UPDATE - 1/2/2011]
Here's a scan of the anniversary announcement from today's newspaper. The photo isn't the greatest because I didn't have the best photo of them available to submit.


[UPDATE - 2/6/2011]
Newsday also owns the local This Week's Pennysaver publication, which is a free newspaper consisting mostly of advertisements. In the February 5, 2011 Lynbrook Edition, on page 6, my parent's anniversary announcement was reprinted in the "Your Special Occasions" section. The text is exactly the same as what was in Newsday, but the photo is now in black and white and has been zoomed-in a little bit. Neither my parents nor myself had any idea that the anniversary announcement was going to be republished in the Pennysaver, so it came as a great surprise when we all looked through it today. Thank goodness we didn't throw it out sight unseen, like I'm sure some people do.

On a somewhat related note, searching Newsday.com for my last name shows me that they have my sister Michelle listed as part of the East Rockaway High School Class of 2003 and that there's a monetary music award named after me: the Paul Rudoff Award (worth $750). Actually, it's not named after me, but someone with the exact same name - and the spelling of my last name isn't that common - who was the founding conductor of the Island Senior Symphony. I believe I know of this other Paul Rudoff. He's probably the guy I saw in the obituaries many years ago. Let me tell you, it can really scare the hell out of you to see your name in big bold letters in the obituary section of the newspaper. It's even scarier when you consider that he came from Westbury, NY and I grew up in Westbury, NY; and (from what I've read) he contributed in some manner to the private elementary school that I used to attend. It's a real shame that we never met when he was alive. It's even more of a shame that I can't win the monetary award that bears my name.

GBMax Massimo from Ghostbusters Mania has done one of the coolest things I have ever seen. In fact, in my 14+ years of being in the Ghostbusters online community, I don't remember anyone else ever doing this. He decorated his Christmas tree with home-made Ghostbusters community decorations. Not just one or two, but at least a couple DOZEN of them! There are ornaments for Spook Central, Proton Charging, Ghostbusters Fans, Ghostbusters News, the Ghostheads podcast, the Cleaning Up The Town fan documentary, MANY of the franchises (too many to mention here), a few prop art ornaments (spy the Proton Pack in the collage below), a few cleverly-designed cast/crew character ornaments (Robin Shelby's Slimer, William Bryan's Stay Puft, Jim Fye's Miss Liberty), some official pieces (the Hallmark Ecto-1 ornament, the action figure trap), and lots, LOTS more.

The collage below will give you a taste of the awesomeness, but I highly suggest that you check out the full gallery over on Facebook. I am especially touched that he made a Spook Central ornament. It gives me the warm fuzzies to be thought of and appreciated like that. He even added a Spook Central logo to the back of his cute little Ghostbusters Mania Ectomobile (thanks to Massimo for the large photo, smaller photos of the car can be found in this Facebook gallery). Coolest... Car... Ever! I'm really honored, Massimo.

The only suggestion I would have is for Massimo to release printables of the decorations (with instructions) for the other Ghostheads who may want to do the same thing next year. Share the awesomeness! Special thanks goes out to Doreen Mulman for telling me about this.