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Released: 02 Feb, 2012

Reviewer: Andrew Nesvadba

Version: 1.00.01 Size: 338.0 MB

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GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detecti...

Free!

Adventure Games1.00.01CAPCOM Co., Ltd

PROS

First three chapters free; plenty to intrigue and get you hooked.
Silky-smooth cinematic animations make it a joy to watch.
Witty dialogue helps to guide players.
Manipulating the world is fun in itself; solving puzzles almost happens naturally thanks to ‘playing around’.

CONS

No real ‘choice’ in purchasing the game; individual chapters too expensive to consider that route.
Easy to fall for dead-end paths requiring multiple restarts at ‘fate change’ checkpoints.

VERDICT

GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective, quite simply, feels like it was always destined for the App Store and now that it’s here you should definitely grab it; funny, clever and fun - easily a must have.

Video Review

Full Review

CAPCOM’s tenure on the iOS platform has been very hit or miss, with some games failing to live up to the grandeur of the original, while others almost outshine them. GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective was arguably the unsung hero of 2011 for the Nintendo DS and thanks to a top-notch adaption, the iOS release also has an opportunity to shine.

Sharing the same creative mind that developed the Ace Attorney series, Phantom Detective is no less madcap and outlandish. You play as Sissel, a ghost that can manipulate the world by jumping between objects. Sadly he has no memory of his life before dying and is now responsible for protecting others by rewriting history - oh yes, as well as manipulating objects, Sissel can jump back in time four minutes before a person died, changing their fate for the better.

Right from the outset GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective pops from the screen thanks to its cinematic quality animations and clever dialogue. After completing the obligatory tutorial stage you’ll find yourself led further down the rabbit hole, unlocking new abilities and even gaining a Pomeranian side-kick.

Another nice feature is the initial free download that covers the first few chapters of play, giving you a chance to get hooked before being asked to shell out for the full game.

Although GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective is a ultimately a straight adaption of the original title, the iOS release goes that small step further thanks to crisper visuals and controls that perfectly suit a touch device. Whether you loved the original or missed it entirely, take the time to try it on your iPhone - the first taste is free.

App Store Info

Experience this much beloved, touching story for yourself. Try this brand-new kind of "Interactive Mystery" for free right now!*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 DeathIn 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.