OBJECTION!: Ace Attorney Series Review

Capcom first introduced the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney series with its first release on October 11, 2001. [1] Although it is a popular series, it does not yet have the widespread popularity that similar series such as Mega-Man, or Zelda have been able to attain.
The series has showed great prosperity however, even having a shortage during one of the North American releases due to such an unexpectedly high demand. [2]

The series certainly features an interesting cast of characters, including a coffee addict named Godot who always finds a way to reference coffee to all of life’s situations.

“…Add the pureness of milk to the perfect, clear darkness of coffee. Stir.That is the state of the witness’s mind right now – a cup of café au lait Mr. Trite’s words are the milk and you are the spoon, Your Honor.” -Godot

The first half of the series follows the life of a novice lawyer by the name of Phoenix Wright. After the death of his mentor Mia Fey, Mr. Wright undergoes tremendous character development and his desire for justice grows stronger. His goal is to protect those who are innocent – and most of all, to uncover the truth. To do this he takes up a position as a defense attorney, conducting detective-like investigations. This leads him into a variety of cases, and into an association with his mentor’s daughter, Maya Fey: a fun-loving, childish, 18-19 year old girl, who becomes his assistant. As the story progresses, so too does the complexities of its mysteries and the addition of characters. Sherlock Holmes related-situations and references (in both content, and dramatic intellectual battles) also tend to sprout up throughout the series, providing a somewhat familiar environment, with the same appealing suspense and deductive reasoning. There is however, one thing Sherlock Holmes did not do – and that is engage in courtroom proceedings. A majority of the games consist of dramatic courtroom battles, with finger-pointing galore and the yelling of “OBJECTION!” and “TAKE THAT!” (for which the series has been popularized as well as parodied).
Soon we are introduced to Miles Edgeworth, the childhood friend and rival to Phoenix Wright. It becomes evident that he will play an important part in the development of the series’ plot and continuation, as much “screen-time” is dedicated to his personal development. Edgeworth is most likely one of the top fan-favorites, with his higher-than-thou bearing, restrained emotions, and cold intellectual glares – yet bursts of kindness, humility, and realization of truth. Most likely due to his popularity, another official series, entitled Ace Attorney Investigations, has been developed with Edgeworth as its chief protagonist. As opposed to the original Ace Attorney Series, less or virtually no time is spent in courtroom battles, with a primary focus on crime scene investigations – it also holds a greater resemblance to Sherlock Holmes.

Game play throughout the series is quite consistent, with definitive similarities such as:

→ Cross-Examinations: Cross examinations are typically the interrogation of a witness – typically inquiring of their testimony regarding the given crime, and revealing any inconsistencies with solid proof. Cross Examinations prove to be major road blocks in both series and allow for much progress to be made when solved.
And…
→ General Investigation: During a general investigation of the crime scenes, Miles Edgeworth and Phoenix Wright typically act the part of a CSI investigator (usually getting in the way of the official investigators – or in the case of Miles Edgeworth, using them to gather evidence), checking the scene for clues, obtaining an autopsy for whoever seems to be in charge, a bit of randomness here and there, and so on. This takes up quite a bit of game time. When you find a clue or obtain a particularly noteworthy testimony, it is added to the Court Record or your personal organizer, from which you may present proof the courts or identify the lies in a witnesses’ testimony.

Content-wise, the series is generally rated T for Teen, due to the graphic nature of the crimes entailed (which are typically murder). There is however, never any intense violence, as everything is handled with an abundance of ambiguity. For example, at the beginning of each case (there are around 4+ cases per game, which are connected at the end to one focal point) the crime which will form the basis of the plot will be displayed in the form of a simple animation sequence. To show that someone has been “disposed of” there may be a foreboding pool of crimson. The fact that you typically review the site of the autopsy also brings about a plethora of disturbing images which are unfit for young children. In the series however, most of these sequences are brief, and the graphic nature quite minimal – though some of the installments are of differing extremities than that of the others. Generally content is made up of problem solving testimonies, and court room battles.
Upcoming Games :[3 – 4]

→ Ace Attorney Investigations 2
[for the DS/DSi/3DS]: The first installment was more than hoped for, and I hope to say the same of its sequel! Starring the fan-famous Miles Edgeworth, this series is composed most brilliantly with solid storylines, amusing and complimentary soundtracks, and a host of uniquely developed characters. A sample of the game is available to play, though it is in Japanese, it provides some general insight of what the game will look like (though the North American version is most likely subject to revision), you may find the sample at the Official Site. (North American Release: TBA 2011).

→ Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney [3DS]:
The ultimate showdown! Puzzle Master Professor Layton meets Ace Attorney Phoenix Wright! This dynamic duo must face off against the dastardly Story Teller (Ed. Just strikes fear into your heart, doesn’t it?) who is evil for some reason… unknown to some of even the most informed gamers. With this blockbuster-game is accompanied a very impressive soundtrack. Two of the soundtracks may be heard at the Official Site, which is in the form of a virtual book. Also available is an animated trailer for the game and some screen shots (North American Release: TBA 2011).