Ghost Master is a strategy-puzzle game where you build and command a team of nearly 50 unique ghosts to scare humans out of locations like hospitals and police stations. The core loop involves using spectral powers to generate "plasm" energy, balancing scares so mortals flee but don't leave too soon. Featuring fully 3D environments and a distinct AI engine simulating realistic human behavior reacting to your horrors, the game blends strategy with dark humor. Originally released in 2003, it is available on PC, Mac, PS2, and Xbox.
The central mechanic revolves around assembling and managing a team of supernatural entities. Players do not control a single character but rather cultivate an entire roster of around 50 distinct ghosts. Each entity possesses its own unique personality, specific strengths, and inherent weaknesses, influencing how they can interact with the environment and the mortals within it.
As the game progresses, these spectral team members develop and grow, unlocking new capabilities. These powers range from subtle environmental manipulation, such as causing walls to drip blood, to more direct actions like cutting the power supply to a room.
The primary gameplay loop involves executing scares to increase a resource known as "plasm." Plasm is the energy required to initiate further paranormal activity. A delicate balance must be maintained: successfully scaring mortals generates the necessary energy, but scaring them excessively can cause them to flee the location entirely, thereby ending the scenario prematurely and complicating the player's objective.
The game utilizes a distinct AI engine designed to simulate natural human behavior. Mortals within the environments behave autonomously, engaging in everyday activities like cooking or arguing. This realism is contrasted sharply by the introduction of the player's controlled horrors. Upon encountering these spectral manifestations, the mortals react dynamically—becoming irrational, fearful, or even driven to insanity. While horror is a central theme, the experience is also infused with elements of dark humor.
This main game release does not feature any downloadable content (DLC) or official expansions. It has seen one remake since its original launch.
Players can experience this title on legacy consoles including the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, as well as on PC via Microsoft Windows and Mac operating systems.

Ghost Master: Complete Edition aims to add back all the cut content from the game, including ghosts and levels.

Command an army of specters, unleash terror on the town of Gravenville, and solve puzzles to unlock mysteries in this strategic adventure game of resource management and supernatural mayhem.