Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective :
Keeping in line with various successful puzzle-centric games released on
the Nintendo DS so far, Capcom has release yet another spectacular
sequel title in the form of Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective. The game
begins with main character, Sissel, “waking up” to find that he dead and
now just corporeal spirit.
Playing as Sissel, you have the ability to interact with inanimate
objects within a limited range, and go back four minutes in the past to
alter the future.
Since Sissel suffers from amnesia as well, and can’t remember who he is
or why he was killed, he ventures on a quest to protect Lynne, a young
detective who is investigating his murder, and detective ho is
investigating his murder, and is also suspect for it. During the course
of the game, he saves lives and rescues Lynne on numerous occasions.
The game’s story relies heavily on text-based interactions, similar to that of Ace Attorney:
Phoenix Wright, and has an interesting mix of characters, ranging from a
near-sighted assassin, to a Pomeranian with incredible zeal. All of
these elements tie into the story very well-from humorous and
entertaining interludes to the more thought provoking puzzles you
encoder.
The games’ basic mechanics allow you to “possess” and subsequently
control inanimate objects to achieve your goal. In order to do this,
players must enter a world where time freezes
as they figure out the correct combination of tricks to pull off and
cross that level. However, players can only travel within a certain
radius from an object, and must connect the radii of multiple objects to
travel longer distances. If they make a mistake, players can always turn back time and go back to the beginning of the puzzle.
Once the player figures out the right moves to advance in the game, its
design comes across as addictive bringing immense gratification. The
visuals are smooth and well-rendered, and lend a degree of personality
to the eclectic cast. Also, the environments cleverly mask the different
tools that are used within the game, adding a level of intrigue. You will be surprised to see the plethora of secrets that an area hold once you switch to the ghost mode.
As a whole, Ghost Trick spins a tale that is both comically far-fetched,
and refreshingly enjoyable. It compels you to solve the in-game
challenges with your own creative vision. For those who enjoy “mental
yoga” and clever puzzle-solving, the game certainly does not dsapont.
9:06 AM
