GHOST TRICK combines mystery storytelling, supernatural abilities, environmental puzzles and time-based problem solving into an unusual adventure that feels very different from conventional mobile games.

The story begins with a murder.

The protagonist is dead.

But death isn't quite the end.

After awakening as a ghost, he discovers that he possesses mysterious Powers of the Dead. These abilities allow him to move between objects, manipulate them and influence events in the physical world.

There is only one problem: he has until morning to discover the truth before his spirit disappears.

The result is a race against time filled with strange characters, clever puzzles, unexpected twists and a central mystery that constantly changes your understanding of what is happening.

A Mystery That Begins After Death

A single bullet ends the protagonist's life.

When he awakens as a spirit, his memories are gone.

He doesn't know:

• Who he was
• Why he was murdered
• Who killed him
• Why he has supernatural powers
• What happened before his death
• What will happen when morning arrives

His first major clue is a female detective who appears to have witnessed the murder.

From there, the investigation expands into a much larger mystery involving multiple characters whose lives become connected through a series of extraordinary events.

Use the Powers of the Dead

The game's central mechanic is its supernatural interaction system.

As a ghost, you can move through a special network connecting objects around you.

You can then manipulate those objects to influence the physical world.

A seemingly ordinary object can become the key to changing an entire situation.

This creates puzzles where the solution isn't necessarily about finding a hidden item.

Instead, you need to ask:

What can I change?

What will happen if I change it?

Can I alter events before they happen?

Manipulate Objects to Change Events

GHOST TRICK turns everyday objects into puzzle tools.

Players can interact with things such as:

• Lamps
• Telephones
• Doors
• Fans
• Tools
• Furniture
• Mechanical objects
• Other environmental items

The objective is often to manipulate the environment in exactly the right sequence.

One small action can trigger another event, which can then open a completely different path.

Save Lives From Beyond the Grave

One of the most distinctive elements of GHOST TRICK is the ability to intervene in events surrounding death.

The protagonist's supernatural powers allow him to travel back through moments connected to a person's death and attempt to change what happens.

This creates a unique form of puzzle solving where the player isn't simply asking:

"How do I escape?"

Instead, you're asking:

"How can I prevent this from happening?"

That concept gives the game's puzzles a strong narrative purpose.

Time Is Your Enemy

The story takes place over a single night.

The protagonist knows that his spirit will eventually disappear.

That time pressure gives the investigation urgency.

Every new character, location and puzzle can potentially reveal another piece of the mystery.

As you progress, seemingly unrelated events begin to connect.

A Story Full of Twists

GHOST TRICK is particularly focused on storytelling.

Rather than relying on conventional combat or character leveling, the game keeps players engaged through:

• Mystery
• Dialogue
• Character relationships
• Supernatural events
• Puzzle solving
• Unexpected revelations
• Story twists
• Investigation

The mystery gradually expands as more information becomes available.

A character who initially seems unimportant may later become central to the story.

Memorable Characters

The adventure introduces a colorful cast of characters whose stories become connected to the protagonist's investigation.

Among the most important is the female detective connected to the murder that begins the story.

The cast is one of the reasons the game feels more like an interactive mystery novel than a conventional puzzle title.

Shu Takumi's Mystery Adventure

GHOST TRICK was created by Shu Takumi, best known as the creator of the Ace Attorney series.

His experience with character-driven mystery storytelling is evident throughout the game.

The emphasis is on:

• Clever dialogue
• Strong personalities
• Unusual situations
• Narrative pacing
• Dramatic reveals
• Puzzle sequences integrated into the story

This makes GHOST TRICK particularly appealing to fans of Ace Attorney and other story-focused adventure games.

HD Remastered Presentation

This iOS release is an HD remaster of the original 2010 game.

The remaster includes improved visual presentation while retaining the distinctive artistic identity of the original.

Rather than simply replacing the game's personality with generic modern graphics, the remastered presentation preserves the stylized look that makes the characters and environments recognizable.

Remastered Soundtrack

The soundtrack received a significant update.

Yasumasa Kitagawa, known for his work on The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, created a remastered 1-to-1 version of the game's soundtrack.

Players can switch between the original soundtrack and remastered soundtrack, allowing longtime fans to experience the music in either style.

Illustrations and Music Features

The remaster also includes additional features beyond the main adventure.

Players can explore:

• Illustrations
• Music
• Remastered soundtrack
• Original soundtrack

These extras provide another way to appreciate the game's distinctive visual and musical style.

Gameplay Overview

GHOST TRICK is primarily a puzzle-solving mystery adventure.

There is no traditional combat system.

Instead, gameplay revolves around:

1. Exploring the environment.
2. Finding objects you can manipulate.
3. Moving between objects as a ghost.
4. Triggering mechanisms.
5. Observing how characters react.
6. Changing the sequence of events.
7. Preventing deaths.
8. Gathering clues.
9. Connecting events.
10. Advancing the mystery.

This structure keeps the focus on observation and problem solving.

Puzzle Design

The puzzles are designed around cause and effect.

You may manipulate one object and cause another event to happen.

That event may then affect a character.

The character's movement can alter another object.

Eventually, the entire sequence can lead to a different outcome.

The fun comes from discovering these chains of events.

How to Play GHOST TRICK

Step 1: Observe the Scene

Look carefully at everything around you.

Step 2: Identify Interactive Objects

Determine which objects can be manipulated using your ghost abilities.

Step 3: Move Through the Environment

Travel between connected objects to reach different parts of the scene.

Step 4: Experiment

Try different actions and observe the results.

Step 5: Understand the Chain Reaction

One action may trigger another.

Step 6: Change the Outcome

Use your abilities to alter the sequence of events.

Step 7: Follow the Clues

Each successful puzzle advances the mystery.

Beginner Tips

Pay Attention to Everything

Small environmental details can become important later.

Think in Sequences

Don't only consider what an object does immediately. Think about what happens afterward.

Experiment Freely

The game encourages experimentation, so don't be afraid to try different interactions.

Watch Character Movements

Characters often provide clues about what needs to happen next.

Follow the Story

Dialogue and events aren't simply filler. They frequently provide important information.

Don't Rush

The best solutions often become obvious after observing the entire scene.

Advanced Puzzle Strategy

Think Backward

If someone is about to die, consider what causes the fatal event and work backward from that point.

Look for Chain Reactions

The strongest solutions often involve several objects rather than one simple interaction.

Study Timing

Some events happen only after another event has been triggered.

Use the Environment

The environment itself is your toolkit.

Remember Previous Events

Information from earlier puzzles can become relevant later in the story.

Controls and Touch Interface

The game is particularly well suited to touchscreen play because much of the interaction revolves around selecting objects and moving between points in the environment.

The original game was designed around touch-based interaction, which makes the mobile format a natural fit.

The App Store release supports iPhone and iPad and requires iOS 16 or later on iPhone and iPadOS 16 or later on iPad.

Game Progression

GHOST TRICK doesn't use a conventional RPG leveling system.

Instead, progression comes from solving story puzzles.

Your progress is measured by:

• Discovering new clues
• Completing supernatural puzzles
• Saving characters
• Learning new information
• Unlocking new scenes
• Understanding the protagonist's past
• Advancing through the chapters

Every solved puzzle moves the investigation forward.

Chapter Structure

The iOS app can be downloaded for free, but the full story requires an in-app purchase.

CAPCOM states that Chapter 3 and the remaining chapters become available through the full-version purchase.

This structure allows players to experience the beginning of the adventure before deciding whether to purchase the complete story.

Difficulty

GHOST TRICK is more about creative thinking than reflexes.

There are no traditional action sequences demanding fast reactions.

Instead, difficulty comes from understanding:

• Object interactions
• Timing
• Character movements
• Cause and effect
• Puzzle logic
• Environmental clues

The game is generally approachable for players who enjoy narrative puzzle adventures, while later situations can require more careful observation.

Visual Style

The HD presentation gives the characters and environments a clean, detailed appearance while retaining the game's distinctive personality.

Characters have expressive animations, and the environments contain numerous interactive objects that support the supernatural gameplay mechanics.

The visual style is colorful and stylized rather than realistic, making the game approachable despite its murder-mystery premise.

Music and Atmosphere

Music is an important part of GHOST TRICK's identity.

The remastered soundtrack provides a richer presentation while preserving the original compositions.

Being able to switch between the original and remastered versions is particularly appealing to returning players.

Technical Details

The technical information is based on Apple's current U.S. App Store listing.

Supported Languages

The current iOS version supports:

• English
• French
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Simplified Chinese
• Spanish
• Traditional Chinese

Storage and Save Data

The App Store lists the application at 1.9 GB.

CAPCOM warns that updates may require additional temporary storage, with update requirements varying between approximately 2.5 GB and 5 GB, depending on the operating-system version.

Players should also be aware that deleting the application deletes its save data. CAPCOM recommends backing up save data before updating.

iCloud Information

Some features require the player to be logged into iCloud.

However, the current App Store information does not describe automatic iCloud save synchronization, so players shouldn't assume that their save progress automatically transfers between devices.

Pricing

GHOST TRICK is free to download with optional in-app purchases.

The current U.S. App Store lists the complete chapter package at $29.99.

This gives players the opportunity to try the opening portion before purchasing the remainder of the story.

Player Ratings and Feedback

The current U.S. App Store listing shows 3.4/5 stars from 47 ratings.

It's worth separating the rating from the game's underlying critical reputation. User reviews on the listing include strong praise for the mystery, characters, creative puzzles and storytelling, while some criticism is directed toward the mobile port and its purchase structure.

One of the recurring positives is that the touch-based gameplay translates naturally to mobile.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Unique supernatural puzzle mechanics
• Excellent mystery premise
• Created by Shu Takumi
• Strong character writing
• Clever environmental puzzles
• Engaging story twists
• First-rate atmosphere
• HD visuals
• Remastered soundtrack
• Original soundtrack option
• Illustrations gallery
• Natural touchscreen controls
• iPhone and iPad support
• Opening portion available before full purchase

Cons

• Full story requires an in-app purchase
• No traditional combat
• Relatively linear adventure structure
• Current App Store rating is mixed
• Save-data management requires extra care
• Updates can require significant temporary storage
• Deleting the app also deletes local save data

GHOST TRICK vs Ace Attorney

Both games were created by Shu Takumi, but their gameplay structures are very different.

Ace Attorney focuses on courtroom investigation, evidence and legal arguments.

GHOST TRICK focuses on supernatural environmental puzzles and manipulating events surrounding deaths.

If you enjoyed Ace Attorney's characters, humor and mystery storytelling, GHOST TRICK is an especially interesting game to try.

GHOST TRICK vs Traditional Mystery Games

Many detective games ask you to investigate crime scenes by collecting clues.

GHOST TRICK takes a much more unusual approach.

You investigate as a ghost.

Instead of simply examining evidence, you can directly manipulate the environment and change events.

That supernatural mechanic is what gives the game its distinctive identity.

Who Should Play GHOST TRICK?

GHOST TRICK is particularly well suited to players who enjoy:

• Mystery games
• Puzzle adventures
• Detective stories
• Supernatural games
• Story-driven games
• Point-and-click adventures
• Ace Attorney
• Character-focused narratives
• Clever plot twists
• Touchscreen puzzle games
• Shorter narrative adventures
• Japanese adventure games

Expert Rating

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GHOST TRICK?

GHOST TRICK is a supernatural puzzle-mystery adventure created by Shu Takumi, the creator of Ace Attorney.

Is GHOST TRICK available on iPhone?

Yes. The current version supports iPhone devices running iOS 16 or later.

Is GHOST TRICK available on iPad?

Yes. The game supports iPadOS 16 or later.

Is GHOST TRICK free?

The app is free to download, but the complete story requires an in-app purchase. Apple's U.S. listing currently shows the full chapters at $29.99.

Who created GHOST TRICK?

The game was created by Shu Takumi, best known as the creator of the Ace Attorney series.

What are the Powers of the Dead?

They are supernatural abilities that allow the protagonist to manipulate objects and influence events from beyond the grave.

Is GHOST TRICK a horror game?

It contains a murder mystery and supernatural themes, but it is primarily a puzzle adventure rather than a traditional horror game.

Does GHOST TRICK have combat?

No. The core gameplay focuses on puzzle solving, environmental manipulation and story progression rather than combat.

Can you save people in GHOST TRICK?

Yes. Manipulating events surrounding a person's death is one of the game's central gameplay mechanics.

Does GHOST TRICK have different soundtracks?

Yes. The remaster includes a remastered soundtrack and allows players to switch between the original and remastered versions.

How much storage does GHOST TRICK require?

The current App Store listing shows an app size of 1.9 GB. CAPCOM also warns that updates may temporarily require approximately 2.5–5 GB of additional space.

Does GHOST TRICK support Game Center?

The current App Store listing does not list Game Center support.

 GHOST TRICK: Phantom Detective is one of those games that is difficult to compare with anything else.

Its central idea—solving a murder mystery after becoming a ghost—creates an adventure built around experimentation, cause and effect and clever environmental puzzles.

The HD remaster strengthens an already distinctive experience with improved visuals, a remastered soundtrack, the ability to switch between original and remastered music, plus additional illustrations and music features.

The biggest attraction is the writing and puzzle design. Instead of relying on combat, grinding or conventional progression, GHOST TRICK keeps players moving forward through curiosity: Who am I? Who killed me? Why? And can I change what happened?

The iPhone and iPad version is also a natural fit for the game's touch-oriented interaction system. The main drawbacks are the paid full version, the current mixed App Store rating and the need to manage save data carefully when updating or deleting the application.

For anyone searching for a mystery game for iPhone, supernatural puzzle game, detective adventure, story-driven iOS game or an alternative to Ace Attorney, GHOST TRICK deserves a place near the top of the list.

Overall Rating: 9.5/10

Official App Store: GHOST TRICK on the App Store

Official CAPCOM Website: GHOST TRICK – CAPCOM