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Missile (Ghost Trick)

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Missile
Stylized art of Missile, a Pomeranian dog
Missile in Ghost Trick
First appearanceGhost Trick: Phantom Detective (2011)
Created byShu Takumi

Missile (Japanese: ミサイル, Hepburn: Misairu) is a character in Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective. He is a Pomeranian dog who first meets the protagonist, Sissel, after he is killed and becomes a ghost. After Sissel saves his life, he further assists him in his quest while attempting to keep his owners, Lynne and Kamila, safe. He is based on director Shu Takumi's dog of the same name and breed. He has been a popular character among fans and critics, identified as one of the best dogs in games and a highlight of the Ghost Trick cast.

Appearances

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Missile appears in Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective as the supporting character to the protagonist, Sissel, a man who has recently been murdered and is trying to learn who he is and why he died. Sissel discovers that he has the power to go back four minutes before someone's death to potentially save them. He uses this to prevent the death of a woman named Lynne, who then went back to her own apartment. Sissel is assisted on this quest by a ghost inhabiting a desk lamp called Ray, who tells him that he has only until the end of the night before he disappears forever, using that to set him on his quest to travel to the apartment through the phone lines.

In this apartment, Sissel finds a girl tied up, a dead dog, and a man with a gun. Sissel helps Missile survive his death, and Kamila goes to the park. Missile follows, but is ultimately killed, and as a ghost, gains the ability to swap objects of the same size. Once he and Sissel reunite, they use their powers to help save multiple people's lives. They eventually find a man named Yomiel, who looks like Sissel. Yomiel turns out to have died ten years prior, but is stuck in a state of both life and death due to being struck by a fragment of a meteorite, which causes people to gain powers as ghosts when they die in its proximity. Missile and Sissel go four minutes before Yomiel's death, causing the events of the game to not happen.

Before the timeline is changed, Sissel is visited by Ray, who reveals himself to be Missile, but much older. He reveals that he once attempted to prevent the events of that night from happening, gaining the powers of the dead because in this timeline, he was killed in Yomiel's presence. However, he couldn't travel the telephones like Sissel could, and Sissel refused to help. Thus, Missile couldn't save anyone, and went four minutes before Yomiel's death. He then spent ten years waiting, ultimately manipulating Sissel by lying about things to trick him into helping. In the new timeline, the younger Missile once again appears as the family pet.

On the official Ghost Trick remaster website, a short story was released, titled Encounter with a Missile, which detailed how Missile came to live with Kamila and Lynne.[1]

Concept and creation

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Missile was created for Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, initially included in a test demo for the game. This demo, which was built around ensuring that a girl survives her death, did not originally include him, but was included later after director Shu Takumi thought about who might die in her place. After this, the staff deliberated on the type of dog, with the first thing to come to mind for Takumi being a Pomeranian. While Takumi has a Pomeranian named Missile, he noted that he did not make it a Pomeranian so he could include his own dog. However, the way he imagines his dog was used in the creation of Missile's character. His animation was handled by Sayuri Shintani.[2] Because Pomeranians have fluffy fur, his model was difficult to animate in 3D.[3] Ghost Trick producer Shingo Izumi called Missile his favorite character, recounting how he always smiles when he sees a Pomeranian.[4] A Shiba Inu named Missile appeared in the Ace Attorney series also named Missile, which was based on Takumi's dog as well.[citation needed]

Merchandise

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Missile has received multiple pieces of merchandise, including a muffler towel depicting him.[5] A Missile-themed pillow was given away to winners of an official Capcom Twitter campaign.[6] He is featured on a Ghost Trick T-shirt, along with Sissel, Lynne, and Kamila.[7] An original song was originally produced for the game's three-year anniversary in 2014, titled "I'm a Missile". This track was composed by the game's director, Shu Takumi, Along with the Ghost Trick remaster in 2023, a remaster of this song was also released, titled "I am Missile Captune/CAP-JAMS feat.Takshu".[1] Missile was also featured as part of a set of stickers found on the Line messaging app.[8]

Reception

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Missile has received positive reception, receiving significant praise in many reviews of Ghost Trick and being identified as one of its highlights by multiple critics.[14] Siliconera writer Stephanie Liu stated that she heard "play this game for Missile" a lot.[12] According to Janet Hsu, one of the game's English localizers, Missile outshone Sissel, being among the most beloved characters in the game.[15] IGN writer Sigh regarded him as a standout among the cast, while Power Unlimited staff felt that he overshadowed the protagonist and stole the hearts of all Ghost Trick players.[16][17] Famitsu writer Arimichi felt that Missile embodied a pet dog well due to how caring he was, saying that they were happy with the Ghost Trick remaster due to being able to meet Missile again. He considered him one of his favorite characters, and felt he was among the most popular characters in the game.[18] GameSpot writer Chris Watters discussed how endearing Missile was to him, citing the way his dialogue is expressed in capital letters and screen shaking as well as his devotion to his owners for this. He considered Missile one of the character highlights of 2011.[19] Fellow GameSpot writer Shaun McInnis also considered Missile a highlight of the game, believing that any game that featured Missile would automatically enter his top 10 games of any year.[19]

PCGamer writer Jody Macgregor called him the best dog in video games, a sentiment shared by GamesRadar+ staff, who regarded him as one of the best characters of its generation. Macgregor felt that he was part of why Ghost Trick became a "cult classic."[20][21] Hobby Consolas writer also felt Missile was one of the best dogs in video games, noting that Missile stood out among a strong cast in Ghost Trick.[22] Meristation writer Will van Dijk felt that, more than other characters, Missile exemplifies the humor and character in Ghost Trick.[23] Anime News Network writer Jean-Karlo Lemus remarked on the passing of the dog Missile was based on, stating that Missile would stay in people's hearts forever.[24]

Destructoid writers Chad Concelmo discussed his love Missile with Concelmo feeling that he had a lot of personality. He also remarked about how surprising it was that he was so "complex and vital" to the plot due to how that was rarely the case with dogs in video games. He appreciated that he became a playable character, commenting that he hasn't loved a video game character as much as Missile in a long time. The revelation near the end of the game was also discussed, with Concelmo remarking that it made him sad to think of life without his own dog.[9] Fellow Destructoid writer Allistair Pinsof considered him one of the best new characters of 2011, noting that while the game had multiple great character Missile stood out due to his loyalty and being "too adorable for his own good."[25] GamesRadar+ writer Anthony John Agnello felt that Missile is what made Ghost Trick "so wonderfully distinct," feeling that Missile's quest to save his family by remaining a ghost helped elevate him. He also wished to see Missile get a starring role in any kind of video game, whatever it may be.[26]

Reference

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  1. ^ a b "『ゴースト トリック』オリジナルソング『ボクはミサイル』のアレンジ版が公開。ミサイルとカノン、リンネの出会いを描いたショートストーリーも解禁". Famitsu (in Japanese). August 7, 2023. Archived from the original on February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  2. ^ Tsuchimoto, Manabu (August 6, 2010). "『ゴーストトリック』開発後期onインサイド(第2回)・・・サウンドとアニメーションの舞台裏". Inside Games (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 20, 2019. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  3. ^ Katata, Hikaru (June 30, 2023). "祝発売！「ミサイルは『ゴースト トリック』そのものだったように思います」。巧舟＆移植版プロデューサー＆ディレクターに秘話満載のインタビュー". Famitsu (in Japanese). Archived from the original on July 12, 2023. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  4. ^ "「原作版『ゴースト トリック』はプレイヤー満足度が非常に高かった。普遍的なおもしろがある、それが移植の理由です」。発売を前にP＆Dにインタビュー". Famitsu (in Japanese). June 13, 2023. Archived from the original on February 13, 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  5. ^ "『モンスターハンター』『ストリートファイター』などカプコンの人気ゲームが各種グッズ化！マフラータオル、グラスジョッキなどが7月10日（月）までキャラアニにて予約受付中！". Dengeki (in Japanese). July 7, 2023. Archived from the original on February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  6. ^ "『ゴースト トリック』名犬ミサイルクッションが抽選で当たるTwitterプレゼントキャンペーンがスタート！2月15日まで". Famitsu (in Japanese). February 12, 2023. Archived from the original on February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  7. ^ "【Amazon】『スト6』墨絵の春麗Tシャツなどカプコン公式アパレルに新作が登場。『ドラゴンズドグマ 2』『逆転裁判456 王泥喜セレクション』など注目の最新作のデザインも". Famitsu (in Japanese). June 18, 2023. Archived from the original on February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  8. ^ "『ゴースト トリック』アニメーションつきLINEスタンプが登場。ミサイルや踊り続ける看守、ワケあり別居中なあの夫婦など全24種類". Famitsu (in Japanese). June 13, 2023. Archived from the original on February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  9. ^ a b Concelmo, Chad (March 8, 2011). "Two dudes talk about how much they love Missile". Destructoid. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  10. ^ Silbert, David (June 27, 2023). "Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective (Remaster)". RPGFan. Archived from the original on June 27, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  11. ^ Diver, Mike (February 2, 2017). "Why 'Ghost Trick' Is the First Game I've Finished in 2017". Vice. Archived from the original on May 6, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  12. ^ a b Liu, Stephanie (June 28, 2023). "Review: Ghost Trick on Switch's a Spiritual Experience". Siliconera. Archived from the original on January 22, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  13. ^ Gudmundson, Carolyn (January 12, 2011). "Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective review". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on July 20, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  14. ^ See Destructoid,[9] RPGFan,[10] Vice,[11] Siliconera,[12] and GamesRadar+[13]
  15. ^ Perlee, Ben (July 21, 2010). "Destructoid interview: Ghost Trick's Shu Takumi". Destructoid. Archived from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  16. ^ Sigh (June 13, 2023). "13年の歳月を経て蘇った名作は当時と変わらぬ輝きを放っていた ミステリーADV『ゴースト トリック』リマスター体験版をプレイ". IGN (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  17. ^ "De drie beste robohonden in gaming!". Power Unlimited (in Dutch). Vol. 25. 2017. p. 32.
  18. ^ Arimichi (June 28, 2023). "『ゴースト トリック』先行レビュー。13年の時を経て名作が高解像度でヨミガエル。猪突猛進犬ミサイルがとにかくかわいい". Famitsu (in Japanese). Archived from the original on February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  19. ^ a b Watters, Chris (January 3, 2012). "Personal Perspectives: The Top Ten of 2011". GameSpot. Archived from the original on December 10, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  20. ^ Macgregor, Jody (November 3, 2022). "Ghost Trick, which has the best dog in videogames, has been rated for PC in Korea". PCGamer. Archived from the original on February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  21. ^ "Best game characters of the generation". GamesRadar+. October 11, 2013. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  22. ^ Escribano, Javier (June 27, 2023). "Análisis de Ghost Trick: Detective Fantasma, una joya del creador de Ace Attorney que resucita en Switch, PS4, Xbox y PC". Hobby Consolas (in Spanish). Archived from the original on January 22, 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  23. ^ van Dijk, Will (March 30, 2012). "Truco maestro". MeriStation (in Spanish). Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  24. ^ Lemus, Jean-Karlo (February 10, 2023). "This Week in Games: The First Nintendo Direct of 2023". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 20, 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  25. ^ Pinsof, Allistair (December 16, 2011). "Best of 2011: Favorite New Characters". Destructoid. Archived from the original on February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  26. ^ Agnello, Anthony John (April 13, 2016). "12 dead characters that deserve new life". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
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