Meikyuu Hunter G (Japan)

Data East's Meikyuu Hunter G, released in Japan in 1987, puts two players in control of characters reminiscent of the Ghostbusters franchise. As Ray, Egon, and Winston—though not officially branded as such—players navigate labyrinthine environments filled with ghostly apparitions while wielding weaponry to clear a path forward. The gameplay combines elements of both shooter action and walking sequences, requiring precise movement and strategic targeting to survive the spectral threats that inhabit these winding passages. This cooperative experience allows two players to work together, each controlling a distinct character as they confront the ghosts plaguing Manhattan. Utilizing an 8-way joystick and two buttons for firing, players must carefully manage their resources and coordinate attacks to overcome increasingly challenging encounters within the game’s maze-like levels. The game's soundtrack was also released on a limited edition album in 1988. Originally known as Labyrinth Hunter G in Japan, the title would later be recognized internationally as "The Real Ghostbusters." Though originally published by Data East Corporation, the game features distinct gameplay elements that set it apart from other titles of its era and genre.