“Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective,” developed and published by Capcom, was originally released on the Nintendo DS all the way back in 2010, it might not have gained widespread acclaim at the time, but it has since garnered a dedicated cult following. I never got around to playing this one back in the day, so I was really looking forward to this release to see what all the hype was about. Written by the renowned Shu Takumi, best known for the “Ace Attorney” series, which I have dabbled in here and there, but this game offers a completely different type of story with a captivating narrative that revolves around the enigmatic protagonist, Sissel.
As the game begins, we first witness our main character Sissel, who finds himself in a peculiar predicament—he is dead, with his lifeless body lying in an unfortunate position (pretty much the one you see in all the promotional art for the game). Tasked with solving his own murder, Sissel embarks on a journey as a ghost, plagued by amnesia and unable to recall even his own name. Hope isn’t completely lost though; his supernatural abilities are revealed to him by a spectral being residing within a lamp post. With the power to manipulate inorganic objects and the ability to turn back time by four minutes prior to a person’s death, Sissel seizes the opportunity to alter fate and prevent the demise of a woman named Lynne, who has fallen victim to a mysterious assassin. Thus begins their friendship and teamwork to try and solve the mystery of Sissel’s death.
The game’s unique premise sets the stage for a thrilling race against time, as Sissel has only one night to fulfill his tasks and unravel the mystery surrounding his own demise. One intriguing aspect of the story is Sissel’s acceptance of his unfortunate fate, which intensifies his desire for truth and adds a compelling layer to his character. As far as the gameplay goes, “Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective” mainly revolves around using your logic dealing with time-based puzzles. By using Sissel’s spectral essence, you can inhabit various objects, unfortunately, depending on the items, the range of his influence can only go so far. As a result, players must diligently assess their placement in relation to other characters and the surrounding environment, strategically manipulating events to reshape the very fabric of destiny, particularly when it comes to averting tragic demises. This intellectually stimulating gameplay mechanic, intertwined with intermittent time constraints, maintains a palpable sense of suspense and urgency that permeates the entire gaming experience. I can’t speak on the quality-of-life upgrades or just how much this differs from the Nintendo DS original version, since I never got around to playing that version. Although, from what I could gather since the DS uses two different screens for gameplay, and obviously we are now playing in a single screen, the game is still in a square image on the screen, so there is room on the left and right of the screen to add the extra material that was originally on the secondary screen on the DS.
While “Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective” may occupy a niche within Capcom’s extensive catalog, it shines brightly with its exceptional writing and intricately developed character relationships that continue to captivate players to this day. The game’s masterfully crafted narrative, along with its knack for enveloping players in a realm of enigma and allure, solidify its place as a valuable gem in the collection of any avid fan of detective mysteries. So, if you have yet to venture into the realm of “Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective,” prepare to uncover an undiscovered treasure that delivers an unparalleled and captivating gameplay experience. For those in search of a spellbinding escapade that guarantees a pulse-pounding journey and an affinity for the allure of detective mysteries, cast your gaze no further than “Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective.” Take the plunge and embark on this remarkable odyssey; rest assured; you shall not be left wanting.
8/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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