Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is adapted from the game Gyakuten Saiban, which released for the DS in Japan a few months ago. What’s even more interesting is that Gyakuten Saiban was actually the FOURTH game in the series, being exclusive to the Game Boy Advance before its DS excursion. Phoenix Wright is actually a remake of the very first GBA game, and Capcom surprised just about everyone when it was announced a few months back the game would make its way to our shores. After spending some time with the game, I’m even more surprised, but the jury is definitely still out on if this title is truly quality or not.

The concept is interesting, no doubt. Players will take on the role of Phoenix Wright, a rookie lawyer about to take his first case: a murder trial defending his best friend, Larry Butz. Larry is charged with killing his girlfriend, so you, as Phoenix, must defend him by using the power of the courts. You must do this by analyzing evidence, listening to witness testimony, and objecting accordingly. Also, you must strategize and build a strong case against the prosecution. If you’ve seen one of the dime-a-dozen lawyer shows on TV like Law & Order: Yes, We’re Running out of Ideas and The Practice, you pretty much know what to expect here. Players will make use of the touch screen in order to progress thorough the game, which at first may seem like a silly text game in the same vein as Sprung. Don’t be fooled though – there’s a ton of strategy to this game that promises to make it a worthwhile adventure.

The only thing wrong with this game, in my view, is that there really isn’t much that makes this game any different than an average GBA title, as opposed to it being, y’know, a LAWYER GAME. First, there really isn’t much in the way of graphical excellence, as characters are anime-styled with the usual Capcom feel, even complete with corny anime effects and over-the-top sounds. The touch screen will also play a large role in the game, as it will be used to examine evidence, and perhaps some other reasons as well (touch screen gavel-banging?). One thing that is also known is that the game is absolutely hilarious, with the over the top character designs, and tongue-in-cheek names such as a witness named Mr. Sawit (get it? Saw it? That silly Capcom…). While the build that was playable at E3 did not go into any of the intricacies of the game itself, which does not meant at all that this game isn’t looking like a real winner. The verdict will be handed down on Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney when the game hits stores in the fall.

Eric Jones