How Do the Ghostbusters Classify Ghosts?

Ever wonder how the Ghostbusters classify their spooky spirits? Join as we take a detailed look across all medias to discover how these spirits are ranked. From movies, novelizations, roleplaying games, comic books, to video games, we explore how a passing line in the original movie inspired a whole classification system.
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Written and Edited by Devin Dion
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[@ChannelingSpirits]

Want your own pocket version of Tobin's Spirt Guide? Check out our Ghostbusters Operations Manual & Field Guide at: www.etsy.com/listing/1256937994/ghostbusters-operation-manual-field

[@LPTV84]

The most interesting thing about the classification system is that it isn't exactly a POWER LEVEL based system. Sure, six's and seven's are heavy hitters, but not so much in their existence alone is powerful, but where that power is conjured from and their behaviors and their state of existence. Thanks for the videos on the Ghostbusters! This is my favorite.

[@Novasky2007]

Exactly its more like the richter scale, it denoted Magnitude. 1 is half as in our world as a two and a 4 is twice that through, anything above a 5 starts to change reality and a 10 and above is beyond comprehension of mortal minds.

[@ThePathStrider]

I always figured the Class system was a logarithmic scale of psychokinetic energy. While you could class any spectre by simple observation, a P.K.E Meter would give a more accurate assessment.

[@chrismc410]

@@Novasky2007 it was my understanding that their class scale went from 1-7. Obviously the mists, formless vapors and some dispersible entities are on the lower end and entities like Gozer(Stay Puft included), Samhain, Boogeyman, Sandman, Grundel, Shandor and Terror Dogs are obviously on the higher end power wise. Entities like Slimer, non-humanoid forms, demons, Sloars major henchmen/henchwomen like Zuul and Vinz Clortho in human form are in the middle to medium-high range power-wise. Powerful in their own right but nowhere near as powerful than the entities in the preceding paragraph Humanoid forms like the Gray Lady, the Fisherman, Opera Singer, Vigo, the Scoleri Brothers, the Dream Ghost are unique. Under their own power, they aren't that powerful, even those that if not for their aura and various degrees of lack of opaqueness, and lack of life signs, they would be nearly indistinguishable However, with an external power source, the black slime, pink slime, or high enough levels of raw PKE or a solid anchor for one's echo to name a few, they can get almost or on par with entities Class 6 or 7

[@Seriona1]

Right, for the video game as example. Gozer's Earth Form, Stay Puff man is seen as the strongest ghost in their system but if you pay attention to some of the other ghost, the smaller ones in a lot of ways are more powerful than Stay Puff. In fact, Stay Puff when you see him really isn't that strong. The most damage it did was destroy a church roof.

[@xXLunatikxXlul]

@@Seriona1😂

[@eternalmiasma5586]

I only need 3 types: Safe, Euclid and Keter

[@thehumerus]

Lol, nice SCP Foundation reference 👍

[@andreassmed2255]

There ARE more than that though...

[@berbtheherb]

SCP is gay as hell and is just badly written

[@Novasky2007]

Wouldn't you love it tho if Peck started a rival government SCP style organization to make the ghostbusters redundant.

[@andreassmed2255]

@@berbtheherbI suppose the SCP and your comment has something in common then :)

[@superandroid23]

I always felt Ray just made that up after catching slimer just to sound impressive.

[@vashman01]

I just wanted to mention that Lorenzo Music voiced both Garfield and Peter Venkman in the animated versions while Bill Murray played/voiced both Garfield and Peter Venkman in the live action versions.

[@DarkEagle-vx9hd]

Quite a connection!

[@shanevinzant6935]

Cinemassicre mentioned that too

[@RandomYouTubedotcom]

He sounded like Fred from scooby doo to me

[@TubeScrewed]

I always liked the Titanic scene. It's very brief, but, it almost looks like, it's missing the back of the ship, since it split in 2. Or it might just be wishful thinking.

[@piergrace0127]

Yes that definitely is one of my favorite scenes from the film as well 😁

[@BarberShave19]

With the new Ghostbusters 3 coming out, along with the upcoming remaster of the game, they might as well re-release the novels to go along with them.

[@xXLunatikxXlul]

A man can dream

[@MrChupacabra555]

In other words, the various writers didn't really care what they were coming up with, as long as it sounded like something Egon would say ^_^ In the animated series, didn't they face Cthulhu him (Its)-self once? If anything would be a Class 10+, it would be that Great Old One (and I always felt that Zuul and Gozer were shout outs to the Lovecraftian Mythos anyway ^_^)

[@NihilusShadow]

Cthulhu was unclassifiable. Possibly one of the most powerful entities ever encountered. Egon said Cthulhu "makes Gozer look like Little Mary Sunshine".

[@xXLunatikxXlul]

Cthulhu was definitely the most powerful, as the Ghostbusters didn’t *actually* defeat him, they only slowed down his *eventual* re-awakening by putting him back to sleep 😅

[@RedwoodTheElf]

That was your plan? "Get her!!!"

[@Novasky2007]

Depends if your going by the abridged Tobin's or the Spenglar expanded edition of the spirit guide classification system or the Spectral Tomes like the Who's who. But the classes denote the level of incursion into our dimension from the spirit world so really its a measure of interdimensional range. 1. barely an odour 10. human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria! Anchored - freeroaming - Non specific, Torso, fully formed, are all descriptors of the subclass defined by observed behavior and spectral appearance.

[@1701spacecadet]

Ah but what about Speight's Catalogue?

[@Novasky2007]

Ray's Occult bookshop has a copy of Spate's nameless horrors - but its 80% sensationalism and only 20% Eldritch knowledge. Fine for roleplay games and rookies XD

[@XXthekingofyouXX]

That eye stealing ghost in the cartoon was pretty scary for a kids show.

[@sonicmario64]

That would be The Sandman, according to my copy of Tobin's Spirit Guide. ;)

[@DracherRu]

its actually a pretty easy system... its not a power system, but rather a classification by association of unifying aspects... and just because a creature is of a high rank, doesn´t mean its absolutely overpowered... vice versa, doesn´t mean that a low rank equal a weak specimen... either that, or the rank is only a rough estimate of the combined energy a ghost has, but the abillitys of a ghost doesn´t necessarryly have to match its rank... for example, lets say, that something like slimer would suddenly gain a MASSIVE boost in PKE, he could rank up, without changeing what he is... like, a level 100 magicarp is still weak, or a legendary like a mega rayquaza could still be powerfull at lower levels with the right attacks... that is my theory... so, either just classifications which doesn´t have to do with a powerlevel or has HUGE fluctuations within that powerlevel, or a pure power level system that has nothing to do with the types of ghost... and most inconsistancys, seem to come from mixing real ghost busters and extreme ghostbusters... while both have the same ghostbusters present, who says that its not an alternative world OR that they use an updated, more precise classification that completely negates any previous system?

[@Stathio]

You're on to something there- The Real Ghostbusters and Extreme Ghostbusters are their own universe - there's an episode of RGB which explains that the live action Ghostbusters films are fictional movie interpretations of actual events in their animated universe (Peter even comments that Bill Murray looks nothing like him, explaining their visual differences-they're just actors playing them). AND -in (I think the first episode?) of Extreme Ghostbusters, it's explained that the reason they need to use new equipment is because the ghosts being manifested at that time are significantly stronger than the RGB era. So, a difference in classifications makes a lot of sense; what was previously a class V (in terms of levels of PKE) might be a class VII now, by the new standards? Not that it's now deity level, but that the whole framework has moved up a few numbers due to increased levels of PKE from the ghosts across the board.

[@lizzyobrien2376]

@@StathioThis makes a ton more sense than the video game’s way of doing the classification system. It also gives more clarification as to why they labelled things the way they did, “…a Class V full-torso apparition”, going with the class of ghost (how much PKE it has) with the type of ghost that it is.

[@crlcan8121]

Why not ask the guy who actually inspired all this lore, Dan Aykroyd's great grandfather? Because that's where Aykroyd got a lot of this, his great grandfather was actually a mystic who corresponded with Arther Conan Doyle.

[@Dargonhuman]

Not only that, but several of the reference books consulted by the characters in the movies like Tobin's Spirit Guide are real books written by actual paranormal researchers.

[@hewgrebe4771]

crlcan81 never knew that about the relative of Aykroyd. Great information. Thanks.

[@gocpng4699]

Wow

[@ImperialSportsMedia]

If it's Akroyd's Great Grandfather odds are he's not around to ask.

[@xXLunatikxXlul]

He is likely no longer around, sadly ❤ may he RIP

[@saintakins187]

I still want more information on the Scoleri Brothers from Ghostbusters 2, there is different types of murder. You can't just introduce the Scoleri Brothers by saying "I tried them from murder gave them the chair!" I'm over here like "And? Details they are important."

[@raydonahue1978]

Pre meditated, self defense...

[@saintakins187]

@FANG First-degree, second-degree, third-degree murder. First-degree murder is premeditated crime. In most states, first-degree murder is defined as an unlawful killing that is both willful and premeditated, meaning that it was committed after planning or "lying in wait" for the victim. For example, Dan comes home to find his wife in bed with Victor. Second-degree murder is non-premeditated killing, resulting from an assault in which death of the victim was a distinct possibility. Second degree murder is different from first degree murder, which is a premeditated, intentional killing or results from a vicious crime such as arson, rape or armed robbery. Third degree murder can be defined as homicide committed with the intention of causing bodily harm, but not necessarily death. It can be a killing that results from indifference or negligence or recklessness. ... In California murders are classified into two- first degree and second degree.

[@hewgrebe4771]

Saint Akins yeah. I can see the two brothers pop up in the electric chairs as they buzz around the courtroom while the guys are being tried in the courtroom. Yes, we needed a little better backstory on these two men.

[@saintakins187]

@@hewgrebe4771 Even the Ghostbusters 2017 Annual comic doesn't really help give us more information on the Scoleri Brothers, just mentions that they have a mom name Mama Scoleri who is the brains behind their criminal activity. Which has us asking the same question? Details they are important. For all we now & this is a theory of mines, Ghostbusters/Ghostbusters 2 could probably take place in the same universe as the Godfather films just set in a different time of New York City. We don't really know, cause of the lack of character information & backstory. That would be like DC Comics introducing Bruce Wayne Batman without explaining how Bruce Wayne became Batman, you see my point?

[@Leoluvesadmira]

@@saintakins187 if dan knew about the affair came home early and clear planning makes it Murder 1 but if cMe home early one day and murder victor it is murder 2 because there was no planning but we know brothers were on trial for murder and were given the chair they were on a murder one charge unless the murder happen during the comission of another crime (felony murder rule idk if new york has one or if it was passed at the time).

[@Bluemayje]

I'd be interested to know where C'thulhu ranks in the classification system since the Ghostbusters have fought him before. That opens up an entire dimension of new classifications because it means the Lovecraft universe exists within the Ghostbusters universe and C'thulhu is actually a minor deity compared to Outer Gods like Nyarlathotep.

[@factfiend1000]

Egon said that Cthulhu makes Gozer look like little Mary sunshine. He is also listed as unclassifiable in Tobin's Spirit Guide.

[@xXLunatikxXlul]

They fought and only had a half-victory, C’thulhu will eventually wake up again, after a hundred years or so - till then, the Ghostbusters don’t care lol

[@happyhammer1]

Wasn't Cathulhu the most powerful entity the Ghostbusters faced in the animated series?

[@happyhammer1]

@@azuredream23 but in the episode Egon says Cathulu was so powerful he was off the scale and I quote, "He makes Gozer look like little may sunshine." I don't know who little Mary sunshine is, but given the name I have to assume she is a little girl.

[@acs197]

I need that book and a copy of Tobin's Spirit guide.

[@ralphremo2406]

Get Tobin's abridged and/or Spengler's expanded spirit guides

[@durtymike4]

Just binged watched all the videos and they are very awesome, you should make one about all the different equipment Ghostbusters use

[@ChannelingSpirits]

Great suggestion! It's on list to do videos on the science behind how their equipment works. We will get to it!

[@GreaterGrievobeast55]

That real ghostbusters team needs to rework their ranking system it’s all over the place.

[@crlcan8121]

Maybe because they didn't expect the cartoon to last that long, or to have anyone that interested in what was basically the same as nearly every other 80s cartoon, a giant toy commercial.

[@GreaterGrievobeast55]

crlcan81 true, but still it really wouldn’t be hard to keep tabs on a few names of various classes with just some notes or something.

[@kashsmith6181]

@@crlcan8121 Yeah. Things like lore and power systems weren't quite the mainstream approach back then. The only big exception that I can think of was Star Trek and you were made fun of for watching it any more than casually. Even Dragon Ball wouldn't get its infamous power level introduced until much later.

[@NihilusShadow]

Cthulhu is unclassifiable.

[@clementmartinez121]

Class 13 takes eyes. The window of the soul.

[@xXLunatikxXlul]

😂

[@monkeypunch6284]

man... this channel is pure nostalgic fun haha

[@jamesonweimann4720]

Finish the scene egon “ I have an idea we cross the streams”

[@grubbooba19]

Jameson Weimann uhm Egon, you role me crossing the streams was BAD

[@Tasukihori]

This was such a great video! Thank you for explaining the ghost classification system in the Ghostbuster universe!

[@r0bw00d]

*world Not everything is a universe.

[@andreassmed2255]

*Universe... This is though...

[@r0bw00d]

I'm listening.

[@harrydbastard]

Just discovered this cool channel. Great work as a ghostbusters fan!

[@Pfletch83]

Go back to reddit Assout Dud she doesn't have the SLIGHTEST clue what she's saying. just reading shit off a script.

[@xBloodXGusherx]

Who names their baby Oscar? Idk but I laughed a long while on that. The way she said it was so serious haha!

[@MrKDawg29]

This video was great. I was actually wondering about this exact topic a while back and couldn't find any info. Glad I stumbled onto this. 👍👍👍

[@HAHAKERPLUNKNOISE]

I would say that the classes in the cartoons would be cannon to the cartoons and think that the classifications are consistent to the spirits of the cartoons My thoughts on this are that the different kinds of spirit have different classes and sub classes that’s why it’s shoddy at best

[@abc.animal5143]

I think that the different classes are just the different level of skills or experience the a ghost has at connecting with and haunting the living world.

[@MontaguStudios]

I remember reading the now defunct Extreme Ghostbusters website way back in the early 2000's that they listed 10 classes: Class X being Stay Puft. Despite the cartoon show mentioning Class XIII, the website didn't have it in the list. Whoever wrote that particular episode was probably high on something. Anyway, you can still see the EGB Class list via Wayback Machine but for the convenience, I have tweeted the URL to you. Hope it helps.

[@MichaelAarons1701]

In _Extreme Ghostbusters_ Slimer implied he was once alive in the episode: The Ghost Makers”. The _Real Ghostbusters_ episode: “Mrs. Roger’s Neighborhood” has *What* which broke the PKE meter as well as “The Collect Call of Cthulhu” whom Egon said made Gozer look like Little Mary Sunshine. Let’s also not forget both series featured foreign mythologies as real and had deities liken Surtr, Morpheus, and Samhain as well as the whole plot of “The Halloween Door” where the baddest of the ghosts left Earth alone provided Halloween be held.

[@rodddossantos1437]

LOVED the animated show growing up! It was so creepy and cool!!

[@fr.jeremiahpayne8378]

Your Ghostbusters and classic horror videos are just fantastic! Great job!!!

[@outcast83]

Awesome video! You guys are quickly becoming a must watch channel for me! Keep up the good work.

[@jamesonweimann4720]

When someone asks if you are a god you say yes

[@strawberriesapples]

Great video! And I always thought they consulted "Tobin's Spirit Guide" for their classification.

[@Dargonhuman]

Tobin's may have still formed a basis for their classification system, though; that book is something of an encyclopedia of paranormal entities. The Ghostbusters most likely collated and cross-referenced that information to form the basis of their classification system.

[@NorthshireGaming]

I always just figured when they caught Slimer, Ray was just technobabbeling his way into charging more money for the service. "This magnificent feast represents the last of the petty cash." Then when they're talking about billing, watch Egon's hands when he holds up four fingers, signaling to Venkman to charge $4000 for entrapment, then one finger to tell Venkman to charge $1000 for storage. Even Venkman himself responds glibly to Ray's nerding out on ghost technobabbel throughout the film. They really are just schlubby exterminators. Great video though, made for a fun watch.

[@LunaIsOnYoutube]

There is one simple awnser,Tobin’s spirit guide but that also awnser it

[@henrylivingstone2800]

I love how at 3:30 the floating sheets isn’t even a scene from ghostbusters, it’s from beetlegeuse! 😂😂😂

[@TheLumbeebrave1983]

The cartoon episode with the boogeyman scared the crap out of me as a kid. It still gives me the creeps.

[@FoxUnitNell]

I great way to account for the differences would be to link that category with its environment and the communities' ability to deal with such ghostly entity. With changes in traffic laws and other bylaws, ghosts could be ranked on danger within their experience so a similarly dangerous ghost could have a higher ranking because its effect on the community and their currect pysche.

[@emanuelbull]

What an amazing channel, I’m happy to find it

[@nickthepick8043]

This was an accuarate, and entertaining video. Congratz on your new subscriber!

[@koryandrews1665]

This was a great video, but was anyone else bothered by some of her pronunciations of some of these?

[@TankHammer]

Haha, yeah, especially when she calls Kylie "Kyle" (I assume someone else wrote the script). I'll go easy though, since this was pretty well researched and put proper focus on the TTRPG and video game, which have the most consistent classification standards along with the latest run of IDW comic books.

[@ghaleon128]

"PsychomagnoTHORIC" Literally 2 seconds later in the video: "Psychomagnotheric"

[@Sardo23]

Ditties, not deities.

[@koryandrews1665]

@@Sardo23 a ditty is a song lol

[@mikeyseviersspookshow5183]

@@koryandrews1665 Yeah, but she says, "Deeties". lol

[@OhFuckItsOlkv]

The inclusion of a fully realized Toban's Spirit Guide in GB:TVG was so rad.

[@bryan123483]

You guys deserve so many more subs!

[@MadMetalhead]

I love this! Having an in depth look at the lore and specifics of the Ghostbuster's Universe is awesome! I just wish you had more to go off of, but sadly it doesn't exist. Well maybe not till next year!!

[@9510dark]

Love the video. Just bought the: Tobin's Spirit Guide, Thanks to you.

[@DrTheda735]

Enjoyable... and have a great Hallowe'en !!

[@Nozverah2]

I wonder what classification "Spawn" from image comics would fall under? Does he count as a ghost? From what I understand he's constantly physically manifested & composed of Necroplasm which is basically psychoplasm but packed full of magical power & only made & directly from Hell.

[@siscobeast82]

That thumbnail messed with me for a minute! Wasn’t expecting that!

[@NotAGoodUsername360]

I do love the 7-point Class system for ghosts, as it's useful even outside of the Ghostbusters franchise for categorizing fictional ghosts as well. That said, there is a disappointing gap in the Classification system, where a location collects enough raw PK energy to form its own consciousness and manifest lower Classes of ghosts- that actually does seem to be its own category, similar to the River of Slime in Ghostbusters 2, but there are other equally qualifying entities in non-Ghostbusters ghost media, like Room 1408, Silent Hill, and Heavenly Host Elementary. These are so strong they seem to create or even exist on their own seperate dimensional planes, and some can even manifest Class 7 entities, so I think they would rightly deserve Class 8 status. Hell itself would probably classify as a Class 8, come to think of it.

[@hewgrebe4771]

Great video. Thanks. So informative.

[@_wheeler8601]

When in doubt, spout enough jargon and get payed

[@GetRekt-bw6pu]

*Paid

[@KombatGod]

Proud to be your 2000th like!

[@ambercase5751]

I love your videos!

[@themysteriousunknownrevealed]

it's that GOD DAMN DISNEY LOGO!!!

[@themysteriousunknownrevealed]

The Q5 tweaked The Real Ghostbusters, was so vastly different from the original season 1 and syndicated episodes, with the exception of Sam Hain and The Boogie Man, most of the established canon was thrown out. This included past events, storylines, and yes, the classifications of ghosts.

[@MisterWileyOne]

Humanity has the same class rating as a Twinkie. 😁

[@hewgrebe4771]

Gregory Jeung Ha. That was a great way of looking at this film.

[@energicko]

Right with you on the 10:20 classification. And there was also an animated episode that had the subway trains with graffiti on them come to life. "Don't open until Doomsday!" spirits + mass transit🚆

[@matthewdrummond1340]

Great video! Subscribed and rang the bell.

[@SkyraHope]

Great video!♥️👍

[@laverdadbuscador]

This is why we NEED to reboot the cartoon. Fill it in and take it more seriously

[@marcusblackwell2372]

5:07 that's some pretty advanced graphics for its time

[@Kalcean]

I would think that the inconsistencies could be explained by further expanding the classifications as being relevant to the type of manifestation they are and not simply a single system. It would make sense where hey have things with different classifications of the same level having vastly different ablities

[@TerryTurner]

Great Video 👍😎

[@kingpinogaming3366]

It's possible classes aren't about strength but like a species thing

[@Dargonhuman]

That makes a certain amount of sense; given the wide range and diversity of ghost types, abilities, appearances, etc. it would be exceedingly difficult to organize them into a more traditional taxonomic classification system, not to mention the fact that many paranormal entities can alter their appearance or whose appearance are amalgamations of completely different taxonomic strata, the Ghostbusters would need to invent a completely different taxonomic classification system that takes all of those factors into account.

[@Novasky2007]

It denotes the level of pke incursion event into our reality from the spectral plane. The higher the level the crazier the shit thats pouring thru.

[@WraithTDK]

You know, you guys sell posters in your store; but if you want to guarantee some sales? Make a poster of THIS. A class-chart with examples. I'd buy it in a second!

[@ronniesanders8546]

The only creature that was beyond or above the Classification System was that Dark Entity. In Ragnarok and Roll of Season 2 of the Real Ghostbusters. A single piece of paper with word Ragnarok on caused the PKE Meter to explode. No other spirit outside the Power Core Flow. Episode Knock Knock. Has ever done that. Not Gozer Vigo or even Samhain Boogieman or the Toy Ghost. It was so powerful that Jeremy or The Dark Entity couldn't be affected by their Particle Throwers. Without weaking it first. Making possibly the Strongest Entity they've face so far. 😆.

[@generalprincecodyhedgewolf2944]

oh i did recall that Egon Said ingame "New people Die everyday"

[@derekmason1881]

Major props to the RGB cartoon for not only expanding the GB universe, but also being the best written cartoon of the 80's and establishing how OP the Ghostbusters really are.

[@samhain8220]

Awesome video! You just got yourself another subscriber 🚫👻

[@quietdignityandgrace]

Glad I subscribed.

[@zionleach3001]

I've watched it a couple times. I just thought it was just a mesopotamian cosmic horror trying to end the world. Didn't know Shandor had such a big role in the series. Something I noticed about the 2016 movie before I heard how bad it really was. It seemed like just a comedy, not a horror-comedy like Evil Dead.

[@srami004]

With the Ghostbusters franchise breathing new life, wouldn't it be awesome for the new cast members to post KZbin videos discussing these topics?

[@electrofonickitty823]

Makes me wonder what Egon would think of a Weeping Angel on a ghost scale

[@CrimsonNineTail]

I think I understand the class system a little better now.

[@MrKevin486]

they look at a Ghost and then say: "Yep, thats definitley a ghost!"

[@justinriley3096]

That was 🤟🏻🤟🏻very Cool

[@mkproductions2.042]

Class 1- 13 at least I could not remember how high it went some people forget that minor detail.

[@ValenceFlux]

Didn't they use a sub-etheric multichannel differential analyzer? Or was it the phase lock interocitor? I'm not current on my technical jargon.

[@josephdolman]

What about the ghostly trio from Casper I consider aykroyd's cameo canon that they're part of the same universe what class would they fit.

[@ChannelingSpirits]

Probably a Class III though possibly Class IV's. They have distinct human form but how much of their former identity is present is hard to tell considering ghosts in that movie "forget" their human lives.

[@NihilusShadow]

Either a Class IV Noncorporeal or Class III Corporeal but semi-transparent.

[@Channel9001]

Casper is a class IV. He was a child who died. Capser refers to the Ghostly Trio as "his uncles", but it's unclear whether or not they were actually related to him in life, or if it's an (reciprocated) term of endearment. Either way, they are either Class III or Class IV

[@animegamesmoviesandotherst3037]

great video I always have classifications for the moves, and games as one, and the cartoon other. As it is the only way I see it can work. Because in the cartoon ghost stronger then Gozer appear. but in the movies Gozer in the strongest. or each class can be sub divided into more.

[@robertrowly6301]

Ghostbusters: stay puff is a class VII outsider avatar. Me: ummmm. Ghostbusters: so basically he is a big marshmallow. Me: ahhhhh that makes sense now.

[@BellowDGaming]

I think the movies, role playing game and videogame represents the classes better than the cartoons. The inconsistency of the cartoons really depends on the writer and ironic in the ending of the extreme ghostbusters it's probably the most powerful specter that they fought and needed to have multiple giant traps and proton cannons to defeat it while the eye ghost monster is a 13 that was defeated with just regular equipment tweaked to it's frequency.

[@jameslower8947]

Always wondered this

[@josedavidcatemac406]

Well basically: The writers have to come up with a random number or weird term that gets to sound funny and fits with it.

[@LordChristoff]

I was wondering who voices Ray since I recognised the voice (in the cartoon) then I remembered it's Fred from ScoobyDoo.

[@AlfieLarner18]

They probably scan them on the goggles ray wears in the slimer scene

[@KombatGod]

Bottom line, every media pretty much improvised whatever they wanted about the classification, including the novel randomly talking about a class-nine, and the cartoon show saying all sorts of crazy things.... only the role playing game was forced to make a consistent classification and then the video game followed it.

[@MeximidgeComedy]

I'd think a class 13 has the ability to make physical contact and/or hurt the living to where a class 7 like the Boogyman can only affect the mind.

[@smartersean]

Slimer can make physical contact...

[@SpockvsEgon]

Dang, I want to like the Real system better because I don't like the idea of Gozer being in the same class as its minions, but that lack of consistency is a killer.

[@austinkersey2445]

It's not about actual power. It's more about where, and what level of power sustains them. That's why Vinz Clortho and Zuul are in the same class as Gozer. They come from Gozer's power, and are the familiars of a God, therefore they come from the same place as a God. Ivo Shandor himself is ranked as a Class VII Transformed Mortal Remnant and when he is transformed into his ultimate form, a Deity (Supreme Being). And one of his henchman (the Chairman) was the most powerful of his servants in life, and as such, is the most powerful in death as a Class VII Ectopasmic Entity and has a sub-ranking as a Deity (Supreme Being). His other two are both high-ranking class VI's and both are Deities and both can manipulate reality, one that controls a portion of the Ghostworld, and another that is so powerful she warps the boundaries between the human and ghost worlds. Most of what rankings denote is how much consciousness and cognizance remains after death. That said, a spirit's power does tend to escalate depending on their class. Ivo Shandor (Class VII), Gozer (Class VII), and the Spider-Witch (Class VI) are all reality-warpers, and the Chairman (Class VII) is a master of soul-harvesting and of spirit absorption to bolster his own spiritual might. Class VI and VII entities are pretty much beyond what most people can even fathom. And to reiterate what the video already stated, spirits can ascend classes if they are able. Vigo the Carpathian being the best example. The guy went from a Class IV to a Class VII, which is a leap from the Scoleri Brothers to Gozer levels of manifestation and power. Post Scriptum: I apologize, I wrote this late and my comments can be done in a stream of consciousness.

[@rowanfitzy2882]

deserve way more subs

[@handsomebrick]

I remembered being very young and seeing an episode of Real Ghostbusters called My Left Fang having class 1 ghosts, but I looked it up and all I can find is someone saying "these are the weakest readings I've ever gotten," which is weird because I even recall some oddly specific details about it, as well as my own baffled reaction to such a low class specter. I guess I'm probably mistaken.

[@derekhill1543]

There are...CLASS THIRTEEN GHOSTS?!! sorry venkman but I'm gonna cross the streams now

[@tron3entertainment]

If it is sentient and lacks a pulse - it's a ghost.

[@obsidian179]

I liked the cartoon(s), but it was pretty clear that they never sat down and thought out a ranking system for the ghosts, the individual writers just made up something they thought sounded impressive while writing the scripts. And that’s fine - I mean, kids aren’t going to care (I know I didn’t at the time) - but it might be best to view them as their own separate continuity (with their own scale, *however* it works) and not bring them into this discussion.

[@ibbilalian4337]

You never mentioned what the Ghostbusters referred to as a Prime god.

[@crlcan8121]

You mean the stuff like Zuul?

[@Novasky2007]

I always wondered why the ancient cimmerian god looked so 80's XD

[@freeman2399]

@@Novasky2007 It was into cocaine.

[@joker232jb]

I’ve wondered for a while what characteristics made the classes

[@mustachetwirler7617]

I prefer to rely on the original ghost classification from the board//book/video games over the inconsistent classifications in the cartoons.