Capcom's Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective was a cult classic originally released during the later years of the Nintendo DS' life in 2011. Starring a strange-looking ghost investigating the circumstances behind his own death, the game's quirky premise and gameplay were right at home on the system. The title eventually found its way to iOS before being delisted. Finally available on iOS again, here's what made Ghost Trick such a well-regarded adventure and why players should check it out now.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective follows a dead man named Sissel who is informed by a fellow ghoul named Ray that his recent demise has afforded him several advantageous "ghost tricks." Key among these is the power to go back a few minutes before someone dies and possibly save them. Sissel uses this power to keep a young girl named Lynne from dying. From there, they investigate Sissel's mysterious past and the circumstances surrounding his death before he disappears forever.
The title is classified as a puzzle and adventure game, although this isn't exactly an accurate description of its gameplay mechanics. Sissel can travel through inanimate objects in the Ghost World, where time is stopped, as well as interact with the Land of the Living. Using these objects opens new paths for Sissel, allowing him to progress through the game. In the Land of the Living, he can also possess corpses, using them to investigate and possibly circumvent their deaths. The story itself unfolds by putting Sissel in a race against the clock, though this never makes the adventure feel rushed.
The game was created by Shu Takumi, who was also the creative mastermind behind Capcom's hit Ace Attorney series which also made a huge impact on the Nintendo DS' lineup. Ghost Trick shares some similarities with that franchise's mechanics, and the game was envisioned as being both in the same vein as Ace Attorney and very different from it at the same time.
This is one of the biggest reasons that gamers should check out the title on iOS. Ghost Trick namely shares the Ace Attorney franchise's bright color palette and quirky sense of humor, despite its otherwise serious murder-mystery tone. This is reflected in the inventive character designs, as well as the much lauded animation. Said animation was seen as smooth and sharp, especially for a game on the under-powered Nintendo DS.
The plot was also well-received. Its many twists, turns and mysteries play out in a fresh, organic and logical fashion. This gives the central sleuthing plenty of tension and momentum, pushing gamers to play further to see how things unfold. Its soundtrack, composed by Masakazu Sugimori, was also highly praised, completing the unique experience that is Ghost Trick. The title sadly went somewhat under the radar when it first released, and its original iOS lifespan was cut short as well. Thankfully, it's currently available on the App Store again, giving old and new fans the opportunity experience this unique and ghastly detective title.