# Ghostbusters: The Board Game

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2015
- **BGG Rating**: 6.4
- **BGG Rank**: #5254
- **Players**: 1-4 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 30-120 min
- **Weight**: 2.26 / 5
- **Designers**: Adam Sblendorio, Mataio Wilson, Matt Hyra
- **Artists**: Dan Schoening, Robb Mommaerts, Samuel H. Greenwell
- **Publishers**: Cryptozoic Entertainment, Cosmic Games, Don't Panic Games
- **Categories**: Fantasy, Movies / TV / Radio theme
- **Mechanics**: Cooperative Game, Dice Rolling, Grid Movement

## Verdict
Ghostbusters fans and anyone who enjoys a cooperative game with miniatures will love it! It's your chance to relive the nostalgia and save the day with your friends.Amazing, detailed miniaturesImmersive Ghostbusters themeEngaging cooperative gameplayVaried, replayable scenariosFun character progressionHigh language dependencyCan feel repetitive for somePrice point might be highFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
If you've ever found yourself troubled by strange noises at night or felt that chill in the basement, 'Ghostbusters: The Board Game' is your chance to call the professionals! This is an episodic adventure game for 1 to 4 players, where the mission is clear: bust ghosts and seal gates to the Spirit World. You choose one of the legendary Ghostbusters – Peter Venkman, Egon Spengler, Winston Zeddemore, or Ray Stantz – each with their unique abilities that are crucial for teamwork. The gameplay is highly cooperative, so unity is strength against supernatural threats. Game sessions range from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the chosen scenario and difficulty. As the Ghostbusters gain experience from banishing spirits, they level up, unlocking new abilities to tackle even greater challenges. And to move quickly through the city, the Ecto-1 is always at your disposal! The game comes packed with over forty detailed plastic miniatures, including the heroes, Slimer, the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, and a host of sinister ghosts. The double-sided modular board ensures that each game is unique, greatly increasing replayability and scenario customization. Get ready for plenty of action and laughs as you save the city from a paranormal infestation!

## How to Play
Game Objective
In Ghostbusters: The Board Game, players take on the roles of the Ghostbusters in an apocalyptic New York. The goal is to work together as a team to capture ghosts, seal portals to the Spirit World, and unlock new abilities. The game is cooperative, meaning everyone wins or loses together. Victory is achieved by completing the specific conditions of each scenario, such as closing all portals or capturing a boss ghost.

Setup
To set up the game, follow these steps:

  Assemble the board using the game tiles as indicated on the scenario card.
  Place the Psychokinetic Energy (PKE) Meter near the board.
  Position the Ecto-1 miniature in the starting zone indicated on the scenario.
  Each player chooses a Ghostbuster and receives the corresponding miniature, the character card, five proton beam tokens, an experience marker (XP), and a proton die.
  Place the slime tokens, the movement die, and the event die next to the board.
  Determine who will be the first player and proceed clockwise.


Game Flow
The game is divided into rounds, where each player takes their turn. The sequence of a round is:

  Each Ghostbuster takes their turn, spending their actions.
  Resolve any end-of-round effects.
  Roll the event die to determine random events, such as the emergence of new ghosts.


Actions and How to Play
Each Ghostbuster has two actions per turn (three if they are level 3 or higher). The available actions are:

  Move: Move 1 or 2 spaces, respecting terrain restrictions.
  Drive: Move the Ecto-1 up to 6 spaces, without diagonal movement.
  Deposit captured ghosts: Send captured ghosts back to the Spirit World.
  Remove slime: Remove a slime token from an adjacent Ghostbuster.
  Combat: Fire a proton beam at a ghost or portal.

In addition to actions, players can perform maneuvers, such as transferring captured ghosts or entering/exiting the Ecto-1.

End of Game and Scoring
The game ends when the victory or defeat conditions of the scenario are met. Victory usually involves closing all portals or capturing a boss ghost. Defeat occurs if there are no ghosts in the Spirit World when one needs to emerge. Experience points (XP) are earned by capturing ghosts or closing portals, and each Ghostbuster gains 1 XP for each proton beam they have on target.

Tips for Winning

  Work as a team to remove slime from teammates, as this restores lost actions.
  Focus on closing portals quickly to prevent more ghosts from entering the map.
  Use the Ecto-1 strategically to move quickly across the map and deposit captured ghosts.

## FAQ
### How many players can participate and what is the average game duration?
The game accommodates 1 to 4 players. The duration is quite flexible, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the scenario you choose and the difficulty level.

### Is the game too complex for board game beginners?
It has a medium weight (2.26/5 on BGG), which means it's not the simplest, but also not overwhelmingly difficult. The rules are accessible, and the cooperative gameplay is very helpful for newcomers.

### Do I need to know the Ghostbusters franchise to enjoy the game?
It's not mandatory, but it certainly helps! The experience is much more immersive and fun for those who are already fans of the movies and characters, as the game captures the essence of the franchise well.

### What are the main components that come in the box?
Get ready for a packed box! It comes with over forty detailed plastic miniatures, including the four Ghostbusters and several iconic ghosts, plus modular board pieces and scenario cards.

### Does the game have good replayability?
Yes, plenty! The board is modular and double-sided, allowing for different layouts in each game. Additionally, the various pre-written scenarios and character progression ensure that each session feels unique.

### Does it work well as a solo game?
Yes, it offers an interesting solo experience! Since it's a cooperative game, you can control multiple Ghostbusters to face the challenges and seal the portals by yourself.

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