Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
- October 19, 2005 00:00 AM PST
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is a defense lawyer simulation where you go before judge and jury to attempt to clear your clients of murder.
Text heavy interactive simulations have a hardcore following in Asia, but the genre hasn't fared well on Western shores. Capcom hopes to capitalize on the scarcity of titles in the sim genre by releasing the hugely popular Japanese GBA series Gyakuten Saiban (amply dubbed "Phoenix Wright" here in the States). Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is a defense lawyer simulation where players assume the role of the titular character as he attempts to clear his clients of murder charges.OBJECTION!
Phoenix Wright has a few holes in its case. The control interface entirely revolves around the DS Stylus, and since the game is entirely text based, navigating with it can get really tedious. Additionally, there are only two phases in the entire game. The Investigation Phase allows players to survey crime scenes, interview witnesses, and examine areas for clues. While the Investigation Phase is the meat of the game, the Court Phase is actually where the fun is. Players cross examine witnesses, debunk the prosecution theories, and determine if evidence was planted.
During the Court Phase, you're prompted to sort through witness testimony by viewing a string of dialogue boxes. At each testimony statement, you have the option to press further into the witnesses' statement, to present evidence that contradicts the witnesses' statement, or to proceed to the next dialogue box. However, if you press on recklessly or present useless evidence you'll be penalized by the judge and risk losing the trial.
He Can't Handle The Truth.
While the game engine is solid, a few caveats hamper the overall gaming experience. Ace Attorney unfolds in fairly linear fashion, and if you don't jump through the necessary logic hoops, you'll get hopelessly stuck.
Even with a few inherent design flaws, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is engrossingly fun to play. With a total of 5 individual cases, which are murder mystery plots reminiscent of stereotypical Japanese suspense dramas, Phoenix Wright is definitely worth its day in court.
