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. davidcraig
    Feb 7, 2011
    10
    I LOVE THIS GAME!!!!!! A genius idea, with a great story, fantastic twist, amazingness!!! A MUST BUY!
  2. MrMintyCool
    Jan 13, 2011
    10
    There is thousands of puzzlers on the ds, but none of them are as unique as this brilliant title. Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective starts with your character, Sissel, lying dead on the floor. When you are dead you discover that you have special powers. You can possess items and trick them, causing the item to do a action. It may sound strange, but it is very easy to use and feels very fresh.There is thousands of puzzlers on the ds, but none of them are as unique as this brilliant title. Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective starts with your character, Sissel, lying dead on the floor. When you are dead you discover that you have special powers. You can possess items and trick them, causing the item to do a action. It may sound strange, but it is very easy to use and feels very fresh. You then find out that you cant remember anything about who you were and why you were killed, and that you only have till sunrise before you go to the afterlife. Sissel decides that he is going to use his last hours on earth wisely and try and find out his identity. Its a great story and it gets better and better as you progress. Another brilliant thing about this game is the spectacular graphics. It is very detailed and when people and items move it looks amazing and is very smooth. If you are looking for a new puzzler on the ds which is a fresh and thrilling experience this is the game you need.… Expand
  3. theshonen8899
    Jun 21, 2011
    10
    Phenomenal. This game is the perfect blend of puzzle solving, mystery, and creative gameplay. The characters are charming, the story is captivating, and the puzzles are generally well done, with only a few strange ones here and there. If you love a good mystery game this is something you must play!
  4. Geekycheeky
    Jan 17, 2011
    10
    This game is brilliant, very pretty and I must mention that the Animation is almost perfect. It makes the characters very charismatic and the story even more believable. The design is well done and there is a good balance of difficulty. With many puzzles they throw at you small hints, not obvious enough to spoil the fun and obvious enough to push your thinking-machine. The humor alsoThis game is brilliant, very pretty and I must mention that the Animation is almost perfect. It makes the characters very charismatic and the story even more believable. The design is well done and there is a good balance of difficulty. With many puzzles they throw at you small hints, not obvious enough to spoil the fun and obvious enough to push your thinking-machine. The humor also surprised me in this game, it made me smile and giggle a lot. I recommend this game to anyone who like puzzle games and/or liked the Phoenix Wright serie. Yes it's a 10 point, 9 wouldn't be enough. Enjoy!… Expand
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Sensei
    Jan 16, 2011
    10
    Fun and well animated. An adventure that no one should miss, and a must buy for every DS owner. If you don't have one, borrow it. This game may be one of the best DS games of the year and even the best.
  8. 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
  9. Calavera
    Mar 5, 2011
    10
    One of the best games on the DS. IGN summed it up perfectly by saying that Ghost Trick brings innovation to an ageing genre. The game draws your total attention for the full 12 hours of game play. I was fixated for the duration and near tears come the end. Whilst there is a lot of text and sometimes you would just like to get on with the game, the storyline is gripping and the charactersOne of the best games on the DS. IGN summed it up perfectly by saying that Ghost Trick brings innovation to an ageing genre. The game draws your total attention for the full 12 hours of game play. I was fixated for the duration and near tears come the end. Whilst there is a lot of text and sometimes you would just like to get on with the game, the storyline is gripping and the characters memorable and heart warming. Don't miss this game!… Expand
  10. GentlemanGamer
    Jun 6, 2011
    10
    One of the, if not, THE best DS game of all time. With a stellar plot, lovable characters and charming gameplay, this game is an absolute masterpiece. Capcom.... RELEASE THIS ON THE IOS IN NORTH AMERICA!!!!!... Please?
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. SupaChigga
    Nov 18, 2013
    10
    Single Player/Multi Player (2/2)

    (If the single player is better than the multiplayer, review this section as if it had no multplayer) (If the multiplayer is better than the multiplayer, review this section as if it had no single player) Gameplay (2/2) Visuals/Story (2/2) (If the visuals are better than the story, review this section as if it had no story) (If the story is    Single Player/Multi Player (2/2)

    (If the single player is better than the multiplayer, review this section as if it had no multplayer) (If the multiplayer is better than the multiplayer, review this section as if it had no single player)

    Gameplay (2/2)

    Visuals/Story (2/2)

    (If the visuals are better than the story, review this section as if it had no story) (If the story is better than the visuals, review this section as if the visuals didn’t matter)

    Accessibility/Longevity (2/2)

    (Review this section only on Accessibility if the game has no longevity) (Review this section only on longevity if the game isn’t accessible)

    Pricing (1/2)

    Wildcard (+1)

    This is a guideline for how to properly review games. Many reviewers like to get a “feel” for a game, and arbitrarily give a game a score that they believe it deserves. This results in wildly different scores between different reviewers, and vastly different scores between similar games. This guideline addresses these problems and scores games fairly and consistently. This guideline also gives scores that are usually similar to the metacritic score.

    The review score is based out of 10 points. There are no “half” or 0.5 increments. It is impossible to have a score above 10 or below 0. The review score will change as the game gets new dlc, drops in price, or if more secrets are found through the game increasing its appeal.

    The scoring is split into 6 sections. The first five sections can add a possible 2 points to the final score. The first 5 sections are Single Player/Multi Player, Gameplay, Visuals/Story, Accessibility/Longevity, and Pricing.

    Notice that 3 of these sections have two parts. These particular sections will be scored based on the stronger part of the game of the two. For example, if a game has a lousy single player campaign, but an excellent multiplayer component, that section will be based solely on the multiplayer as if the single player did not exist. This allows games to be based on their own merits, as many unnecessary features are shoehorned into video games by publishers to reach a “feature quota”. Games that excel in both areas of a section don’t receive should be noted in the written review, but cannot increase the score past 2 in that section. However, it can be taken into account in the final section

    The final section can add 1, add 0, or subtract 1 to the final score. This final section is the “wildcard” section. This section is for how the reviewer “feels” about the game, but limits this only to this section, rather than the entire 10 point review. This section can include any positive or negative point that was not covered in the previous 5 sections.    … Expand
  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. 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
  22. Esfereidorous
    Jun 7, 2018
    10
    It is a shame this game does not have the reputation it deserves. Superb story-telling, told in its own unique game design, with lovable characters. Mechanics with good development pace, stunning art and BEAUTIFUL animations, brilliant OST... with the only, tiny downside of sometime hit-and-miss puzzle solving.

    I can't help but find this game the best title from the author - Shu Takumi    It is a shame this game does not have the reputation it deserves. Superb story-telling, told in its own unique game design, with lovable characters. Mechanics with good development pace, stunning art and BEAUTIFUL animations, brilliant OST... with the only, tiny downside of sometime hit-and-miss puzzle solving.

    I can't help but find this game the best title from the author - Shu Takumi - and, by far, one of the bests on the DS.

    Capcom, get this series rolling again. You are missing a great opportunity. The Switch would be the perfect place for this gem.    … 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. 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.
  25. Fahad-13
    May 22, 2023
    10
    لعبه ضافة الشي الكثير لصناعه مع قصه و شخصيات جميله ويش اقول ويش اخلي صراحه يكفي انها من كاب كوم
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. SaberHazari
    Jun 29, 2021
    10
    One of my 3 most favourite video games... I absolutely love and cherish this game!
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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
See all critic reviews »