PGC NEWS

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, a puzzle-adventure visual novel from Shu Takumi, the creator of the acclaimed Ace Attorney series, offers a unique and engaging gaming experience. Originally released in 2010 for the Nintendo DS, this remastered version brings the captivating mystery to modern platforms, allowing a wider audience to experience its clever puzzles and compelling narrative. But does it still hold up after 13 years? Let’s dive in and find out.

Possessing the Power of the Dead

The game opens in a junkyard at 7 PM. You awaken as a ghost, witnessing a murderer aiming a gun at a young woman. Between them lies a body in a suit… your own. With no memory of your past life, you discover the ability to “possess” inanimate objects, manipulating them to trigger chain reactions and solve puzzles. This core mechanic forms the foundation of the gameplay, requiring creative thinking and strategic planning.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

Your ghostly powers extend beyond simple object manipulation. You can traverse the environment by “hopping” between objects within reach, and even travel across the city using telephone lines, provided you know the correct number. A crucial element of the gameplay involves rewinding time four minutes before someone’s death, giving you a limited window to prevent their demise. These tense sequences demand quick thinking and precise timing as you piece together the puzzle to save a life.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

While some puzzles are straightforward, others require keen observation of character habits, environmental details, and object functionalities. Persistence is key, as trial and error is often the path to success. The satisfaction of successfully navigating these challenges and saving a life (or a pet, in some cases) is immensely rewarding. While the game doesn’t allow immediate retries within a time rewind sequence, it does offer subtle hints after each failure, guiding you towards the solution.

A Ghostly Tale of Intrigue

Beyond the unique gameplay, Ghost Trick shines with its well-crafted narrative. The game unfolds as a compelling detective story filled with twists and turns, evoking a range of emotions from excitement and humor to suspense and tranquility.

Each chapter introduces new characters, each remarkably well-developed with distinct personalities, memorable quirks, and unique designs, despite their sometimes brief appearances. Lynne, the spirited and inquisitive young detective, and Missile, the loyal and courageous Pomeranian, are just a few examples of the memorable cast.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

The pacing of the story is excellent, never feeling rushed or drawn out. This makes for a consistently engaging experience, even during extended play sessions. The narrative seamlessly blends humor and intrigue, keeping you invested in uncovering the mystery surrounding your death.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

A Timeless Classic Reborn

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective’s innovative gameplay and captivating story remain as compelling today as they were upon its initial release. The remastered version allows a new generation of players to experience this unique gem, while longtime fans can revisit the mystery with enhanced visuals. This is a must-play for anyone who enjoys puzzle-solving, compelling narratives, and a touch of the supernatural.