Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective Review: Great Story, Ghosts and Pigeons

“Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective” is one of those games that nobody has ever heard of yet has received praise from all over the place. In fact it has been nominated by many sites in multiple categories and even won some of them. So is this game worth looking into?

“Ghost Trick” is about Sissel who is already dead at the beginning. When he comes to, he finds out he has “Ghost Tricks”- powers to possess and control objects at his will. He’s also told that he has until dawn to find out who he really is, find out who killed him and save the girl he found in the junkyard where he died.

The story is one of the game’s greatest strengths. The characters are all interesting and have their own perks. You have to love a scientist who has a pigeon as an assistant. The story is also very comedic despite the dark undertones it has (death, murder, conspiracy.) It’s one of the better stories on the DS to date.

The gameplay is not like anything anyone has seen either. It’s similar to an adventure game, except you have to possess and manipulate items in order to reach the goal. The goal in each chapter varies from making a certain item move to make a character notice it or change the scene to save someone. The goals where you need to save certain characters happen four minutes in the past and are timed. In these instances certain things can only happen at certain times.

This is a good idea that is well-executed. It also offers a good amount of challenge that does not seem like you need a guide to complete unless you really are stuck. They’re tough but not that tough. It’s interesting to see what Sissel can do with certain items and it will surprise you.

Artistically the graphics work well with the game’s tone and the character’s personalities. They are colorful, bright and they are unique in their own way. The backgrounds are decent enough although some don’t have anything special going for them. Some people may be turned of to how weird the characters look (Sissel’s head is very pointy for one) but this is what gives this game its flavor.

“Ghost Trick” has some good music that fits well with whatever is going on screen. When time is running out on the timed missions the frantic music will get your stylis moving. Others are quite forgettable and you will hardly notice they’re playing at all.

With one of the best stories on the DS, interesting gameplay, a unique art style and interesting characters “Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective” is one of the best DS games out. If you own a DS, it’s essentially a must-own. You won’t be disappointed.