[A Link to the Past]

Now, I've killed off the spoiler. Sorry about that. o.o

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (Gyakuten Saiban: Yomigaeru Gyakuten in Japan) is an attorney game, where you play as up and coming attorney named Phoenix Wright, as he defends his client case after case. Throughout the game, he encounters several characters, some who assist him and some who work against him. The game offers various tasks for you to take as you progress through each of the five Episodes, ranging from investigation to pressing witnesses on statements and presenting evidence.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is a remake the first game of a five year old franchise that started on the Game Boy Advance, titled Gyakuten Saiban (literally translated as Comeback Court). There have been two sequels since the original, keeping the gameplay of it intact. Unlike the original, however, the DS remake has several new features. Most noticable of these features, but other than minor cosmetic changes, the biggest difference between the games is the addition of a fifth Episode, which is the only episode to require the touch screen and microphone.

In both Japan and the United States, it did not sell as well as it could have. In Japan, it sold 100,000 copies, compared to the original's 250,000 copies, missing Capcom's expectations to exceed the sales of the original. The reason behind these low sales is attributed to the remake status. In the United States, it has done far worse, selling 9,555 copies in its first month. To start off the review, I must say that I really enjoyed this game. It may be a bit to talkative for some peoples' tastes, but in those texts is a quality storyline.

Gameplay: 10.0

While some may not agree that there is very much gameplay involved, I stand by my opinion that the tons of reading involved, analyzing the testimonies and examining evidence is some of the best gameplay out there. The game mostly takes place in the court house. During the trials, there is a lot of text, and the gameplay does not pick up until you begin cross examination. After the witness finishes their testimony, the Judge will allow you to begin your cross examination.

During Episode 1, The First Turnabout, the gameplay is limited to cross examination of a single witness. Episode 1 was designed to be somewhat simple, similar to a tutorial. Unlike future Episodes, this Episode spans only one day, and does not leave the court house. Throughout the trial, you will learn about various features available to you, such as the Court Record. The Court Record allows you to read about both the evidence and the characters involved in the trial. Once you get to Episode 2, it becomes far more difficult. Instead of merely cross examining a single witness with a small amount of evidence to have to consider, you now have a large laundry list of evidence to use in your cross examination of several various characters. Not only that, but you now must investigate several different scenes for evidence.

The investigation aspect of the game is similar to that of Sam & Max for the PC, except instead of a mouse, you are given a stylus. Two new features were added for the remake. These features are luminol and aluminum powder. The luminol is sprayed onto a certain area by using the stylus to click on an area. If there is any blood, the luminol will make it visible. The aluminum powder is used far more sparingly, however. It is only used at certain points when fingerprints are discovered, and to be used, you must spread it around with the touch screen, and then blow into the microphone to blow away the excess. You must then match up with a matching fingerprint in the Court Record. These features were a very effective use of the touch screen, effectively making it more than just a DSized GBA game. Hopefully, this will be common in future Gyakuten Saiban games.

Visuals: 9.0

As this is a remake of a Game Boy Advance remake from 2000, it is to be expected that it would look inferior to many Nintendo DS games. While it is not a technical achievement, the art and animation is very good, and I would not have noticed any inferiority without knowing that it was once a Game Boy Advance game. However, this only applies to Episodes 1-4. While Episode 5 includes the same art style with characters, there is cel-shading incorporated on several occasions.

Audio: 10.0

The audio quality of this game is excellent. The two speakers really help to bring the music and voice acting to life. The music really helps to liven up the court room battles. When you are cross examining a witness, you are treated with a simple song, but when you find a contradiction in their testimony, you are treated with an uplifting song. It's unfortunate that they did not include a sound test in this remake.

Storyline: 10.0

Along with the court battles, the storyline that builds the gameplay up is what makes the game what it is. In the first two chapters, it is immediately obvious who comitted the crime. The star is Phoenix Wright, an attorney that works for Fey and Co. Law Offices. Phoenix Wright is on his first trial, defending his long-time friend Larry Butz (often referred to as Harry Butz). Larry is on trial for the murder of his girlfriend, Cindy Stone, who worked as a model. A man named Mr. Sahwit apparently discovered Cindy's body, after seeing Larry flee the scene. Winston Payne, the prosecutor for the case, eventually calls Sahwit to the stand.

Once he takes the stand, he gives his testimony as to what he saw. Once he finishes talking, Mia Fey, his mentor, instructs him to look for contradictions in Sahwit's statement. Phoenix must press him on statements or present evidence when a contradiction comes up. For instance, Mr. Sahwit claimed he found the body at 1:00, when the autopsy report said that she had died at 4:00. Phoenix presents the autopsy report, and he will wriggle his way through it and gives his testimony on why he thought it was 1:00. Phoenix keeps presenting evidence proving the contradictions in his statement, and eventually, Mr. Sahwit is proven as the killer, and Larry is set free.

All Episodes after Episode 1 are far more extravagant and lengthy, with witnesses far more difficult to crack. Each Episode introduces a plethora of characters, such as Will Powers (the Steel Samurai), Redd White of Bluecorp., etc. But there are several characters who span most episodes; Phoenix Wright, a defense attorney, Mia Fey, his mentor, Maya Fey, Mia's sister, Miles Edgeworth, the prosecution, Dick Gumshoe, a detective, the Judge and Larry Butz, Wright's friend. Throughout the game, Phoenix will encounter evidence from a case called DL-6. This case is highly important, and is directly related to both Episodes 2 and 4.

Replay value: 8.0

The replay value is the major flaw of the game. Being that it's a pretty linear game, it's to be expected. If you're expecting to replay it over and over again with no breaks, then I'm sorry to say, you might want to lower your expectations. Likely, you will have perfect knowledge of how to beat each Episode the instant you finish. However, like many other games, this is the kind of game that's still amazing if you let it sit until you forget much of the plot. Although, there's still a chance that one might be less forgetful than me.

Overall: 10.0

Overall, this game is the greatest Nintendo DS game and the greatest Capcom game that I have ever played. The only flaw present is the replay value, but even then, after a while, one would likely forget a lot of details, and it would feel almost like the first time you played it. Other than that, however, every aspect of the game is spot on perfect. I would recommend buying this game before all others; it's not like Phoenix Wright will be on the market longer than Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories or Mario Kart DS. A sequel is planned for the Nintendo DS called Gyakuten Saiban 4. However, this game has yet to show any involvement from Phoenix Wright.

[Slade]

It sounds interesting, but technically your overall score should be 9.4, not a ten. They're usually the average of the scores, unless the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. And kudos on your semi-colon use.

[looktothesky]

Thanks for the edited review. Very nicely done. And yes, I totally agree. Awesome game for the DS; probably the best dialogue I've ever seen in a game.

Also, how did you get that animated avatar of 'Gumshoe'? I wanna know...... lol

[A Link to the Past]

#1. Ragh! No average overall score. That ruins the entire concept of a review - clearly, gameplay takes priority over how it looks, so gameplay has more importance in determining the overall score.

#2. I nabbed it off of Gaming-Age Forum, although I wonder if the guy would object to me using his avatar. c_c But you can't have it! Although, there's a Sal Manella avatar, where he's making that disgusting face.

[looktothesky]

#2. I nabbed it off of Gaming-Age Forum, although I wonder if the guy would object to me using his avatar. c_c But you can't have it! Although, there's a Sal Manella avatar, where he's making that disgusting face.

Hmm. I'll find something, no worries. Also, have you seen the TGS2005 Trailer on the Gyakuten Saiban website? It's here. http://www3.capcom.co.jp/ds_saiban/ Just click on the tab on the right, next to the sound button, and play the top video. They have ... voices!? Sure, I don't exactly know what they're saying, but...

[Man-Fish P.I]

Phoenix Wright is an excellent game.
Court Records is a good website for all Phoenix Wright related stuff. I got this avatar there.