Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective – Review – Think of Sherlock, but dead
App Type: Uncategorized
Our rating: 
By: Capcom
Version #: 1.00.00
Date Released: 2012-02-02
Developer: Capcom
Price: Free
User Rating:
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The critically acclaimed Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective of Ninetendo DS fame has finally made it’s way to the iOS app store. A highly rated DS game in Japan, Capcom has done a wonderful job porting it to iOS devices. Yes, that’s right. Capcom, the company behind Street Fighter, are responsible for this wonderful game.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective combines the traditional mystery investigation game with a whole new unique system into one awesome game. In this game, you take control of a murdered man who isn’t quite what he seems. You must be wondering, what good is a dead man? Well this dead man, Sissel, has an entire arsenal of Ghost Tricks up his sleeves. This gives Sissel the ability to possess inanimate objects, and although he cannot manipulate living things, he can still interact with corpses through their “core”. Despite the seemingly somber tone of the game, expect many a funny moment scattered throughout.
Sissel has been murdered and you have to find out who did it and for what purpose. You do so through interacting with other characters, such as an animated lamp who takes you through a very detailed tutorial on how to use your powers. You will also gain a trusty sidekick in the form of a dog named Missile, whom I will say (spoiler alert) is related to the lamp in a way totally beyond imagination. Throughout your investigations, Sissel will be embroiled in one of the most exciting scandals one can think of and even after death, his very existence is still threatened.
The game presents itself in through smooth animations reminiscent of the old cartoons back in the late 90s. There is a bit of a retro feel here in terms of character design, with the slick back hair and funny mustaches. The plot is related through dialogues and thought bubbles of characters, and is by far one of the best plots of any iOS games I have ever reviewed. It is not too preachy, but is thorough enough to keep you wanting for more. To be honest, at one point I was more concerned on what was going to happen to Sissel and the other characters than writing this review. That is how much drawing power Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective has.
The downside, despite all the praises I have for the game, is that although the game is listed as a free app, only the first two chapters are provided for free. Subsequent chapters have to be bought in the form of in-app purchases but it is definitely worth every penny.
As a free app, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is definitely worth getting. You get two free chapters to test it out, and if you enjoyed it, I highly recommend that you purchase the additional chapters.
Quick Take
Value:High.
Would I Buy Again:Yes.
Learning Curve:Simple. Tutorials in the game make everything very easy to understand.
Who Is It For:People who love mysterys.
What I Like:The unique gameplay system.
What I Don't Like:Additional chapters have to purchased.
Final Statement:Move aside Sherlock, welcome Sissel.
crime *Devices and iOS supported: iPhone 3GS or later, iPod touch, iPad with iOS 4.3 or later
*iPhone 3G / iPod touch 2G are not supported
*Languages: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish
? This Story Starts with Your Death
In an obscure corner of the city, a single bullet takes your life, but that’s not all it takes. When you awaken as a spirit, you realize you have no recollection of who you are. Thus begins your search for the answers to these questions: “Who am I?”, “Who killed me?”, and “Why was I killed?”
One night is all you have to answer these questions before your soul vanishes at dawn’s first light, and your only lead is the female detective who witnessed your death...
? "Possess" and "Manipulate" Your Way to the Truth!
As the main character, you can possess and manipulate objects, such as a guitar or an umbrella, using your "Powers of the Dead". A variety of actions will be available to you depending on what you possess. Strive to possess the truth itself!
? Rewind Time "4 Minutes Before Death" to Change Fate!
Death seems to follow you wherever you go, but you can do something about that! Using one of your ghostly powers, go back to a point 4 minutes before a person’s death and change their fate!
? Chapters 1 and 2 are Free!
Should this touching tale “possess” you, the rest of the story is available for purchase under “Buy More Chapters” on the title screen.
?Based on the Critically Acclaimed Nintendo DS Game
*GameSpot Best of 2011 Awards - Best Handheld Game Winner
*GameTrailers Game of the Year Awards 2011 - Best Nintendo DS Game Winner
*For iPod touch and iPad users, a Wi-Fi environment will be necessary to purchase additional chapters.
Screenshots
Article By Eng Wei Jie
A water polo player from Singapore, Wei Jie devotes most of his time to training. However, when he's not occupied by water training or pushing himself in the gym, expect to see him squinting at his iPhone testing out new apps.
eng-wei-jie has written 308 awesome app reviews.
