DS Review: Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Trials & Tribulations

Judge: Court proceedings will begin for the review of Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Trials & Tribulations for the Nintendo DS. Bailiff, please bring the defendant, sergioalb64, to the stand.

sergioalb64: Your Honor, I would like to testify about this game, and prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is a great end to the series. As this court knows, the Gyakuten Saiban series in Japan was a big hit on the GBA, as much as to grant budget-priced re-releases of the three games for the Nintendo DS in the Land of the Rising Sun. Thanks to that move, Capcom was kind enough to bring the series to America, and it was very well received by many gamers and has become quite a cult classic.

J: What exactly do you do in this game?

s64: Naturally, as in the previous two installments, PW:T&T puts you in the role of Phoenix Wright, an ace defense attorney helping the innocent no matter how bad the situation is. As you investigate crime scenes and their surroundings, collect evidence, question witnesses and suspects, and break Psyche-locks to discover hidden truths, each of the game’s five cases unfolds smoothly and keeps you glued to your DS. The game takes between 15-25 hours to finish, and although it features very little replay value, it remains a great adventure game just like its predecessors. Everything can be intuitively done with the stylus, from menus to scrolling through text and checking the Court Record for evidence and character profiles.

J: And who are these characters?

s64: Whacky and attractive characters easy to get attached to, including Wright’s old friends, an Ace Detective, a mean old man, and a weird man/woman creature of large dimensions. As the story progresses, many of these character’s stories intertwine, and a few of the game’s cases are deeply connected. I would rather say no more to keep this review spoiler-free, Your Honor.

J: I understand. Please testify about the game’s dialogue and translation.

s64: The game’s dialogue remains as clever and comical as it has been, with some really funny moments as well as serious situations filled with intrigue and a passion for law and justice. Each character’s personality is greatly defined by the character’s dialogue, and they are rich and varied. Like many adventure games, this title features a lot of writing and dialogue, ergo players should expect to read quite a lot. As expected, some typos can be found here and there, and voice clips for new characters seem a bit off, but hardly any translation is perfect.

J:What can you tell us about the differences between this game and the previous two?

s64 There are no gameplay additions; it’s more of the same, but as fans know, that’s great, although some extra features would’ve been nice. The game recycles some of the series’ best musical pieces and introduces more, equally great ones, as well as new and intriguing environments for the player to explore. The new cases, locations and characters feel fresh and interesting, as well.

J: I see. Do people need to have a good grasp on the previous two games to enjoy the third entry in the series?

s64: Not at all, although it is advised. The game’s first case, although important, could be considered a tutorial of sorts, introducing players to the basics of courtroom proceedings and the game’s main elements, such as cross-examinations and the Court Record. Most, if not all, gamers with previous Phoenix Wright experience surely won’t want to miss this entry, and anyone interested is encouraged to try the previous two games, especially before playing this one, to get the complete story and full experience, as all three games end up well connected and are all superb titles.

J: Sounds great. What does the future of the franchise look like?

s64: Gyakuten Saiban 4 has been out in Japan for quite some time and is as successful as the previous three games, if not more. The game is currently being translated for American release, hopefully sometime in 2008. This game, which will likely be known as Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, is a brand new game exclusive to the DS, which means it features more intricate touch screen support and added gameplay elements. The fifth title in the series is in development, although no specific platform or release date have been confirmed.

J: Any last remarks before I hand out a verdict?

s64: Your Honor, I have a confession to make. I am guilty…guilty of having played not only a great adventure game, but a superb series altogether, with magnificent design and characters and a story that is involving and very entertaining. Fans of the series agree and any DS owner looking for a great adventure title should look no further, even with no experience on the previous two titles. Phoenix Wright: Trials & Tribulations is everything gamers hoped for and then some, and no objections shall be raised.

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