The Nintendo DS era gifted us with many unique titles, but sadly, most remain trapped on the aging hardware. Capcom has been a champion of resurrecting these gems, bringing the Ace Attorney series to modern platforms, and now, the equally brilliant Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective. While not an Ace Attorney game, Ghost Trick shares its DNA, thanks to the shared creator, Shu Takumi. This connection brings both the charm and some of the quirks of the Ace Attorney series to this unique puzzle adventure.
Ghost Trick puts you in the spectral shoes of Sissel, a recently deceased man with amnesia. With his soul set to fade by dawn, Sissel discovers the power of “Ghost Tricks,” allowing him to possess and manipulate objects. He can also converse with other spirits and even rewind time four minutes before their deaths to alter their fate. This unusual ability forms the core of the gameplay and the central mystery surrounding Sissel’s demise.
A screenshot from Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective showing the character aiming with a spotlight.
Saving lives requires clever manipulation of the environment. Puzzles are Ghost Trick‘s heart and soul, offering satisfying “aha!” moments alongside some familiar Ace Attorney-esque logical leaps. Solutions sometimes require the player to think within the game’s specific logic, which can occasionally feel illogical in the real world. One example involves manipulating spotlights to thwart a hitman, hindered by a fictional police department’s frugality, allowing only two lights to function simultaneously. Such quirks are both silly and crucial to solving puzzles.
The puzzle-solving often involves trial and error. Not every possessed object reacts, and Sissel’s spectral movement is limited. Reaching a crucial medicine bottle might involve manipulating a fan to blow papers, then possessing a sheet to float across the room. This can lead to some frustration as you figure out the correct sequence of actions. Chapters can unfold like elaborate Rube Goldberg machines, demanding precise steps. Fortunately, the game is forgiving, allowing restarts and offering hints when rewinding time is necessary. Fate Changes act as checkpoints, offering a breather before tackling the next challenge.
A screenshot from Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective showcasing the game's vibrant art style.
The narrative is arguably Ghost Trick‘s greatest strength. Like Ace Attorney, the world is populated by colorful characters, injecting the story with humor and heart. Alongside the levity, a serious undercurrent explores the mystery of Sissel’s death, weaving a compelling narrative. As the plot unfolds, connections between seemingly disparate elements are revealed, offering satisfying twists and turns. The tension skillfully escalates at each chapter’s end, as Sissel races against time to unravel the truth.
The modern re-release boasts improved visuals compared to the DS original. While not a dramatic overhaul, the updated graphics enhance the overall presentation. Customizable screen borders offer further personalization. While lacking voice acting, the soundtrack shines, effectively highlighting the game’s shifts between humor and suspense.
A screenshot from Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective showing a character in a chicken restaurant.
After years trapped on the DS, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective deserves this second chance. While the trial-and-error gameplay can be frustrating, the compelling story and satisfying puzzle solutions make it a must-play. While not a true Ace Attorney title, the shared creative lineage is evident, making it a strong recommendation for fans of the series, while also standing strong on its own merits. Hopefully, Ghost Trick‘s revival inspires more DS classics to return.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective releases June 29th on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
