Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed Release Date, Trailer, And Gameplay - What We Know So Far

1984 classic "Ghostbusters" follows three scientists — Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, and Egon Spengler — who have been unceremoniously fired from Columbia University after coming into contact with the paranormal for the first time. This inspires them to create their own business in which they capture ghosts who terrorize New York. The success of the film spawned a huge media franchise with several sequels, a reboot, and even a few video games, including upcoming "Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed."

Like "Ghostbusters" games of the past — such as 2009's "Ghostbusters: The Video Game" — "Spirits Unleashed" puts players in the shoes of ghost hunters responsible for safely capturing and storing otherworldly apparitions. This offering from IllFonic breaks away from the trappings of previous installments by also allowing players to control ghosts and spread as much terror as they can conjure. Here's everything we know so far about the latest addition to the "Ghostbusters" franchise.

When "Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed" was officially announced back in March 2022, no release date was given. Instead, it received the rather broad designation of being launched at some point during Q4 2022. After months of silence, it seems the asymmetrical action-adventure game has finally been narrowed down to a specific release day. According to IllFonic CEO Charles Brungardt, "Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed" will hit storefronts on October 18, 2022 (per IGN).

"Spirits Unleashed" will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via the Epic Games Store. As of right now, the game will not release for the Nintendo Switch, and there are no plans for a port to the hybrid console. Pre-orders for "Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed" are now live through Amazon. A Collector's Edition is also on offer. "Preordering digitally will grant players advance access to Slimer, a custom Particle Thrower and Proton Pack, and special clothing colourways," shared IGN.

Alongside of the game's official announcement, "Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleased" received a reveal trailer on March 22. Narration of the trailer is provided by Ernie Hudson, reprising his role as Winston Zeddemore from the films. Dan Aykroyd also makes an appearance as Raymond "Ray" Stantz. Two of the original four Ghostbusters aren't the only familiar faces to take note of. Slimer — a ghost caught in the first "Ghostbusters" movie — shows up. A similar purple enemy is also highlighted.

Overall, the trailer features all the traditional "Ghostbusters" imagery that fans can hope for, as well as a plethora of foes that are new to the franchise. In this universe, it seems that Winston is in charge of training and recruiting new Ghostbusters, while Ray has dedicated himself to teaching others about the paranormal through his bookshop, Ray's Occult Books.

As with some of the mainstream titles it has released in the past — "Friday the 13th: The Game" and "Predator: Hunting Grounds" — IllFonic has given "Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed" the asymmetrical multiplayer game treatment. A team of up to four co-operative Ghostbusters will be responsible for tracking down and capturing a single ghost using the Ghost Trap, Particle Thrower, and the various tools at their disposal. The player in the role of the ghost, on the other hand, will cause as much chaos as possible while avoiding capture. 

In between matches, players on both teams will have the opportunity to upgrade their gear and/or abilities to either make themselves more efficient ghost catchers or the ghost from your worst nightmares. Though the title will offer a single-player option, the main focus in "Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed" will be its multiplayer component. It will also allow for cross-platform play.