We chat about videogames and videogame accessories.

If I recall correctly, at least one of the missions in Ghost Trick contains checkpoints, and while the mission itself is a bit of a special case, I'm not entirely sure why checkpoints could not have been applied to any other mission. If the concern is storytelling (wherein the player might forget what was going on, or the context of the mission as demonstrated earlier), then (for example) the checkpoints might only apply within a single play session. If the concern is that the player might become trapped by having done some sequence of events incorrectly, then the checkpoints should account for that. Maybe make them explicitly event-based, and give the player the option to redo from start if they want more time. I really am not sure a scenario exists (outside of developer time constraints) that would prevent the implementation of such a system.

Strong endorsements towards Radiant Historia! I think it pulls off the time travel in a way that enhances the narrative similar to Groundhog Day and Majora's Mask, though not exactly. It does get a bit nonsensical towards the end, but with the way they handle time travel there wasn't going to be a way around that. Also, as mentioned, just an all-around strong title. Clever battle mechanics, interesting setting, well-written story, Rosch, non-random battles, and... I think a minimum of grinding? It is experience/level based, so there is some, but combat generally holds up such that what is present is usually not a hassle, so far as I remember. I sh'play it again some time, I think.

Also while I'm here I'd like to mention Warcraft: The Gathering is in open beta and I have been enjoying it so far. One of these days I will figure out how to make a decent custom deck, but until then the basic decks seem dang reasonable.