Ghost Grab 3000
- January 5, 2019
- Matt Glanville
- 2h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io StoreIn "Ghost Grab 3000," players operate a ghost removal business in a futuristic world, using various tools and strategies to capture and contain spirits. With a mix of procedural generation and handcrafted levels, the game offers a unique and challenging experience in each run. Players must manage resources, upgrade their equipment, and make strategic decisions to achieve high scores and advance in the galactic ghostbusting rankings.
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Windows
Linux
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Innovative and engaging gameplay that combines chaining enemies for combos with tactical dodging in a bullet hell environment.
- Nostalgic chiptune soundtrack and charming graphics enhance the overall experience, making it a delightful throwback to classic arcade games.
- Addictive score-chasing mechanics with a satisfying progression system that encourages players to improve their skills and strategies.
- Gameplay can become repetitive over time, especially in the early levels, which may lead to a grind for some players.
- Some mechanics, such as one-time-use upgrades, can feel limiting and may not contribute to high-scoring runs effectively.
- The game lacks variety in modes and content, which may leave players wanting more long-term engagement.
- gameplay34 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its fast-paced, tactical bullet hell mechanics that blend simplicity with depth, making it easy to learn yet challenging to master. Players appreciate the unique mechanics and addictive nature of the game, which encourages score-chasing and strategic decision-making through a risk-reward chaining system. While some feel the gameplay variety is limited, it remains a fun and engaging arcade experience, especially when considering its nostalgic homage to classic games.
“Simple, yet brilliant mechanic with a pleasantly surprising level of depth and strategy without overcomplicating the core arcade style experience.”
“The chaining mechanic adds a nice layer of risk-reward, as you've got to choose whether to cash in your chains early, thus clearing some enemies off the screen, or build your chain longer, leaving more enemies and projectiles on the screen.”
“-$5 is asking a bit much given the limited gameplay variety, but for sure pick it up on sale if you can and you'll get at least an hour or two of fun out of it.”
“I like that as an end-of-stage upgrade, and while you can tweak your energy usage/recharge, your speed/health and your beam range/stun all within the robot shop, there is a mechanic in place for beam width as an upgrade potential at the end of each stage, but nothing there to tweak for it in the robot shop.”
“Very original mechanics and dynamic side-progression to let you hone in to the best setup suiting your play style.”
- music10 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highlighted as an epic chiptune soundtrack that evokes nostalgia, enhancing the overall experience with its engaging and melodious qualities. While some reviewers note that the graphics and sound are secondary to gameplay, they still appreciate the soulful and exciting retro music that complements the fun mechanics.
“Epic chiptune soundtrack evoking nostalgia!”
“Simple but engaging idea for gameplay, cute graphics, and a melodious soundtrack.”
“The retro music is really super exciting.”
“I won't even bother to comment on the graphics and sound/music as they're irrelevant to the gameplay, but they are nicely done and are soulful.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are described as cute and engaging, featuring a slick visual style with clean, colorful 2D elements set against a low-poly 3D background. While some players feel the graphics are secondary to gameplay, they are generally considered well-executed and appealing, particularly for those who appreciate this artistic style. Overall, the visuals contribute positively to the game's charm and atmosphere.
“The game has got a really slick visual style, with clean and colorful 2D graphics overlaid in front of a low-poly 3D backdrop.”
“Simple but engaging idea for gameplay, cute graphics and melodious soundtrack.”
“I won't even bother to comment on the graphics and sound/music as they're irrelevant to the gameplay but they are nicely done and are soulful.”
“The graphics are outdated and lack detail, making the game feel less immersive.”
“The character models look flat and lifeless, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“The environments are bland and repetitive, failing to capture any sense of wonder.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly during the starting levels, which can lead to early mistakes. Many express that grinding on easy mode can become monotonous, often missing out on more enjoyable experiences available at normal difficulty.
“Disliked: starting levels can get tedious, causing some early mistakes in what would be perfect play.”
“When bored: grinding at easy mode, unknowingly there are more fun modes if played at normal difficulty.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story is criticized for lacking depth, featuring meaningless characters and no significant narrative arc, which detracts from the overall experience. Players find themselves struggling with nonsensical mechanics rather than engaging with a compelling plot.
“You get to love meaningless characters without an actual story arc, and even the nonsensical psychomotor skills you need to develop in order to endure.”
