-“My name may be Wright, but that doesn’t mean that I always am! The game would make no sense if I was always right!”
/dies
I’ve always wanted to write that (I’m sorry for my lame puns). Anyway, this is the awaited Phoenix Wright game review I’ve dreamed of doing ever since I’ve created this blog. I’m not confident of my writing, which is why it took so long for me get this out and say: “To heck with it, let me try at least once!”
For those who do not know this series that first came out on Game Boy Advance before being re-released on DS, Phoenix Wright is the story of a fresh new defense attorney who solves cases alongside his partner, Maya Fey, who is also the younger sister of Phoenix’s mentor, Mia Fey.
Look Nick, look! We’re playing ourselves! How cool is that?
I appreciate the game for its close resemblance to a visual novel game: You play as Phoenix and you walk around to find clues and interact with the other characters in order to get more information concerning the case you’re working on. Depending on the cases, you meet new characters: every one of them wacky and unique in their own way.
Being the scaredy-cat I am, the murder cases always freaked me out.
There’s also another segment that makes the game what it is: You play in court. I never thought that I would enjoy playing a game where you play in court, but the deep cases worthy of what you would find in a detective novel written by a true author keep you at the edge of your seat.
The court segment is the tricky part of the game: Make the right decisions, present the evidence at the right time, and figure out what the witness is hiding from you. Be careful, you don’t have many chances if you ever make an error.
Along with the first game Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, there are two sequels to the game: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice for All and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations. For the latter game, I truly applaud the developing plot in it where you find out more about the main characters’ dark pasts, but I won’t spoil you since there isn’t any fun in doing that :P
I want to be on Pheenie’s lap too~ And Edgeworth, don’t you point at me with that Wiimote!
The series also has spin-off games with Edgeworth, Phoenix’s rival and childhood friend, as the main character. I’ve heard the games have a segment similar to a game of chess, but I have yet to see it with my own eyes.
Along with the spin-offs came another title released on DS and Wii where you play a new defense attorney, Apollo Justice. Regardless of the good critics from Japan, the game isn’t very liked among the fans of Phoenix Wright that I’ve met. It’s disappointing, really. I like Apollo Justice and the new characters, though I have to admit I understand the main reason (and ultimate spoiler) why most fans are mad about it.
Apollo (the one in red) is so adorkable~
Luckily for the fans, a new game will be released soon (Unfortunately on 3DS), a crossover with the famous Professor Layton titled: Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright.
-insert gigglesnort-
I’ve read that the original creator of the Phoenix Wright games will be the one writing the scenario. This promises to be very interesting…
My notes:
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: 8/10
A great introduction to a great series. I almost cried when I played the second case, and the fifth case was epic in every way.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice for All: 6.5/10
The least memorable game of the series regardless of the intriguing cases.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations: 9/10
The key to unlocking the dark pasts of Maya’s family and Phoenix’s life. A very, very recommended game. In this game you meet the best Phoenix Wright villain ever. Also, do not play this at night if you’re sensitive.
What is this "Culture" you speak of? 