Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ghost in the Shell delivers a distinctive third-person 3D shooter experience by putting you in the driver’s seat of the Fuchikoma, a spider-like AI tank piloted by Major Motoko Kusanagi’s newest recruit. Right from the start, you’ll appreciate the tight, responsive controls that let you switch seamlessly between first- and third-person views. Whether you’re lining up precision shots or surveying the battlefield for hidden threats, the dual-view system adds depth and versatility to each mission.

Combat revolves around a fixed arsenal—an automatic machine gun, homing missiles, and a limited cache of grenades—yet the Fuchikoma’s unique mobility makes up for the lack of weapon variety. You can jump, strafe, scale walls, and even cling to ceilings, turning every enclosed corridor or open plaza into a vertical playground. This agility breathes new life into what could otherwise become a routine run-and-gun affair, as you’re constantly hunting for vantage points and creative pathways to outmaneuver enemy forces.

With twelve missions on the docket, you’ll tackle a balanced mix of objectives: from demolition runs against fortified outposts to stealthier infiltration tasks. Two standout levels employ on-rails shooting, injecting a cinematic pace that contrasts nicely with the freedom of standard missions. While the core mechanics remain consistent, mission design often surprises you with environmental hazards, timed challenges, and hordes of technologically enhanced foes that keep your reflexes on high alert.

Graphics

Visually, Ghost in the Shell leans into its cyberpunk roots with a gritty, neon-tinged cityscape that occasionally feels ahead of its time. The Fuchikoma itself is rendered in crisp detail, its metallic shell gleaming under harsh industrial lighting. Textures on concrete walls, glass facades, and rusted machinery create immersive backdrops that ground the high-tech action in a believable world.

Character models for Major Kusanagi and her squadmates are serviceable, though they occasionally exhibit polygonal edges or slightly stiff animations during cutscenes. These minor flaws are easily overshadowed by dynamic lighting effects during combat—muzzle flashes, missile trails, and explosion glows all help accentuate the sense of urgency in firefights. Weather and time-of-day variations in later levels further diversify the visual palette, ranging from rain-soaked streets to sun-drenched rooftop chases.

Performance holds up admirably on most platforms, with only occasional frame dips when large numbers of enemies converge on-screen. Load times between missions are reasonable, allowing you to dive back into the action quickly. While not a graphical showcase by today’s standards, the game’s art direction and environmental design still resonate with fans of the genre and uphold the source material’s futuristic aesthetic.

Story

Ghost in the Shell draws its narrative directly from Masamune Shirow’s original comic, focusing on Major Motoko Kusanagi and her elite anti-terrorist squad rather than adapting the popular Mamoru Oshii film. You step into the role of a rookie operative, witnessing firsthand how cybernetic enhancements shape both the heroes and villains of this near-future metropolis. The game’s plot kicks off with routine tech-crime investigations but soon unravels a deeper conspiracy centered around Aereopolis II, a massive skyscraper with secrets that threaten global stability.

The writing captures the philosophical undertones of Shirow’s work, occasionally pausing to ponder the blurred line between human consciousness and artificial intelligence. Dialogues between team members feel authentic, showcasing camaraderie, professional banter, and the occasional moral quandary faced by cyborg officers. As you progress through the twelve missions, bits of lore emerge through data logs, intercepted comms, and briefing cutscenes, painting a fuller picture of the power struggles at play.

While the narrative pacing can ebb and flow—some missions feel more like mechanical objectives than story beats—the climax around Aereopolis II delivers a satisfying payoff. Confrontations with rogue AI units and shadowy corporate operatives elevate the tension, culminating in high-stakes decision points that underscore the game’s thematic core: in a world of machines, what does it mean to be truly alive?

Overall Experience

Ghost in the Shell stands out as a niche title for fans of mech-based shooters and cyberpunk lore. Its focus on the Fuchikoma’s extraordinary mobility and tactical versatility sets it apart from more conventional tank or infantry games. The blend of on-rails and free-roam missions keeps the gameplay loop from feeling stale, even if the limited weapon loadout may frustrate players seeking frequent gear upgrades.

Graphically and narratively, the game honors Masamune Shirow’s vision, delivering a cohesive world filled with technological marvels and existential quandaries. While the visuals don’t push modern hardware to its limits, they offer a consistent style that complements the game’s mood. Storytelling is strong enough to engage newcomers, though long-time Ghost in the Shell aficionados will appreciate the deeper references to the original comic’s themes.

Ultimately, Ghost in the Shell offers an engaging ride through a dystopian future, guided by one of anime’s most iconic protagonists. If you’re drawn to agile mech combat, futuristic detective work, and philosophical storytelling, this title is well worth exploring. Its minor flaws are overshadowed by the thrill of scaling walls in a mechanized tank and unraveling a conspiracy that questions the very nature of intelligence—artificial or otherwise.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10