As someone who just started playing Shu Takumi games, I gotta say the consistency and quirkiness of their writing is extremely charming to read through. They have such a natural talent of writing instantly likeable characters you can root for, even beyond just feeling basic sympathy for them after their unfortunate deaths. I often found myself rooting for characters I hardly cared for at the start of the game (like the justice minister lmao). Sissel has quickly risen up as one of my favorite vn protagonists; the cool shades, clean fit, and attitude made me instantly vibe with him (literally me)

Also, oh my god, the music and sound design of this game are fucking perfect. It's so goddamn satisfying to just hop around and fuck with various items as a ghost. Masakazu Sugimori never misses, bro.

As a puzzle game where you solve mysteries as a ghost, using the DS stylus to manipulate objects is such a creative idea; it helps that the execution and puzzles themselves are pretty excelent and satisfying to fuck around with. A minor spoiler, but my only criticism of the gameplay is that when you have two ghosts to manipulate and switch between them, it can make navigating objects a bit tedious, as instead of switching, you only get the option to talk to them. But again, that's only a minor nitpick.

I’m so glad I had the privilege of going into this blind. Not being spoiled on a 13-year-old DS game is insane bro, but I think it speaks volumes to how excellent the story on display is that the entire fanbase could collectively shut the fuck up and not ruin it for newcomers (JJK and CSM fans could learn from them).

I’m not good at writing profound stuff; thats what the reviews under me and video essays are for, but whenever I finish a Shu Takumi game, I end up feeling extremely hopeful. Like things are going to be alright, ya know? his games really hammer home the importance of loved ones, that you can always grow and be better, and I really appreciate that. It's corny, but dammit, I need a little corn in my life sometimes, and ghost trick provided that in spades. I was left feeling very warm when I finished it at 4 a.m.

Anyway, I have a good chunk of Shu Takumi games to go through and need to hop back on Ace Attorney. play Ghost Trick please☺️

STRIKE BACK
GET THEM OUT OF YOUR WAY
(YOU DON’T CARE)
IF ALONG THE WAY IS A LITTLE SACRIFICE
STRIKE BACK
GET THEM OUT OF YOUR WAY
(YEAH)
DON’T MELT IN THE WORLD
FIND YOUR ONE WAY