While almost completely free of urban convenience and amenities, the untamed paradise of my last week’s vacation wouldn’t have been complete without the relic of public recreation known as the video arcade. I think the town must have realized, when it contracted the beach-side lot (or whatever it is that towns do) to Subway and the adjacent funhouse, that they could use the type of establishment that so few developed areas have anymore to draw even more people out there. They certainly picked the good games you don’t find elsewhere–one of which is Ghost Squad.

Playing Ghost Squad in the arcade jogged fond memories of the Wii version. At under $30, Ghost Squad Wii can be yours to own (and beat) on the cheap compared to any bastard coin-sucker. It’s not an exact replica–the Wiimote doesn’t have that ratta-tat-tat that arcade assault rifles do so well (nor any rumble at all, really, as you’re likely expected to use a gun attachment), and the visuals are less lustrous high-res and more budget-title. But the content remains the same, with a made-up military squad out to thwart those durn terrorists in one of several missions. Choice branches split and re-split the route through each level, and lead you to pleasantly varied mission objectives that you don’t typically encounter in a light-gun game. For example, at one juncture, you might opt to save the hostages, smoke the place out with grenades, or just burst in with barrels blazing. Your choice brings new controls (like mashing to release handcuffs) and new rules (like don’t shoot the hostages, duh) into play, so you have to be thinking on your feet. Plus, for the Wii version, the designers have concocted some of the most laughable costumes imaginable–a must-see.

Posted on August 20th, 2008 by katie