Grabbed by the Ghoulies

TotalGames.net

This is one of those infamous games that you'll pick up long after completion just for the fun of it.

Loaded Inc

The game took me back to the days when gameplay was solid. This is definitely a title that will be replayed over and over as the years pass.

Game Chronicles

Despite the excellent presentation, Grabbed by the Ghoulies really didn’t have much of a story or a linear progression. It was more like a series of ongoing monster-bashing challenges – even the ending was rather anti-climatic.

ActionTrip

Its level design, easy to learn combat system, humor and challenges posed by the icons that show up in each room make you want to play just one more room that will keep you up way too late. That, my friends, is the true mark of a fun game.

Play Magazine

A smorgasbord of visual bliss, superb animation and a level of arcade-style design that channels the spirit and fun of Smash TV, bringing that stickiness into the modern era - and what could be cooler than that? [Dec 2003, p.82]

Official Xbox Magazine

Although it's worth the 5-10 hours of your time that it will take to complete the main game, we honestly expected a little more. [Dec 2003, p.80]

Eurogamer

One of the most refreshing, fun and downright brilliant games I've played this year.

Cincinnati Enquirer

While the cartoon like graphics are cute, they hardly take advantage of the Xbox's power. Many of the enemies and objects in the rooms lack detail. This noticeable shortcoming shouldn't detract much from the fun - and often frantic - game play.

GamePro

The gameplay is diverse, and it’s backed by strong graphics and audio...The main downside is with the nontraditional controls.

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

The controls are a bit loopy, but the sheer fun you'll have solving the ghoulish mysteries forgive everything else. [Xbox Gamer]

Gamezilla!

The game explores some good new gameplay techniques, like fighting with the right analog stick. Even with the innovations, there is still enough holding the game back from greatness.

Next Level Gaming

The simplistic gameplay and controls make it easy to pick the game up and play without frustration. Because the gameplay is so simplistic, Grabbed by the Ghoulies risks growing old quickly on some people.

GameZone

The dual control stick gameplay is an interesting twist on traditional methods of control, but after the novelty wears off so too will your patience for its overly simplistic nature.

Weekly Famitsu

8 / 7 / 8 / 8 - 31 silver [Vol 803; 7 May 2004]

TeamXbox

The linear gameplay, camera system and shortness of the game make this not a title for everyone, but it still warrants a glance just to witness the goodness that is Rare.

GamingTrend

A fun game (at least for a while). Its downfall is that even if the average gamer can get past the controls, they're going to get turned off before finishing the game due to its repetitive gameplay.

Deeko

First of all, the overall length of the game is quite low and the fact that you can’t really die doesn’t help in this respect. Secondly, the action within the game is unbelievably redundant.

Cinescape

While a pretty easy game even with shocks and grim reaper, is a pretty fun ride.

Game Over Online

The game has a great look and feel to it, but the gameplay, while fast-paced, borders on being shallow.

IGN

Simply put, the game is very repetitive, and there aren't any landmark moments or climaxes to diversify the gameplay in any significant matter. And then there's the end of the game - which I'll remain mum on -- which really feels like a tacked-on segment, and is just plain silly.

Cheat Code Central

The game is relatively easy to play but due more in part to the excellent control layout than the gameplay design.

Firing Squad

Even though the gameplay found in Grabbed by the Ghoulies borders on being shallow, it makes up for it with its inspired presentation.

Gaming Age

The levels and design, while brilliant, are hampered by repeating the same tasks over and over and over again. It’s a beat’em up through and through, but with more flavor and creativity than most.

GameSpot

It's a haunted mansion romp that looks and sounds really impressive, but it's ultimately marred by repetitive, overly simple punch-and-kick gameplay that's compounded by the game's lack of length.

1UP

The problem is, there just isn't that much game there, and you'll either grow sick of it in short order or finish it in even shorter order.

NTSC-uk

The game oozes style out of every orifice; the problem lies with the repetitive nature of the game. It’s not something you can play for great lengths at a time, though these short periods can indeed be fun.

Gamer's Pulse

It might be worth a rent if you are really bored and have nothing but an Xbox and a weekend alone. I would suggest taking up reading or writing or some other monotonous hobby than to waste your time on this game.

Armchair Empire

Had the potential to be so much more, but the control problems, the pacing, inconsistent health bar, and lack of any multiplayer options, make it merely a novelty as Rare’s first Xbox title.

games(TM)

Everything is so vibrant and colourful that no matter how frustrating or repetitive it all becomes, you simply won't be able to put that pad down. [Christmas 2003, p.117]

Yahoo! Games

It's a fun diversion with big, bold graphics, but somewhat repetitive and predictable gameplay.

G4 TV

The game is simple and sweet, is easy to pick up and play, and should entertain most gamers. However, there isn't much to it, and it's rather short, even though it offers a number of extra unlockable challenges.

Total Video Games

At the end of the day Grabbed by the Ghoulies is a fun romp whilst it lasts, but unfortunately the sheer amount of repetition and lack of depth will make even the most avid Rare fan begin to question their motives.

Edge Magazine

Overall the greatest disappointments is the lack of any sense of exploration or accoplishment. And although the mansion is packed with wonders, there's no feeling of discovery since the game manoeuvres you neatly from one room to the next. It adds up to a world in which you never feel truly connected. [Christmas 2003, p.111]

GMR Magazine

It's just that there's not much game here. [Jan 2004, p.68]

GameSpy

What could have been a shining example of spooky fun ends up being Microsoft's answer to Nintendo's "Luigi's Mansion"; like that game it takes a well-tested team and results in a short but attractive and spookily cute game with strange play mechanics that never quite works right.

Game Revolution

Simple and quirky, but ultimately too short and repetitive to really break out.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Gameplaywise, this is a disaster. [Jan 2004, p.154]

Game Informer

One of the stupidest, most disappointing games of all time. [Dec 2003, p.175]

eToychest

The 4½ hours I spent on Ghoulies (yes, I played through the entire game), I’m starting to wonder if the Rare I truly loved is gone for good.

Xbox Nation Magazine

Ghoulies goes whole hog on its graphics and half-asses everything else. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.90]

Xbox Evolved

The sick part about Grabbed by the Ghoulies is the marketing, oft marketed as “From the Creators of Banjo Kazooie and Donkey Kong Country”, and Rare has proved before you can make tons of great games without a few duds along the way.

GameNow

A boring, repetitive snoozefest that can't decide if it's for kids or adults. [Jan 2004, p.64]