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|title = Ghost in the Shell |title = Ghost in the Shell
|image = ] |image = ]
|caption = North American Box Art |caption = North American box art
|developer = Exact |developer = Exact
|publisher = {{Vgrelease|JP=]|NA=]|EU=]}} |publisher = {{Vgrelease|JP=]|NA=]|EU=]}}
|series= '']'' |series= '']''
|engine = |engine =
|producer = Tetsui Yamamoto <br> Yoshimasa Mizuo
|director = Kenji Sawaguchi
⚫ |designer = Hiroyuki Saegusa
|writer = Keiichi Mikihara
|programmer = Hiroshi Yamamoto
|platforms = ] |platforms = ]
|released = {{vgrelease|JP=July 17, 1997|NA=October 31, 1997|EU=July 1, 1998}} |released = {{vgrelease|JP=July 17, 1997|NA=October 31, 1997|EU=July 1, 1998}}
|genre = ], ] |genre = ], ]
|modes = ] |modes = ]
⚫ |media = ]
|ratings = {{vgratings|ESRB=Teen}}
⚫ |media = 1 × ]
|requirements =
⚫ |designer =
}} }}


{{nihongo|'''''Ghost in the Shell'''''|攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL |Kōkaku Kidōtai Gōsuto In Za Sheru|lit. "Mobile Armored Riot Police Ghost in the Shell"}} is a cyberpunk ] developed by Exact for the ]. It was inspired by the original ] by ] in its style, environments and characters. The game was released in Japan in July 1997 and localized for a North American release in October 1997. The European release was in July 1998. {{nihongo|'''''Ghost in the Shell'''''|攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL |Kōkaku Kidōtai Gōsuto In Za Sheru|lit. "Mobile Armored Riot Police Ghost in the Shell"}} is a ] themed ] video game developed by Exact for the ]. The game was originally released in Japan by ] in July 1997, localized for a North American release by ] in October 1997, and released in Europe by ] in July 1998.


The game was inspired by the original manga '']'' by ] in its style, environments and characters. The plot revolves around a nameless male rookie member of Public Security Section 9 and his efforts to stop a terrorist group known as the Human Liberation Front.
⚫ The plot revolves around a nameless male rookie member of Public Security Section 9 and his efforts to stop a group of terrorists known as the Human Liberation Front. The game had received mainly positive reviews for its graphics, animation, and music, including its unusual wall-climbing mechanics with some negative targeting its tedious gameplay and low difficulty.


⚫ The game had received mainly positive reviews for its graphics, animation, and music, including its unusual wall-climbing mechanics, with some negative targeting its tedious gameplay and low difficulty.


==Gameplay== ==Gameplay==
] ] robot scaling a skyscraper and attacking an enemy]]
The player controls a robotic think tank known as Fuchikoma. Players can control the Fuchikoma jump, thrust forward, strave, climb walls, and hang from ceilings. Both ] and ] cameras are available. Night vision is also available to allow players find enemies in dark areas.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Ghost in the Shell Preview|work= ]|issue=September 1997|page=34}}</ref> The camera adjusts position when scaling walls and ceilings for easy maneuvering and switches from first and third person depending on the environment.<ref name=CVG />


Fuchikoma can use two types of weapons: Machine-guns and Bombs. Players have unlimited ammunition for machine-guns however bombs must be found throughout missions and can only obtain 3 at a time.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Ghost in the Shell Preview|work= ]|issue=September 1997|page=35}}</ref> The player controls a "think tank" manned robot known as the ]. Players can control the Fuchikoma jump, thrust forward, strave, climb walls, and hang from ceilings. Both ] and ] cameras are available. Night vision is also available to allow players find enemies in dark areas.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Ghost in the Shell Preview|work=GameFan Magazine|issue=September 1997|page=34}}</ref> The camera adjusts position when scaling walls and ceilings for easy maneuvering and switches from first and third person depending on the environment.<ref name=CVG />

The Fuchikoma can use two types of weapons: machine guns and bombs. Players have unlimited ammunition for machine guns, but bombs must be found throughout missions and can only obtain three at a time.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Ghost in the Shell Preview|work=GameFan Magazine|issue=September 1997|page=35}}</ref>


==Plot== ==Plot==
Players assume the role of a nameless male rookie member of ] who pilots a ] ]. The terrorist organization, Human Liberation Front, claims responsibility for blowing up the Megatech corporation building and Section 9 must resolve the situation. After Section 9 conducts an assault on a warehouse in the bay area, Aramaki announces that they have identified a mercenary known as Zebra 27. Section 9 discovers that someone at the Energy Ministry, named Sawamura, has been in contact with Zebra 27 and has ties to the Megatech corporation. While conducting the raid on the enemy base, the nuclear reactor begins to overload and Motoko attempts to stop it, issuing Batou and the player to proceed to the final area. The final scenes come to a free-fall battle off the top of the building as they player plummets towards the ground. At the end of the game the plot becomes clear, Sawamura had attempted to collect bribes from Megatech and Zebra 27 wanted to take over the nuclear reactor to extort money from Sawamura. At the end, Motoko declares the entire ordeal a training mission for Section 9. Players assume the role of a nameless male rookie member of ] who pilots a Fuchikoma robotic tank. The terrorist organization, Human Liberation Front, claims responsibility for blowing up the Megatech corporation building and Section 9 must resolve the situation.
After Section 9 conducts an assault on a warehouse in the bay area, its chief Aramaki announces that they have identified a mercenary known as Zebra 27. Section 9 discovers that someone at the Energy Ministry, named Sawamura, has been in contact with Zebra 27 and has ties to the Megatech corporation. While conducting the raid on the enemy base, the nuclear reactor begins to overload and ] attempts to stop it, issuing ] and the player to proceed to the final area.
The final scenes come to a free-fall battle off the top of the building as they player plummets towards the ground. At the end of the game the plot becomes clear, Sawamura had attempted to collect bribes from Megatech and Zebra 27 wanted to take over the nuclear reactor to extort money from Sawamura. At the end, Motoko declares the entire ordeal a training mission for Section 9. {{clear left}}


==Cast list== ==Cast list==
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|- |-
| Chief Aramaki | Chief Aramaki
|]<ref name=staff /> |Soichi Ito<ref name=staff />
|] (credited as William Frederick) |] (credited as William Frederick)
|- |-
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|Unknown |Unknown
|- |-
|Additional/Unknown roles |Additional/unknown roles
| |
|Wendee Lee, Jimmy Krakor, Julie Maddalena<ref name=game1 /> |Wendee Lee, Jimmy Krakor, Julie Maddalena<ref name=game1 />
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==Development== ==Development==
The game was in development for one and a half years. Ghost in the Shell was designed and targeted to a mature audicence; the inability to play as Motoko was deliberate to prevent the game appearing to be kids' character-based game. Don Nauert, T*HQ's producer for the English localization of the game, said that aside from dubbing and changing the button configuration, the game was not modified or censored. Kan Ho, producer from ], acknowledged that Shirow was the main designer of the characters and mechs for the game.<ref name="mag1">{{cite journal | title=Official US Playstation Magazine | year=1997 | month=October | volume=1 | issue=1 | pages=108–114}}</ref> The story and character design was provided by Masamune Shirow. At Production I.G., Hiroyuki Kitakubo directed the animation and did the storyboards and Toshihiro Kawamoto was animation supervisor and the in-game character designer.<ref name="staff">{{cite web | url=http://www.productionig.com/contents/works_sp/37_/s03_/index.html | title=STAFF & CAST | publisher=Production I.G. | accessdate=3 September 2013}}</ref><ref name= "ProductionI.G" /> Production I.G had adopted a full digital coloring technique for the video game considered to be groundbreaking in the industry.<ref name= "ProductionI.G">{{cite web|url=http://www.productionig.com/contents/works_sp/37_/index.html|title=Ghost in the Shell|work=Production I.G|accessdate=April 22, 2013}}</ref> The difference in the scenes when compared to the ] stemmed from this difference and the new director.<ref name="mag1" /> The game was in development for one and a half years. ''Ghost in the Shell'' was designed and targeted to a mature audicence; the inability to play as Motoko was deliberate to prevent the game appearing to be kids' character-based game. Don Nauert, ]'s producer for the English localization of the game, said that aside from dubbing and changing the button configuration, the game was not modified or censored. The story was provided by the original manga's creator ]; Kan Ho, producer from ], acknowledged that Shirow was also the main designer of the characters and ] for the game.<ref name="mag1">{{cite journal | title=Official U.S. Playstation Magazine | year=1997 | month=October | volume=1 | issue=1 | pages=108–114}}</ref>
At ], Hiroyuki Kitakubo directed the animation and did the storyboards and Toshihiro Kawamoto was animation supervisor and the in-game character designer.<ref name="staff">{{cite web | url=http://www.productionig.com/contents/works_sp/37_/s03_/index.html | title=STAFF & CAST | publisher=Production I.G. | accessdate=3 September 2013}}</ref><ref name= "ProductionI.G" /> Production I.G had adopted a full digital coloring technique for the video game considered to be groundbreaking in the industry.<ref name= "ProductionI.G">{{cite web|url=http://www.productionig.com/contents/works_sp/37_/index.html|title=Ghost in the Shell|work=Production I.G|accessdate=April 22, 2013}}</ref> The difference in the scenes when compared to the ] stemmed from this difference and the new director.<ref name="mag1" />


==Release== ==Release==
The Japanese release of the game was on July 17, 1997.<ref name= "Megatech Night" /> On the day of its release, a special launch party was held at the Yebisu Garden Hall. The ''Megatech Body Night'' event featured music artists of the video game such as Takkyu Ishino, Joey Beltram, Mijk Van Dijk, and See Gee gen performing live.<ref name= "Megatech Night" /> All who bought tickets also received a 3D papercraft kit of the Fuchikoma.<ref name= "Megatech Night">{{cite web|url=http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/Info/SonyTechno/feature/9707/megatech/index.html|title=Megatech Body Night|work=Sony Music Entertainment Japan|language= Japanese|accessdate=April 21, 2013}}</ref> A Japanese Demo Disc for the PlayStation was also released.<ref>{{cite AV media | title=Ghost in the Shell Playstation Demo Disc (PAPX-90020) | publisher=Playstation | medium=CD}}</ref> The Japanese release of the game was on July 17, 1997.<ref name= "Megatech Night" /> On the day of its release, a special launch party was held at the Yebisu Garden Hall. The "Megatech Body Night" event featured the game's music artists such as ] and ] performing live.<ref name= "Megatech Night" /> All who bought tickets also received a 3D papercraft kit of the fuchikoma.<ref name= "Megatech Night">{{cite web|url=http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/Info/SonyTechno/feature/9707/megatech/index.html|title=Megatech Body Night|work=Sony Music Entertainment Japan|language= Japanese|accessdate=April 21, 2013}}</ref> A Japanese demo disc for the ] was also released.<ref>{{cite AV media | title=Ghost in the Shell Playstation Demo Disc (PAPX-90020) | publisher=Playstation | medium=CD}}</ref>


A special demo disc was released for the game in the first edition of ], which featured the game on its cover.<ref>US PlayStation Magazine - Volume 1 Issue 1, October 1997</ref> The North American release date was on October 31, 1997.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ghost-in-the-shell/ | title=Ghost in the Shell | publisher=Gamespot | accessdate=3 September 2013}}</ref> The European release date was on July 1, 1998.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nowgamer.com/playstation/playstation-reviews/907453/ghost_in_the_shell.html | title=Ghost in the Shell | publisher=Now Gamer | date=1 July 1998 | accessdate=3 September 2013 | author=Nicholson, Gray}}</ref> A special demo disc was released for the game in the first edition of '']'', which featured the game on its cover.<ref>''U.S. PlayStation Magazine'' - Volume 1 Issue 1, October 1997.</ref> The North American release date was on October 31, 1997.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ghost-in-the-shell/ | title=Ghost in the Shell | publisher=Gamespot | accessdate=3 September 2013}}</ref> The European release date was on July 1, 1998.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nowgamer.com/playstation/playstation-reviews/907453/ghost_in_the_shell.html | title=Ghost in the Shell | publisher=Now Gamer | date=1 July 1998 | accessdate=3 September 2013 | author=Nicholson, Gray}}</ref>


==Related media== ==Related media==
An artbook titled {{nihongo|''Ghost in the Shell Official Art Book''|攻殻機動隊 OFFICIAL ART BOOK |Kōkaku Kidōtai OFFICIAL ART BOOK|}} was released by Kodansha on July 4, 1997. It contains scenes used in the video game, concept designs, along with commentary.<ref>{{cite web |title= 攻殻機動隊 OFFICIAL ART BOOK|url= http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3198294 |language= Japanese |publisher=Kodansha |accessdate=2012-11-29}}</ref> Two guidebooks were released. The first one is titled, {{nihongo|''Ghost in the Shell Basic File''|攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL 上巻 ベーシックファイル |Kōkaku kidōtai gōsuto in za sheru jōkan bēshikku fairu|literally "Mobile Armored Riot Police Ghost in the Shell First Volume: Basic File"}} and was released by Kodansha on July 17, 1997.<ref>{{cite web |title= 攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL 上巻　ベーシックファイル|url= http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3292894|language= Japanese |publisher=Kodansha |accessdate=2012-11-29}}</ref> The second one is titled {{nihongo|''Ghost in the Shell Master File''|攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL 下巻 マスターファイル|Kōkaku kidōtai gōsuto in za sheru gekan masutā fairu|literally "Mobile Armored Riot Police Ghost in the Shell Final Volume: Master File"}} and was released by Kodansha on August 29, 1997.<ref>{{cite web |title= 攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL 下巻　マスターファイル|url= http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3292908|language= Japanese |publisher=Kodansha |accessdate=2012-11-29}}</ref> A video titled {{nihongo|''Making of Game Ghost in the Shell All of Digital Animation Video''|MAKING OF GAME 攻殻機動隊デジタルアニメーションのすべて ビデオ|}} featuring interviews on the entire staff of the game. It was released on April 22, 1998 on ]/] and on April 25, 1998 on ].<ref>{{cite web |title= MAKING OF GAME 攻殻機動隊デジタルアニメーションのすべて　ビデオ|url= http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=2088754|language= Japanese |publisher=Kodansha |accessdate=2012-11-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=MAKING OF GAME 攻殻機動隊GHOST IN THE SHELL デジタルアニメー ションのすべて【DVD未発売】|url=http://www.buyuru.com/item_881933_1.html|language= Japanese |publisher=Buyuru |accessdate=2013-04-19}}</ref> *An artbook titled {{nihongo|''Ghost in the Shell Official Art Book''|攻殻機動隊 OFFICIAL ART BOOK |Kōkaku Kidōtai OFFICIAL ART BOOK|}} was published by Kodansha on July 4, 1997, containing scenes used in the video game, concept designs, along with commentary.<ref>{{cite web |title= 攻殻機動隊 OFFICIAL ART BOOK|url= http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3198294 |language= Japanese |publisher=Kodansha |accessdate=2012-11-29}}</ref>
*Two guidebooks were also published by Kodansha. The first one, {{nihongo|''Ghost in the Shell Basic File''|攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL 上巻 ベーシックファイル |Kōkaku kidōtai gōsuto in za sheru jōkan bēshikku fairu|literally "Mobile Armored Riot Police Ghost in the Shell First Volume: Basic File"}}, was released on July 17, 1997.<ref>{{cite web |title= 攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL 上巻　ベーシックファイル|url= http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3292894|language= Japanese |publisher=Kodansha |accessdate=2012-11-29}}</ref> The second one, {{nihongo|''Ghost in the Shell Master File''|攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL 下巻 マスターファイル|Kōkaku kidōtai gōsuto in za sheru gekan masutā fairu|literally "Mobile Armored Riot Police Ghost in the Shell Final Volume: Master File"}}, was released on August 29, 1997.<ref>{{cite web |title= 攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL 下巻　マスターファイル|url= http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3292908|language= Japanese |publisher=Kodansha |accessdate=2012-11-29}}</ref>
*A video titled {{nihongo|''Making of Game Ghost in the Shell All of Digital Animation Video''|MAKING OF GAME 攻殻機動隊デジタルアニメーションのすべて ビデオ|}}, featuring interviews on the entire staff of the game, was released by Kodansha on April 22, 1998 on ]/] and on April 25, 1998 on ].<ref>{{cite web |title= MAKING OF GAME 攻殻機動隊デジタルアニメーションのすべて　ビデオ|url= http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=2088754|language= Japanese |publisher=Kodansha |accessdate=2012-11-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=MAKING OF GAME 攻殻機動隊GHOST IN THE SHELL デジタルアニメー ションのすべて【DVD未発売】|url=http://www.buyuru.com/item_881933_1.html|language= Japanese |publisher=Buyuru |accessdate=2013-04-19}}</ref>


===Soundtracks=== ===Soundtracks===
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Producer = ] | Producer = ] |
}} }}
A series of ] ] for the ] titled, ''Ghost in the Shell: Megatech Body'' were released on July 17, 1997, by ] in several versions.<ref name= "Megatech body">{{cite web|url=http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/Info/SonyTechno/feature/9707/cd.html|title=Ghost in the Shell Megatech Body CD|work=Sony Music Entertainment Japan|language= Japanese|accessdate=October 25, 2012}}</ref> The album was produced by Takkyū Ishino and the tracks were composed by various artists. The first version titled ''Ghost in the Shell: Megatech Body CD.'' is the standard single disc version and the second being a limited version titled ''Ghost in the Shell: Megatech Body CD., Ltd.'' containing an additional second disc and a poster. There is also a limited 2-disc ] edition titled ''Megatech Vinyl Ltd.'' and a second Vinyl promotional ] titled ''Megatech Body. Picture Vinyl., Ltd.''. The soundtracks were named after the fictional ] body manufacturer in the '']'' series. A series of ] album for the game, titled ''Ghost in the Shell: Megatech Body'', were released on July 17, 1997, by ] in several versions.<ref name= "Megatech body">{{cite web|url=http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/Info/SonyTechno/feature/9707/cd.html|title=Ghost in the Shell Megatech Body CD|work=Sony Music Entertainment Japan|language= Japanese|accessdate=October 25, 2012}}</ref> The album, named after the fictional cybernetic body manufacturer in the '']'' series, was produced by Takkyū Ishino and the tracks were composed by various artists.
The first version, ''Ghost in the Shell: Megatech Body CD.'', is the standard single disc version. The second, a limited version titled ''Ghost in the Shell: Megatech Body CD., Ltd.'', contains an additional second disc and a poster. There is also a limited two-disc vinyl ] edition titled ''Megatech Vinyl Ltd.'' and a second vinyl promotional ] titled ''Megatech Body. Picture Vinyl., Ltd.''.


'''Track listing''' '''Track listing'''
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| length5 = 6:42 | length5 = 6:42
| title6 = The Vertical | title6 = The Vertical
| writer6 = Joey Beltram | writer6 = ]
| length6 = 6:28 | length6 = 6:28
| title7 = Blinding Waves | title7 = Blinding Waves
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==Reception== ==Reception==
''Ghost in the Shell'' has received mainly positive reviews, gaining an aggregate rating of 78.50% at ].<ref name="agg_gamerankings">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197447-ghost-in-the-shell/index.html|title=Ghost in the Shell for PlayStation |accessdate=August 16, 2012|work=] |publisher=]}}</ref> Famitsu gave it score of 76.50.<ref name="famitsu-review">{{cite web|url= http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=2361 |title= 攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL |publisher=Famitsu |accessdate= November 30, 2012}}</ref> Joe Fiedler of ] gave the game a 7.3 out of 10. Fiedler said the game's controls are "simple, and most people will take to them like a fish to water" and also praised the animation sequences.<ref name="Gamespot-review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/action/ghostintheshell/review.html|accessdate=August 17, 2012|title=Ghost in the Shell Review|last=Fiedler|first=Joe|work=GameSpot|publisher=]|date=December 10, 1997}}</ref> Adam Douglas of ] gave the game a 8.0 out of 10, stating, "the game mimics its manga counterpart well, and the techno music, including tracks from artists like Derrick May and Hardfloor, is superb," but adding that "the levels aren't incredibly difficult, and don't really encourage replay."<ref name="IGN-review">{{cite web|url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/150/150619p1.html|title=Ghost in the Shell|last=Douglas|first=Adam|work=IGN|date=December 1, 1997|publisher=News Corporation|accessdate=August 17, 2012}}</ref> ''Ghost in the Shell'' has received mainly positive reviews, gaining an aggregate rating of 78.50% at ].<ref name="agg_gamerankings">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197447-ghost-in-the-shell/index.html|title=Ghost in the Shell for PlayStation |accessdate=August 16, 2012|work=GameRankings |publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref> '']'' gave it a score of 76.50.<ref name="famitsu-review">{{cite web|url= http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=2361 |title= 攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL |publisher=Famitsu |accessdate= November 30, 2012}}</ref> Joe Fiedler of ] rated the game a 7.3 out of 10, oping said the game's controls are "simple, and most people will take to them like a fish to water" and praising the animation sequences.<ref name="Gamespot-review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/action/ghostintheshell/review.html|accessdate=August 17, 2012|title=Ghost in the Shell Review|last=Fiedler|first=Joe|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=December 10, 1997}}</ref> Adam Douglas of ] gave the game a 8.0 out of 10, stating, "the game mimics its manga counterpart well, and the techno music, including tracks from artists like Derrick May and Hardfloor, is superb," but adding that "the levels aren't incredibly difficult, and don't really encourage replay."<ref name="IGN-review">{{cite web|url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/150/150619p1.html|title=Ghost in the Shell|last=Douglas|first=Adam|work=IGN|date=December 1, 1997|publisher=News Corporation|accessdate=August 17, 2012}}</ref> '']'' gave it a score of 7/10.<ref>''Playstation Magazine'' Vol.33</ref>

Mark Skorupa of Gamezilla gave it a 81 praising it for its unique mechanics and graphics.<ref name="Gamezilla-review">{{cite web|url= http://gamezilla.com/console/psx/ghost.asp |archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20020206230354/gamezilla.com/console/psx/ghost.asp |archivedate= May 23, 2003|title=Ghost in the Shell (PSX)|last=Skorupa |first=Mark |publisher=Gamezilla |accessdate=November 30, 2012}}</ref> ] gave it a score of 7/10.<ref>''Playstation Magazine'' Vol.33</ref> Jason Faul of Game Vortex praised the game's graphics and easy control.<ref name="GameVortex">{{cite web|url=http://www.psillustrated.com/psillustrated/soft_rev.php/2194/ghost-in-the-shell-playstation.html |title=Ghost in the Shell|last=Faul|first=Jason|work=GameVortex Communications|publisher=Playstation Illustrated|accessdate=October 25, 2012}}</ref> Full-on Ferret of GamePro criticized the game's quality stating, "The game graphics, particularly the buildings and enemies, lackluster at best. The sound effects are bland, and there are no power-ups to be found. Put that all together and you get a very generic video game." <ref name="Gamepro-review">{{cite journal|author=Full-on Ferret| title=Ghost in the Shell|work= ]|issue= November 1997 |page=150}}</ref> Next Generation magazine gave it three stars out of five criticized the game for being tedious, however recognizing that it is still an enjoyable game.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Ghost in the Shell|work=Next Generation Magazine|issue=November 1997}}</ref> Computer & Video Games magazine gave it 3 out of 5 and gave similar criticism relating to its repetitiveness stating, "It was too repetitive to become anything more than a good game."<ref name=CVG>''Ghost in the Shell''. Computer & Video Games Magazine. August 1998 Issue, Page 59.</ref> Gameinformer listed the game as one of the Best Anime and Manga-Based Games to release in English.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/03/20/the-best-manga-and-anime-based-games.aspx?PageIndex=2&PostPageIndex=2|title=The Best Manga And Anime-based Games|publisher=Gameinformer|accessdate=2013-07-06}}</ref> On the other hand, '']'' criticized the game's quality stating, "The game graphics, particularly the buildings and enemies, lackluster at best. The sound effects are bland, and there are no power-ups to be found. Put that all together and you get a very generic video game."<ref name="Gamepro-review">{{cite journal|author=Full-on Ferret| title=Ghost in the Shell|work= GamePro Magazine|issue= November 1997 |page=150}}</ref> '']'' rated it three stars out of five and criticized the game for being tedious, but recognizing that it is still an enjoyable game.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Ghost in the Shell|work=Next Generation Magazine|issue=November 1997}}</ref> '']'' gave it a score of 3 out of 5 and gave similar criticism relating to its repetitiveness, stating, "It was too repetitive to become anything more than a good game."<ref name=CVG>''Ghost in the Shell''. ''Computer & Video Games Magazine''. August 1998 Issue, Page 59.</ref>


The video game also received praise for being able to break away from other games adapted from movies and being original despite being based upon the manga and movie.<ref name=curse>{{cite web|title='GHOST IN THE SHELL' ESCAPES MOVIE CURSE. |work=The Herald News|author=Joliet (IL). Sun-Times News Group|date=1998.|accessdate=2013-04-15|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-0EB095EF38CA2730.html}}</ref> '']'' listed the game as one of the "Best Anime and Manga-Based Games" to release in English.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/03/20/the-best-manga-and-anime-based-games.aspx?PageIndex=2&PostPageIndex=2|title=The Best Manga And Anime-based Games|publisher=Gameinformer.com|accessdate=2013-07-06}}</ref> The video game also received praise for being able to break away from other games adapted from movies and being original despite being based upon the manga and movie.<ref name=curse>{{cite web|title='GHOST IN THE SHELL' ESCAPES MOVIE CURSE. |work=The Herald News|author=Joliet (IL). Sun-Times News Group|date=1998.|accessdate=2013-04-15|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-0EB095EF38CA2730.html}}</ref>


==Notes== ==Notes==
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==External links== ==External links==
* (Japanese) * {{jp icon}}
* {{moby game|id=/ghost-in-the-shell|name=''Ghost In The Shell''}} * {{moby game|id=/ghost-in-the-shell|name=''Ghost In The Shell''}}
* at GameStats * at GameStats

Revision as of 23:01, 12 November 2013

Video game
Ghost in the Shell
North American box art
Developer(s)Exact
Director(s)Kenji Sawaguchi
Producer(s)Tetsui Yamamoto
Yoshimasa Mizuo
Designer(s)Hiroyuki Saegusa
Programmer(s)Hiroshi Yamamoto
Writer(s)Keiichi Mikihara
SeriesGhost in the Shell
Platform(s)PlayStation
Genre(s)Action, third-person shooter
Mode(s)Single-player

Ghost in the Shell (攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL, Kōkaku Kidōtai Gōsuto In Za Sheru, lit. "Mobile Armored Riot Police Ghost in the Shell") is a cyberpunk themed third-person shooter video game developed by Exact for the PlayStation. The game was originally released in Japan by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan in July 1997, localized for a North American release by THQ in October 1997, and released in Europe by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe in July 1998.

The game was inspired by the original manga Ghost in the Shell by Masamune Shirow in its style, environments and characters. The plot revolves around a nameless male rookie member of Public Security Section 9 and his efforts to stop a terrorist group known as the Human Liberation Front.

The game had received mainly positive reviews for its graphics, animation, and music, including its unusual wall-climbing mechanics, with some negative targeting its tedious gameplay and low difficulty.

Gameplay

A Fuchikoma robot scaling a skyscraper and attacking an enemy

The player controls a "think tank" manned robot known as the Fuchikoma. Players can control the Fuchikoma jump, thrust forward, strave, climb walls, and hang from ceilings. Both first and third person cameras are available. Night vision is also available to allow players find enemies in dark areas. The camera adjusts position when scaling walls and ceilings for easy maneuvering and switches from first and third person depending on the environment.

The Fuchikoma can use two types of weapons: machine guns and bombs. Players have unlimited ammunition for machine guns, but bombs must be found throughout missions and can only obtain three at a time.

Plot

Players assume the role of a nameless male rookie member of Public Security Section 9 who pilots a Fuchikoma robotic tank. The terrorist organization, Human Liberation Front, claims responsibility for blowing up the Megatech corporation building and Section 9 must resolve the situation.

After Section 9 conducts an assault on a warehouse in the bay area, its chief Aramaki announces that they have identified a mercenary known as Zebra 27. Section 9 discovers that someone at the Energy Ministry, named Sawamura, has been in contact with Zebra 27 and has ties to the Megatech corporation. While conducting the raid on the enemy base, the nuclear reactor begins to overload and Motoko Kusanagi attempts to stop it, issuing Batou and the player to proceed to the final area.

The final scenes come to a free-fall battle off the top of the building as they player plummets towards the ground. At the end of the game the plot becomes clear, Sawamura had attempted to collect bribes from Megatech and Zebra 27 wanted to take over the nuclear reactor to extort money from Sawamura. At the end, Motoko declares the entire ordeal a training mission for Section 9.

Cast list

Characters Japanese version English version
Motoko Kusanagi Hiromi Tsuru Mimi Woods
Batou Shinji Ogawa Richard Epcar
Chief Aramaki Soichi Ito William Frederick Knight (credited as William Frederick)
Ishikawa Kiyoshi Kobayashi Bob Papenbrook
Togusa Hirotaka Suzuoki Christopher Joyce
Saito Nobuyuki Hiyama Unknown
Fuchikoma Katsue Miwa Unknown
Additional/unknown roles Wendee Lee, Jimmy Krakor, Julie Maddalena

Development

The game was in development for one and a half years. Ghost in the Shell was designed and targeted to a mature audicence; the inability to play as Motoko was deliberate to prevent the game appearing to be kids' character-based game. Don Nauert, THQ's producer for the English localization of the game, said that aside from dubbing and changing the button configuration, the game was not modified or censored. The story was provided by the original manga's creator Masamune Shirow; Kan Ho, producer from Kodansha, acknowledged that Shirow was also the main designer of the characters and mechas for the game.

At Production I.G., Hiroyuki Kitakubo directed the animation and did the storyboards and Toshihiro Kawamoto was animation supervisor and the in-game character designer. Production I.G had adopted a full digital coloring technique for the video game considered to be groundbreaking in the industry. The difference in the scenes when compared to the Ghost in the Shell film stemmed from this difference and the new director.

Release

The Japanese release of the game was on July 17, 1997. On the day of its release, a special launch party was held at the Yebisu Garden Hall. The "Megatech Body Night" event featured the game's music artists such as Takkyu Ishino and Joey Beltram performing live. All who bought tickets also received a 3D papercraft kit of the fuchikoma. A Japanese demo disc for the PlayStation was also released.

A special demo disc was released for the game in the first edition of Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine, which featured the game on its cover. The North American release date was on October 31, 1997. The European release date was on July 1, 1998.

Related media

  • An artbook titled Ghost in the Shell Official Art Book (攻殻機動隊 OFFICIAL ART BOOK, Kōkaku Kidōtai OFFICIAL ART BOOK) was published by Kodansha on July 4, 1997, containing scenes used in the video game, concept designs, along with commentary.
  • Two guidebooks were also published by Kodansha. The first one, Ghost in the Shell Basic File (攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL 上巻 ベーシックファイル, Kōkaku kidōtai gōsuto in za sheru jōkan bēshikku fairu, literally "Mobile Armored Riot Police Ghost in the Shell First Volume: Basic File"), was released on July 17, 1997. The second one, Ghost in the Shell Master File (攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL 下巻 マスターファイル, Kōkaku kidōtai gōsuto in za sheru gekan masutā fairu, literally "Mobile Armored Riot Police Ghost in the Shell Final Volume: Master File"), was released on August 29, 1997.
  • A video titled Making of Game Ghost in the Shell All of Digital Animation Video (MAKING OF GAME 攻殻機動隊デジタルアニメーションのすべて ビデオ), featuring interviews on the entire staff of the game, was released by Kodansha on April 22, 1998 on VHS/Laserdisc and on April 25, 1998 on DVD.

Soundtracks

Untitled

A series of soundtrack album for the game, titled Ghost in the Shell: Megatech Body, were released on July 17, 1997, by Sony Music Entertainment Japan in several versions. The album, named after the fictional cybernetic body manufacturer in the Ghost in the Shell series, was produced by Takkyū Ishino and the tracks were composed by various artists.

The first version, Ghost in the Shell: Megatech Body CD., is the standard single disc version. The second, a limited version titled Ghost in the Shell: Megatech Body CD., Ltd., contains an additional second disc and a poster. There is also a limited two-disc vinyl LP record edition titled Megatech Vinyl Ltd. and a second vinyl promotional Picture disc titled Megatech Body. Picture Vinyl., Ltd..

Track listing

Disc 1
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Ghost in the Shell"Takkyū Ishino6:44
2."Firecracker"Mijk Van Dijk5:25
3."Ishikawa Surfs The System"Brother From Another Planet3:58
4."Spook & Spell (Fast Version)"Hardfloor5:53
5."Featherhall"Westbam6:42
6."The Vertical"Joey Beltram6:28
7."Blinding Waves"Scan X4:44
8."The Searcher Part II"The Advent3:27
9."Spectre"BCJ5:46
10."Can U Dig It"Dave Angel7:17
11."To Be or Not To Be (Off the Cuff Mix)"Derrick May7:01
Disc 2 (Ltd.)
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Fuchi Koma"Mijk van Dijk5:09
2."Down Loader"The Advent6:19
3."Thanato"BCJ3:27
4."Moonriver"Westbam8:09
5."Brain Dive"Mijk van Dijk4:48
6."Spook & Spell (Slow Version)"Hardfloor6:30
7."Die Dunkesequenz"Westbam7:33
8."Section 9 Theme"Brother From Another Planet6:01
9."So High"Dave Angel5:35
10."To Be or Not To Be (The Mix of a Mix Mix)"Derrick May7:03
Vinyl Ltd.
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."A1 - Ghost in the Shell"Takkyū Ishino6:44
2."A2 - Blinding Waves"Scan X4:44
3."A3 - Ishikawa Surfs The System"Brother From Another Planet3:58
4."B1 - The Searcher Part I"The Advent6:26
5."B2 - Can U Dig It"Dave Angel7:17
6."C1 - Firecracker"Mijk Van Dijk5:25
7."C2 - Featherhall"Westbam6:42
8."C3 - Spectre"BCJ5:46
9."D1 - Mysterious Traveler (J.Q.Public Mix)"Derrick May7:00
10."D2 - The Vertical"Joey Beltram6:28
Picture Vinyl Ltd.
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."A1 - Ghost in the Shell"Takkyū Ishino6:43
2."A2 - Down loader"The Advent6:18
3."A3 - Section 9 Theme"Brother form Another Planet6:01
4."B1 - Fuchi Koma"Mijk van Dijk5:09
5."B2 - Spook & Spell (Slow Version)"Hardfloor6:30
6."B3 - To be or not to be (Off the cuff mix)"Derrick May7:00

Reception

Ghost in the Shell has received mainly positive reviews, gaining an aggregate rating of 78.50% at GameRankings. Famitsu gave it a score of 76.50. Joe Fiedler of GameSpot rated the game a 7.3 out of 10, oping said the game's controls are "simple, and most people will take to them like a fish to water" and praising the animation sequences. Adam Douglas of IGN gave the game a 8.0 out of 10, stating, "the game mimics its manga counterpart well, and the techno music, including tracks from artists like Derrick May and Hardfloor, is superb," but adding that "the levels aren't incredibly difficult, and don't really encourage replay." PlayStation Magazine gave it a score of 7/10.

On the other hand, GamePro criticized the game's quality stating, "The game graphics, particularly the buildings and enemies, lackluster at best. The sound effects are bland, and there are no power-ups to be found. Put that all together and you get a very generic video game." Next Generation rated it three stars out of five and criticized the game for being tedious, but recognizing that it is still an enjoyable game. Computer & Video Games gave it a score of 3 out of 5 and gave similar criticism relating to its repetitiveness, stating, "It was too repetitive to become anything more than a good game."

Game Informer listed the game as one of the "Best Anime and Manga-Based Games" to release in English. The video game also received praise for being able to break away from other games adapted from movies and being original despite being based upon the manga and movie.

Notes

  1. The eight voice actors listed on the English credits of the game do not specify roles. For the accuracy of this list, secondary sources are used to verify the respective roles due to the ambiguity of the credits.

References

  1. "Ghost in the Shell Preview". GameFan Magazine (September 1997): 34.
  2. ^ Ghost in the Shell. Computer & Video Games Magazine. August 1998 Issue, Page 59.
  3. "Ghost in the Shell Preview". GameFan Magazine (September 1997): 35.
  4. ^ Ghost in the Shell (Video Game) (CD). Sony Computer Entertainment / Exact. 1997.
  5. ^ "STAFF & CAST". Production I.G. Retrieved 3 September 2013.
  6. ^ "Official U.S. Playstation Magazine". 1 (1). 1997: 108–114. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  7. ^ "Ghost in the Shell". Production I.G. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  8. ^ "Megatech Body Night". Sony Music Entertainment Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved April 21, 2013.
  9. Ghost in the Shell Playstation Demo Disc (PAPX-90020) (CD). Playstation.
  10. U.S. PlayStation Magazine - Volume 1 Issue 1, October 1997.
  11. "Ghost in the Shell". Gamespot. Retrieved 3 September 2013.
  12. Nicholson, Gray (1 July 1998). "Ghost in the Shell". Now Gamer. Retrieved 3 September 2013.
  13. "攻殻機動隊 OFFICIAL ART BOOK" (in Japanese). Kodansha. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
  14. "攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL 上巻　ベーシックファイル" (in Japanese). Kodansha. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
  15. "攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL 下巻　マスターファイル" (in Japanese). Kodansha. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
  16. "MAKING OF GAME 攻殻機動隊デジタルアニメーションのすべて　ビデオ" (in Japanese). Kodansha. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
  17. "MAKING OF GAME 攻殻機動隊GHOST IN THE SHELL デジタルアニメー ションのすべて【DVD未発売】" (in Japanese). Buyuru. Retrieved 2013-04-19.
  18. "Ghost in the Shell Megatech Body CD". Sony Music Entertainment Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved October 25, 2012.
  19. "Ghost in the Shell for PlayStation". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  20. "攻殻機動隊 GHOST IN THE SHELL". Famitsu. Retrieved November 30, 2012.
  21. Fiedler, Joe (December 10, 1997). "Ghost in the Shell Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
  22. Douglas, Adam (December 1, 1997). "Ghost in the Shell". IGN. News Corporation. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
  23. Playstation Magazine Vol.33
  24. Full-on Ferret. "Ghost in the Shell". GamePro Magazine (November 1997): 150.
  25. "Ghost in the Shell". Next Generation Magazine (November 1997).
  26. "The Best Manga And Anime-based Games". Gameinformer.com. Retrieved 2013-07-06.
  27. Joliet (IL). Sun-Times News Group (1998.). "'GHOST IN THE SHELL' ESCAPES MOVIE CURSE". The Herald News. Retrieved 2013-04-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

External links

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