Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

 DS
User Score
9.5

Universal acclaim- based on 1684 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,588 out of 1684
  2. Mixed: 42 out of 1684
  3. Negative: 54 out of 1684
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  1. mavhunter
    Jan 13, 2011
    10
    Shu Takumi might have topped Phoenix Wright. The writing is sheer perfection, seemingly simple at first until it starts revealing the tricks up its sleeve. The gameplay is quite clever and adds more elements both without ever running out of ideas before introducing them and building the story tremendously. The last several hours feature so many twists that the story and puzzles mesh,Shu Takumi might have topped Phoenix Wright. The writing is sheer perfection, seemingly simple at first until it starts revealing the tricks up its sleeve. The gameplay is quite clever and adds more elements both without ever running out of ideas before introducing them and building the story tremendously. The last several hours feature so many twists that the story and puzzles mesh, putting emotion into rotating a piston or opening a trashcan so that you aren't merely completing a level but saving the lives of characters you actually care about.

    The only possible way for Takumi to improve the experiences he's created is to somehow expand the gameplay elements while keeping the size and sweep of the story intact. Until then, the next iterations of Ace Attorney and Ghost Trick will be warmly welcomed.    … Expand
  2. Dogfish44
    Nov 14, 2011
    10
    Easily one of the best, if not the most well known, DS releases of the year. Includes beautiful plot with hints throughout, challenging enough to keep you interested without becoming a game of random clicking, and an OST which is incredible. Shu Takumi has done an excellent job on this game, both in aesthetics and in concept. I'm hoping to see a sequel in some form1
  3. ja52ng74
    Mar 16, 2012
    10
    Innovative and addictive style of gameplay, engaging story rich in creativity without being cliche, catchy music that fits the situation in the game, and a cast of unforgettable characters and their eccentric personalities. Ghost Trick is truly a heartfelt and magical experience that proves how amazing a handheld video game can make someone feel and shows that the Nintendo DS is still aInnovative and addictive style of gameplay, engaging story rich in creativity without being cliche, catchy music that fits the situation in the game, and a cast of unforgettable characters and their eccentric personalities. Ghost Trick is truly a heartfelt and magical experience that proves how amazing a handheld video game can make someone feel and shows that the Nintendo DS is still a worthy console.… Expand
  4. curlybrace
    Jul 12, 2011
    10
    I picked up this game expecting good things from the people who brought us Phoenix Wright, but Ghost Trick has exceeded my every expectation. The gameplay is so innovative, yet at the heart of this game is some truly fanciful storytelling. Contrast this with the Professor Layton series, which for all the praise it gets, does not make any attempt to integrate the puzzles into the actualI picked up this game expecting good things from the people who brought us Phoenix Wright, but Ghost Trick has exceeded my every expectation. The gameplay is so innovative, yet at the heart of this game is some truly fanciful storytelling. Contrast this with the Professor Layton series, which for all the praise it gets, does not make any attempt to integrate the puzzles into the actual story. With Ghost Trick, the puzzling is so seamlessly interwoven that you really feel you have a direct hand in the characters' actions. The character design is like a super stylized comic book, and the character movements are so graceful that I have to believe that animators, not programmers, designed the sequences. I hope that Ghost Trick becomes a series on the new 3DS platform, as there are a lot of possibilities when you factor dimensionality. But even if it doesn't, Ghost Trick stands on its own as a very complete, deeply enjoyable piece of art.… Expand
  5. Alumento
    Jul 8, 2020
    10
    The worst part about playing Ghost Trick is that you'll spend the rest of your life telling people to play Ghost Trick.
  6. serverny
    Feb 27, 2013
    10
    This game is perfection in it's genre.
    Great concept, gorgeous art, fun gameplay, deep story with gazillion plot twists and rewarding ending.
    One of the best games for DS.
  7. Aetherion
    Jan 21, 2012
    10
    It's innovative, the characters are entertaining and rememberable, the animation is absolutely fantastic, the music is catchy, and the puzzles are intelligent. Sure, usually the same method of ghost and tricking works for most puzzles, but that's not the point. It's a genuinely fun game to play. It is a one-shot wonder however, once you complete it chances are youIt's innovative, the characters are entertaining and rememberable, the animation is absolutely fantastic, the music is catchy, and the puzzles are intelligent. Sure, usually the same method of ghost and tricking works for most puzzles, but that's not the point. It's a genuinely fun game to play. It is a one-shot wonder however, once you complete it chances are you won't want to return to it.… Expand
  8. Un0va
    Apr 19, 2013
    10
    While the puzzles can get a little repetitive, it's more than made up for with everything else. The plot is great, the humor is exactly what you might expect from the creators of Phoenix Wright, and it's all held up by a fantastic cast of characters. It's not an exaggeration to say this is one of the best, if not the best game on the DS.
  9. Twirkkhu
    Jun 15, 2014
    9
    The game is beautiful in almost every way, and if you have the money, buy it. It is not the longest game in history, but it makes you feel so many emotions. I'm not gonna say anything else.
  10. palex00
    Oct 14, 2017
    10
    The game has aged incredibly well. The humor, graphics and music is on point after all these years and this game has one of the best game intros of all time. Personally it's my favorite of all time, too. It's incredible and definitely worth a buy. Best suited for NDS but also for iOS
  11. EmuChicken
    Jul 20, 2014
    9
    Hmn, so this is what the spirit realm is like?

    From the same devs as Phoenix Wright, comes this little charmer. GHOST TRICK! You play as a spirit who has a lost memory, and you work through the game to find out who you are. Such a story based game may put a few people off, but it IS a good one. Gameplay is much like Phoenix Wright, as in you solve simple puzzles. Much like said    Hmn, so this is what the spirit realm is like?

    From the same devs as Phoenix Wright, comes this little charmer. GHOST TRICK!
    You play as a spirit who has a lost memory, and you work through the game to find out who you are. Such a story based game may put a few people off, but it IS a good one.

    Gameplay is much like Phoenix Wright, as in you solve simple puzzles. Much like said game, there is usually only one solution, so you repeat until that has been solved. Puzzles are solved by "possessing" things, but your power is not strong, so you can mostly just slightly move things. Another character you come across can "swap" objects around with the same shape.

    The game plays more like an interactive story book, so if mad action is what you're searching for, you won't find it. Zip.
    You could finish it very quickly if you skipped story and knew all the puzzles, but it took me around 25-30 hours to complete.

    Where the game EXCELS in is its story. You follow a spirit trying to regain its memory, but you only have until midnight- or you die! Following the story, you develop an attachment to the other characters, who are all incredibly well thought out. Each has their own style, noone is generic.

    Graphics are also beautiful. So pleasurable to the eye. The way that the cop in white dances around whilst walking. Animation and graphics style works so well on a system as old as the NDS.

    Lets put all the people who like action movies like "Terminator 4", or "AVP" onto one side, then put something like "Bladerunner" on the other.
    Them who like story driven narrative (Bladerunner) will love this.    … Expand
  12. McFinnegan
    May 12, 2011
    9
    I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and the game mechanics were clever. Just when the gameplay starts to get a little too familiar, they add a welcome change. The characters are fantastic, if a bit ridiculous, but endearing and charming. The animations are superb. I'll never forget Detective Cabalena's "walk" (if you can even call it 'walking'). It's a nice touch when EVERYTHING they presentI thoroughly enjoyed the story, and the game mechanics were clever. Just when the gameplay starts to get a little too familiar, they add a welcome change. The characters are fantastic, if a bit ridiculous, but endearing and charming. The animations are superb. I'll never forget Detective Cabalena's "walk" (if you can even call it 'walking'). It's a nice touch when EVERYTHING they present to you becomes important later on. I'm looking at you, [spoiler] and [spoiler] . The ending didn't tie up every loose end, but it's more than satisfactory regardless. Although there's not really a reason to play it again, as there is only one linear story-arc, it's worth at least a rent to play through it once. You shouldn't regret it.… Expand
  13. Metakev
    Jan 8, 2012
    9
    fun gameplay, quirky over-the-top animation, fantastic story, this game is just great however it has a lot of text though dialog is top-notch, solutions however only have one answer and one solution, trial and error come with fun results but with the concept of a game that lets you take and manipulate tons of things, it feels quite restricting
  14. TheBlueBadger
    Nov 29, 2011
    9
    Ghost Trick has to be one of my favourite DS games. The story telling is on par with Phoenix Wright, a game I thought couldn't be topped. You take control of Sissel, a ghost who's been murdered but can't remember who killed him or why. After death he recieved powers to posess and manipulate objects, and travel back in time to before a death. The puzzles in this game consist of saving aGhost Trick has to be one of my favourite DS games. The story telling is on par with Phoenix Wright, a game I thought couldn't be topped. You take control of Sissel, a ghost who's been murdered but can't remember who killed him or why. After death he recieved powers to posess and manipulate objects, and travel back in time to before a death. The puzzles in this game consist of saving a character before they're murdered or die by moving around objects to change the situation. The graphics are unique and the character animations are really fluent. The characters in this game are all full of life and the story is one of the most engaging things on the DS. My only gripes with this game would have to be the inconsistant difficulty (the final puzzle is very easy to solve yet ones earlier on in the game are brain scratchers) and that the story takes a short while to get going. But once it did, I literally couldn't put the game down to find out what happened next. This is essential to Phoenix Wright fans and gamers alike and if you haven't bought it yet, why?… Expand
  15. lustrofuria
    Dec 19, 2011
    10
    Great game. A interesting mystery story. A good system to resolve enigmas. Good visuals and very charismatic characters. I recommend to everyone this game.
  16. gboukensha
    Jan 23, 2012
    10
    This game is so good it surprised me, even if I already knew it had to be good I didn't expect it to be SO good. The game is entertaining from start to end, with so many twists and turns it will let you wanting for more and more as the chapters flow by and the mystery unravels. Animation-wise it is simply splendid, the pixel graphics are gorgeous and the music incredibly fitting. The gameThis game is so good it surprised me, even if I already knew it had to be good I didn't expect it to be SO good. The game is entertaining from start to end, with so many twists and turns it will let you wanting for more and more as the chapters flow by and the mystery unravels. Animation-wise it is simply splendid, the pixel graphics are gorgeous and the music incredibly fitting. The game also makes great use of chromostereopsis, especially in the ghost world, to give a sense of depth that those who perceive the effect to a great extent (like myself) will double their enjoyment of the title. Gameplay stays fresh and satisfying for the whole duration. If I had to find a defect, if we want to call it so, it's its strict linearity; you are rarely given an opportunity to explore and look for clues on yourself, instead the characters themselves give so many hints you will want to cover your eyes to leave the surprise unspoiled. Anyway this is a minor flaw and it leaves the game a true gem.… Expand
  17. Dodo22
    Mar 7, 2012
    10
    Incredible story, mechanics, animations. The tale is harrowing, chilling and simply brilliant. Buy this game, you will not be disappointed. This game deserves the attention of the entire industry for its uniqueness.
  18. OmoDeCarton
    Dec 22, 2012
    9
    A fantastic story, with a great plot. The influence from Ace Attorney is great (and is a good thing). The game is not very long (about 10 hours), but it is very funny. There aren't impossible "trick". Music is great, so the game engine. 9 of 10 only because for me is short.
  19. RelioXx99
    Mar 7, 2019
    10
    Underrated joy of the DS. 10/10 Story 10/10 Art 10/10 Character 10/10 Music
  20. miccael
    Aug 28, 2018
    10
    Such an awesome story, artstyle and cool idea. And the cute doggie! I wish it was remastered or at least ported on PC/Consoles. This is the definition of genre perfection.
  21. FromKanga
    Jan 28, 2017
    9
    This is one of my favourite DS games of all time

    Great story, it's intriguing and it kept me on edge, it's something you have to experience yourself. The characters is the reason why I love this game so much, each character has a distinctive and likable personality, I ended up caring for them near the end. Really innovative gameplay, since you are a ghost, you have to reach    This is one of my favourite DS games of all time

    Great story, it's intriguing and it kept me on edge, it's something you have to experience yourself.
    The characters is the reason why I love this game so much, each character has a distinctive and likable personality, I ended up caring for them near the end.

    Really innovative gameplay, since you are a ghost, you have to reach different objects to control them, the concept alone is awesome and the execution is just as incredible.
    The graphics won't blow you away but for a DS game, it's pretty good.

    The only problem with the game is that it's not for everyone, if you don't like games with a lot of text then you will hate this game.

    In conclusion, if you have a DS (or a 3DS) BUY IT NOW!!!    … Expand
  22. ashketchum
    May 4, 2018
    9
    The Ace Attorney series were a great example of a story-focused game that featured a story that would benefit from being told through it's particular medium. Ghost Trick is another great example. It features a compelling narrative which somehow manages to come together well at the end, memorable characters, a soundtrack which enhances atmosphere at crucial moments and beautiful animation.The Ace Attorney series were a great example of a story-focused game that featured a story that would benefit from being told through it's particular medium. Ghost Trick is another great example. It features a compelling narrative which somehow manages to come together well at the end, memorable characters, a soundtrack which enhances atmosphere at crucial moments and beautiful animation. It also features unique gameplay, which greatly makes use of the DS as well. In some ways, this gameplay gives it another layer on top of the Ace Attorney games, which were pretty much visual novels. Fantastic game.… Expand
  23. LIWYC
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    The most impressive games since I play Ace Attorney, Shu Takumi well work the exucution is here too in this game but that's all that's not AA that's Ghost Trick and my new favorite game.
  24. futureP
    Jun 28, 2023
    9
    Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is a captivating and inventive puzzle-adventure game that stands out for its unique gameplay mechanics, engaging storyline, and stylish presentation. With its well-crafted puzzles, time manipulation mechanics, and memorable characters, the game offers a fresh and satisfying experience that will keep players hooked until the end. If you're a fan ofGhost Trick: Phantom Detective is a captivating and inventive puzzle-adventure game that stands out for its unique gameplay mechanics, engaging storyline, and stylish presentation. With its well-crafted puzzles, time manipulation mechanics, and memorable characters, the game offers a fresh and satisfying experience that will keep players hooked until the end. If you're a fan of puzzle-solving games or enjoy narrative-driven experiences, Ghost Trick is a must-play title that offers a unique and memorable journey.… Expand
  25. ArtemisFowl
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    Absolutely incredible game.
    Directed by Shu Takumi and OST by Masakazu Sugimori, the creator and composer for the original AA trilogy, and it shows. I would argue this is even better.
    One of a kind gameplay, and when I booted up the game a decade ago, I mistook the game animations for a cutscene before realizing that was the actual game.
    Everything about this game is stellar.
  26. clickrisk
    Jan 7, 2021
    10
    Ghost Trick is hands down the best game I've ever played and possibly the best game ever made. There are absolutely 0 areas where Ghost Trick does not excel at. It's charming cast of characters, it's soundtrack, it's visuals, it's story; everything in Ghost Trick is perfect. Every animation is lovingly crafted and look absolutely fantastic considering its a DS game. It's by far theGhost Trick is hands down the best game I've ever played and possibly the best game ever made. There are absolutely 0 areas where Ghost Trick does not excel at. It's charming cast of characters, it's soundtrack, it's visuals, it's story; everything in Ghost Trick is perfect. Every animation is lovingly crafted and look absolutely fantastic considering its a DS game. It's by far the prettiest game on the system and it's beautiful style hasn't aged a single day. Every character design is perfect and tells you everything you need to know about them, which is even more satisfying as the game's plot moves along. The soundtrack is perfect, every song in it is memorable and every character theme gives you an instant idea of exactly what their character is.
    The story is probably the best in any video game ever. Like any good mystery, it foreshadows its twists while still leaving you surprised at them. I think Ghost Trick has left me the most surprised out of any game I've ever played, and it's worth doing a replay to see how genius the writers were. I cannot praise its story enough. It is just that good.
    If you have not played Ghost Trick, there is absolutely no reason you should not be playing it right now. It's simple and easy controls make it immediately accessible to anyone, and it is overall one of the finest crafted games ever made. You owe it to yourself to play this game.    … Expand
  27. Firemam
    Aug 26, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. [spoiler] A cat that i controlled from the beginning :v. That was an outstanding one

    At first, i thought that the soul i had controlled was the *player* (means who play this game), i put a lots of theory for that *thought* beacause that was the only explaination for the wild soul appeared at the junkyard, i made a mistake - that i didn't see cat cage

    Well, i had played all games of ace attorney series before i played this game and i was confident that i get used to the way Shu Takumi write story. BUT NO, this masterpiece is diffirent (even more outplay than Prof Layton vs AA) and i got outplayed (worse than being rickrolled)

    Anyway this game deserve 9 point but for outplayed me. 10    … Expand
  28. Tiziown
    May 22, 2021
    10
    An amazingly written story, told with a very fast pace(the entire game is set in one single night), with funny characters who get deeper and deeper as you go on. Gameplay is original and quirky, it makes you use your brain without feeling heavy at all.
    The game is a pleasure to look at with it's astonishing 2D, detailed and well animated and the soundtrack isn't bad either, probably not    An amazingly written story, told with a very fast pace(the entire game is set in one single night), with funny characters who get deeper and deeper as you go on. Gameplay is original and quirky, it makes you use your brain without feeling heavy at all.
    The game is a pleasure to look at with it's astonishing 2D, detailed and well animated and the soundtrack isn't bad either, probably not at masterpiece level like everything else in the game but still good.    … Expand
  29. donenilo
    Aug 3, 2021
    10
    This game, like many other players, totally surprised me in so many good ways. This is one of the best games on the DS.
  30. rzgtribe
    Nov 14, 2021
    10
    Finally, got third place, this game deserves it as the best storyline I've ever played. Not to mention the animation and music. The well-executed and the best game on Nintendo DS platform. Hands down.
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best DS Game of 2011
3
#3 Most Discussed DS Game of 2011
4
#4 Most Shared DS Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 60 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 60
  3. Negative: 0 out of 60
  1. N-Europe
    May 2, 2011
    80
    An engaging storyline, memorable characters and wonderful animation make this game a true treat.
    Read full review
  2. GameCritics
    Mar 27, 2011
    95
    Ghost Trick is a masterpiece, made by developers who thoroughly understand the medium they're working in and the hardware they're working with.
    Read full review
  3. Gamer.no
    Mar 7, 2011
    90
    Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is a fantastic combination of absurd Japanese humor and point and click mechanics. It's filled to the brim with charm, good laughs and brilliant puzzles that will keep you locked to the screen for hours on end.
    Read full review
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