In Ghost Trick, you play as Sissel, a mysterious character who has joined the ranks of the dead. Due to unusual circumstances, Sissel has gained the powers of the dead, namely the ability to manipulate inanimate objects and the power to save the dead by turning back time. Using these powers, Sissel must solve a string of insidious murders to uncover the mystery of his own death and the deaths of those around him.
As with the Phoenix Wright series of games, the music constantly changes to keep pace with the gameplay. This gives Ghost Trick a unique sense of urgency. The player will often find their heart racing in the last few seconds before a murder takes places, scraping to find the one object in the scene that can change fate.
The animation in Ghost Trick is rotoscoped, a technique that hasn't been widely used since the original Prince of Persia. In short, it's beautiful; the animation is so smooth that it's difficult to tell whether the characters are 2D or 3D.
The story is the heart of a Shu Takumi game, and Ghost Trick doesn't disappoint. The mystery is deep and immersive, with the occasional twist and red herring thrown in to keep everything interesting. Ghost Trick should keep you guessing until right near the end.
Ghost Trick's gameplay won't appeal to everybody. As with Phoenix Wright, there is no direct conflict in the game. The murderer is often stopped indirectly and without harm. If your favorite games are Call of Duty or Halo, you should avoid Ghost Trick. On the other hand, if you enjoy Adventure games or are a bit more open-minded, this is a must-play.
It's difficult to find criticism in Ghost Trick. If I had to make a complaint, it would be that the game is too short, clocking in at approximately 20–30 hours. However, there is never a weak point in Ghost Trick, 20–30 hours is all that it needs to deliver a compelling and immersive mystery.