Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, the classic puzzle-solving mystery adventure directed by Ace Attorney creator Shu Takumi, is back! This long-awaited HD remaster features upgraded visuals and sound and new gallery content.
At the heart of the gameplay, players take on the role of Sissel, a recently deceased ghost who can possess and manipulate objects in the environment. This "ghost trick" mechanic allows players to rewind time by four minutes and alter the course of events leading to a character's death, in order to save their life. For example, players may observe a character about to be hit by a falling object. By rewinding time, they can then possess a nearby object, such as a potted plant, and move it to block the falling object and prevent the character's demise. The game presents a variety of these creative puzzles, challenging players to experiment with different object interactions and think outside the box to change the outcome.
While the core gameplay loop revolves around these time-manipulating puzzles, the developers have seamlessly woven them into an engaging, twisting narrative. As players progress through the story, they uncover the mystery surrounding the protagonist's own death, with each puzzle serving to advance the plot and reveal new information. Reviewers praise how the gameplay and narrative are so tightly integrated, creating a cohesive and compelling experience. Players are driven to solve the puzzles in order to unveil the next narrative twist, while the story provides context and meaning to the puzzle-solving.
Despite the creative complexity of the ghost trick mechanics, reviewers describe the puzzles as generally accessible and well-paced. While a few instances may rely too heavily on trial-and-error, the majority of the puzzles strike a balance, providing enough guidance and feedback for players to make progress without feeling overwhelmed. This accessibility allows the narrative and charming cast of characters to take center stage, without the puzzle-solving becoming a frustrating roadblock. At the same time, the game still offers a satisfying challenge, as players experiment with different object manipulations to devise the optimal solution.