What Games Do You Hold in Highest Regard, Where a Ghost Is the Protagonist?

[Solivan The Soul]

As the title suggests, I am most curious about games in which the protagonist is a ghost.
Any entity unseen by mortal eyes would be acceptable. Spirits, Phantoms, Angels, or other similar beings are all welcome.

Here are a few titles I’m acquainted with:
- Ghost Trick: As the name implies, the protagonist is a ghost.
- Dragon Quest VI: Not quite a ghost, but certainly adjacent in nature.
- Dragon Quest XI: An angel, invisible at the outset. I consider it close enough.

I tend to prefer games with a strong focus on story rather than gameplay mechanics.
My best regards in advance.

 

[csanjuro]

Geist
Avenging Spirit
Haunting Starring Polterguy

 

[SpcDaicon]

Not exactly the protagonist but I can think of a couple games with a ghost/spirit as a companion

- Beyond Two Souls: The protagonist is followed by an entity (invisible and intangible) that only she can communicate with. You actually control both the protagonist and the entity throughout the game. Being a David Cage game, it is basically an interactive movie and has multiple endings based on your actions and choices. It features Elliot Page and Willem Dafoe.
HEAVY SPOILERS:

Spoiler

It is revealed the entity is the stillborn twin brother of the protagonist, "haunting" her

- The Legend of Zelda Spirit Tracks: Link is assisted by Zelda in spirit form throughout the game

I would list another game but the mere fact of impling something about the protagonist would be a massive spoiler

 

[Solivan The Soul]

Geist
Avenging Spirit

I shall certainly look into them.
From what I’ve gathered, their emphasis appears to lean toward gameplay... Perhaps not unlike Ghost Trick in that regard.

Post automatically merged: Today at 3:20 AM

Not exactly the protagonist but I can think of a couple games with a ghost/spirit as a companion

- Beyond Two Souls: The protagonist is followed by an entity (invisible and intangible) that only she can communicate with. You actually control both the protagonist and the entity throughout the game. Being a David Cage game, it is basically an interactive movie and has multiple endings based on your actions and choices. It features Elliot Page and Willem Dafoe.
HEAVY SPOILERS:

Spoiler

It is revealed the entity is the stillborn twin brother of the protagonist, "haunting" her

- The Legend of Zelda Spirit Tracks: Link is assisted by Zelda in spirit form throughout the game

I would list another game but the mere fact of impling something about the protagonist would be a massive spoiler

Fascinating examples.
I do believe that games in which the protagonist is aided by spiritual entities are not uncommon.
However, those where the protagonist is a ghost remain quite rare.
I appreciate your contribution, nonetheless.

 

[Solivan The Soul]

Haunting Starring Polterguy

Ah, I seem to have overlooked this one.
Its premise appears quite intriguing.
A frightful thanks for the mention.

Post automatically merged: Today at 3:41 AM

Casper: Spirit Dimensions

View attachment 124912

Ah, Casper, the gentle spirit.
There are indeed games that feature this kindly ghost as their star.
Though I do wonder whether they are truly good in spirit.
Many licensed titles, alas, are but a ghost of the glory they might have achieved.

 

[PacGuy]

Final Fantasy 8 if you believe the Squall is dead theory

 

[Questless Knight]

Ghost Trick is the only game that comes to mind that I played where you are a ghost. not sure I would say I hold it in high regards. I do like Ghost trick allot even if I dislike puzzle games because I suck at them but I did beat Ghost Trick on DS.

 

[Solivan The Soul]

Final Fantasy 8 if you believe the Cloud is dead theory

Quite an intriguing perspective.
Though, I would say it leans more toward a revived character than a true ghost, spectrally speaking.

 

[PacGuy]

Quite an intriguing perspective.
Though, I would say it leans more toward a revived character than a true ghost, spectrally speaking.

Depends on how you look at it, if he's dead than what you see of his body would just be his spirit..but then again it means it's all in his head more or less...dunno if that counts either. Unless it's like a purgatory I maybe

Correction: I meant Squall earlier** edited my post

 

[Solivan The Soul]

Ghost Trick is the only game that comes to mind that I played where you are a ghost. not sure I would say I hold it in high regards. I do like Ghost trick allot even if I dislike puzzle games because I suck at them but I did beat Ghost Trick on DS.

Indeed, Ghost Trick possesses a charm quite unique to itself.
Yet, as you noted, it may not represent the pinnacle of what this spectral genre could truly offer.

Post automatically merged: Today at 4:25 AM

Depends on how you look at it, if he's dead than what you see of his body would just be his spirit..but then again it means it's all in his head more or less...dunno if that counts either. Unless it's like a purgatory I maybe

Correction: I meant Squall earlier** edited my post

I see… This theory is deserving of far more love.
A romhack that reshapes the tale to embrace it fully would be truly awe-inspiring.

 

[Flamebeard]

Murdered: Soul Suspect is pretty cool where you're a ghost detective trying to solve your own murder

 

[Solivan The Soul]

Murdered: Soul Suspect is pretty cool where you're a ghost detective trying to solve your own murder

Sounds like the sort of tale I would pursue.
Many thanks, blessed soul.

 

[SpcDaicon]

Now it occurred to me, if we stretch a little, I think these games fit in this category

- Valkyrie Profile: you play as Lenneth, a valkyrie in service to Odin, descending to the mortal realm to collect souls of the dead to fight on Ragnarok. While roaming the land, you will recruit souls of warriors to aid you in battle. It's an rpg so it leans more on gameplay but there are lengthy cutscenes showing how those warriors met their endings

- Valkyrie Profile 2 Simeria: like it's predecessor, you play as a valkyrie and you collect souls to use in battle. This time it's pure gameplay and the warriors you collect along your journey are almost not important as the main cast (all alive).

- Phantom Brave: you play as girl that has the soul of a deceased mercenary as her bodyguard. It's a tactics game but with a visual novel presentation.

Now that I stop to think about it, it's quite rare for a game to have a ghost/spirit as a protagonist.

Anyways, aside from the games mentioned here, I know the Atelier franchise has a ghost girl as a recurring character, Pamela Ibis. Sometimes she is playable but most of the time she is just a shopkepper or a cameo

 

[Solivan The Soul]

Now it occurred to me, if we stretch a little, I think these games fit in this category

- Valkyrie Profile: you play as Lenneth, a valkyrie in service to Odin, descending to the mortal realm to collect souls of the dead to fight on Ragnarok. While roaming the land, you will recruit souls of warriors to aid you in battle. It's an rpg so it leans more on gameplay but there are lengthy cutscenes showing how those warriors met their endings

- Valkyrie Profile 2 Simeria: like it's predecessor, you play as a valkyrie and you collect souls to use in battle. This time it's pure gameplay and the warriors you collect along your journey are almost not important as the main cast (all alive).

- Phantom Brave: you play as girl that has the soul of a deceased mercenary as her bodyguard. It's a tactics game but with a visual novel presentation.

Now that I stop to think about it, it's quite rare for a game to have a ghost/spirit as a protagonist.

Anyways, aside from the games mentioned here, I know the Atelier franchise has a ghost girl as a recurring character, Pamela Ibis. Sometimes she is playable but most of the time she is just a shopkepper or a cameo

View attachment 124915

These are all honorable mentions, and I am grateful for the offering.
Indeed, this genre is so powerful and hauntingly beautiful… yet remains a ghost town in terms of population.

 

[CG4R12I4N]

Moon: Remix RPG Adventure definitely counts I think. You basically play a double inception MC as a boy who got isekai'd into the game he played as an invisible ghost mob in-game, whose job is to find "love" by helping the creatures that were killed by supposedly true MC of the game, the Hero, who destroyed the balance of the game world by doing those things.

Black & White probably fits your bill as well. Though you didn't exactly play as a ghost but more an invisible god hand who rules several populated islands and your developing actions towards the populace basically change how they view you whether as a good god or as an evil god with their worships.

 

[SliperyHippo]

I'm HUGE on Killer 7!
Suda 51 is a visionary and is able to pack his games full of wackiness and political intrigue while still having just enough cool guy energy coursing through the veins (or lack thereof) of the Smith Syndicate to keep you going even when you're totally lost!

 

[CG4R12I4N]

Final Fantasy 8 if you believe the Squall is dead theory

Nah, I'd give you a way better example instead.

Final Fantasy X.

 

[Guinea]

The Outbound Ghost (Switch/PS4)
Restless Soul (Switch/PS4)
Ghost Party (RPG Maker)

Those are the only ghost games I've played, all are pretty good.

 

[Solivan The Soul]

Moon: Remix RPG Adventure definitely counts I think. You basically play a double inception MC as a boy who got isekai'd into the game he played as an invisible ghost mob in-game, whose job is to find "love" by helping the creatures that were killed by supposedly true MC of the game, the Hero, who destroyed the balance of the game world by doing those things.

Black & White probably fits your bill as well. Though you didn't exactly play as a ghost but more an invisible god hand who rules several populated islands and your developing actions towards the populace basically change how they view you whether as a good god or as an evil god with their worships.

Both sound quite intriguing.
I am most grateful, kind soul.

Post automatically merged: Today at 6:11 AM

I'm HUGE on Killer 7!
Suda 51 is a visionary and is able to pack his games full of wackiness and political intrigue while still having just enough cool guy energy coursing through the veins (or lack thereof) of the Smith Syndicate to keep you going even when you're totally lost!
View attachment 124917

Indeed, a great game.
Though the spirit it evokes seems of a different sort.
Still, I have heard many praises whispered in its name.

Post automatically merged: Today at 6:17 AM

Nah, I'd give you a way better example instead.

Final Fantasy X.

I haven’t played it myself, but it does seem to share similarities with Dragon Quest VI.
If that’s the case, it would definitely be up my alley.

Post automatically merged: Today at 6:24 AM

The Outbound Ghost (Switch/PS4)
Restless Soul (Switch/PS4)
Ghost Party (RPG Maker)

Those are the only ghost games I've played, all are pretty good.

They all seem most intriguing.
There are barriers I cannot yet pass with my current abilities.
But I shall write them into my soul, for the time when my reach expands.
A thousand thanks, kind soul.

 

[JustLooking123]

ActRaiser (snes)
You play as a god, and should manage and protect the civilization of humans.

The game is a mix of city building and action platformer.

 

[Solivan The Soul]

ActRaiser (snes)
You play as a god, and should manage and protect the civilization of humans.

The game is a mix of city building and action platformer.

Ah, I have heard of it.
Indeed, a worthy mention. I appreciate.

 

[Isegrim]

If you're going to try Actraiser, you could also consider the improved remake, Actraiser Renaissance.

Like Actraiser, you control a deity. However, the story mode is more detailed and added heroes for each realm with their own backstories and plot which is a plus. But if you're a speedrunner, it might be a minus since there will be lots of unskippable dialogue. In addition to the city building and side scrolling areas, there's also a tower defence part which can be a huge turn off for a lot of people but I personally think it's not that bad once you figure out a certain...umm...technique but you can google for that if all else fails.

It also has one extra new realm the original didn't have. Also, rearranged music from the original legendary composer, Yuzo Koshiro which sounds heavenly.

 

[JPZ]

Final Fantasy X

Beautiful game but still makes me sad to think about some scenes.

Reminds us how everything in our life and the relationships we have with those we love could just vanish as if a dream.

 

[Solivan The Soul]

If you're going to try Actraiser, you could also consider the improved remake, Actraiser Renaissance.

Like Actraiser, you control a deity. However, the story mode is more detailed and added heroes for each realm with their own backstories and plot which is a plus. But if you're a speedrunner, it might be a minus since there will be lots of unskippable dialogue. In addition to the city building and side scrolling areas, there's also a tower defence part which can be a huge turn off for a lot of people but I personally think it's not that bad once you figure out a certain...umm...technique but you can google for that if all else fails.

It also has one extra new realm the original didn't have. Also, rearranged music from the original legendary composer, Yuzo Koshiro which sounds heavenly.

I was unaware of the remake.
I am thankful for the enlightenment.

Post automatically merged: Today at 7:43 AM

Final Fantasy X

Beautiful game but still makes me sad to think about some scenes.

Reminds us how everything in our life and the relationships we have with those we love could just vanish as if a dream.

A frightening thought, indeed.
Yet there are bonds forged by forces beyond description, lasting as eternal as our souls.
Ah… how fortunate to be blessed with such ties.

 

[DrunkGecko]

Call of duty ghosts