The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) has been a beloved gaming console for decades, with a vast library of iconic games that have stood the test of time. One such game that is sure to bring back nostalgic memories for many gamers is the Japanese release of Ghostbusters II, which was later released in North America as part of the NES's final push before its discontinuation.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Game Boy release of Ghostbusters II, including its unique features and differences from the original arcade game. We'll also provide information on the age rating for this game, making it accessible to gamers of all ages.

Ghostbusters II: The Game Boy Version

Released in 1989, Ghostbusters II was developed by a team at Irem, a renowned Japanese video game developer known for their work on numerous iconic arcade titles. This game was specifically designed for the Game Boy handheld console, and it's interesting to note that it shares many similarities with the original arcade version.

The gameplay follows the same basic premise as the first Ghostbusters game: players control one of four Ghostbusters (Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, Egon Spengler, or Winston Zeddemore) as they battle against various ghosts and otherworldly entities. The twist in this game is that it features a more unique capture system than its predecessor.

In addition to the regular ghost capture mode, players can now use the 'Capture' power-ups, which give them enhanced abilities such as the ability to trap smaller ghosts or increase their score multiplier when catching a ghost. Players also need to protect Dr. Peter Venkman and other allies from hostile creatures and other enemies.

This version of Ghostbusters II was released in Japan on March 23rd, 1990, but it never came to Western shores until many years later.

Age Rating

Ghostbusters II is suitable for players of all ages. According to the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), this game has been rated "Everyone". The ESRB states that the content is: "Fun action-adventure." No violence was found in it, but some may find it too scary for younger gamers.

In contrast, other age rating bodies around the world provide different recommendations. For example, the European Age Classification (EAC) rates this game as a PEGI 3+, which translates to suitable for all ages and is generally recommended by most parents.

ESRB vs ESRB Canada vs PEGI: An international perspective

This has resulted in differing age ratings across borders when it comes to Ghostbusters II. This difference highlights the importance of considering regional rating systems, especially for older video game players who may have different standards than younger audiences. PEGI 3+ is generally considered to be suitable for everyone aged 3 and above.

EAC ratings are given at 3 stars and 5 stars, meaning they should be suitable for most children aged five or more.