Ghost in the Shell PS1: How Masamune Shirow Inspired Exact’s Iconic 1997 Game

Ghost in the Shell PS1: How Masamune Shirow Inspired Exact’s Iconic 1997 Game When discussing legendary manga and anime franchises, Ghost in the Shell stands out as a cultural powerhouse.

Created by Masamune Shirow, the property has influenced films, television, merchandise, and, notably, video games.

Among these adaptations, the 1997 PlayStation title developed by Exact holds a special place, not only for its unique gameplay but also for its close connection to Shirow himself. Masamune Shirow’s Ghost in the Shell first captivated Japanese audiences through manga in 1989 before achieving worldwide fame.

In 1997, the franchise made a major leap onto interactive platforms with the release of Ghost in the Shell for the original PlayStation console.

Developed by Exact—the creative team renowned for the innovative Jumping Flash series—the game offered a distinct take on the cyberpunk universe, blending action and exploration in a style that resonated with both fans and critics alike. An intriguing aspect of this adaptation is Masamune Shirow’s direct involvement.

According to an interview originally published in Japanese PlayStation Magazine and translated by Shmuplations, the game’s producer, Tetsuji Yamamoto, revealed that Shirow himself conceived the idea for a video game adaptation.

Yamamoto noted, "Shirow approached Sony Computer Entertainment with his ideas because he admired Exact’s work on Jumping Flash.

At that time, our studio was working on Jumping Flash 2 and other projects, but everyone at Exact was enthusiastic about Ghost in the Shell.

When Shirow brought his plans, we immediately shifted our focus to realize his vision." Shirow’s hands-on approach extended beyond just the concept.

He contributed to both the story and the design elements of the game, ensuring that the adaptation captured the spirit and complexities of his original work.

This partnership proved vital, as the game’s structure borrowed heavily from the fast-paced platforming and first-person gameplay that defined the Jumping Flash series, but with a distinctive Ghost in the Shell flair. Upon its release, the game drew favorable comparisons to Jumping Flash, with critics praising its gameplay innovation and use of polygonal graphics.

Producer Tetsuji Yamamoto even recalled that the working title was humorously referred to as "Shooting Flash," emphasizing its roots in Exact’s earlier successes.

Ultimately, the PlayStation release achieved cult status and is still lauded for the seamless fusion of Shirow’s narrative vision with Exact’s proven game mechanics. Ghost in the Shell’s 1997 PlayStation outing exemplified the creative synergy possible when a revered creator collaborates closely with a talented development team.

Shirow’s active participation not only brought authenticity to the adaptation but also set a benchmark for future collaborations in the Japanese gaming industry. For those interested in gaming history or fans of the franchise, the original interview with Tetsuji Yamamoto remains a fascinating resource, shedding light on how passion and mutual respect helped shape one of the 1990s most memorable game adaptations.

PlayStation PS1 Masamune developer Jumping Flash Ghost in the Shell Masamune Shirow Exact SCE Japanese PlayStation Magazine Tetsuji Yamamoto