Have You Played: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

The Phoenix Wright games (which encompasses the main series games of Ace Attorney, Justice for All and Trials and Tribulations, and the side-games of Apollo Justice and Ace Attorney Investigations) are a series of what effectively amounts to interactive novels. You play (in the main three games, which I will deal with here) as rookie defense attorney Phoenix Wright, in a simplified legal system where juries are strangely absent, though this is likely due to the games being Japanese based, developed by CAPCOM. In each case you must convincingly argue for your client's innocence by interrogating witnesses and gathering evidence. It doesn't sound all that exciting, and to be honest, if you're looking for fast-paced action, you're not going to find it here outside of perhaps a few high-tension court cases.

Gameplay is split between time in the courtroom, which consists of cross-examinations and evidence-presenting; and time spent investigating crime scenes and talking to people. While this is arguably not a hugely dynamic set-up, it nevertheless sets itself up for some very interesting situations and locales. In the fifth case of the first game (an extra added in when the game was ported from GameBoy to the DS), as well as both spin-offs, more advanced graphics are used, such as 3D manipulation of evidence and using the microphone to blow dust away, which is pretty much all it's ever used for in DS games these days. One of the key gimmicks of the game on the DS (the first is available on GBA, DS, Wii, PC and iPhone, though often only in Japanese) is the ability to yell “Objection!” into the microphone when presenting evidence to the contrary of people's statements.

The area where these games really shine, however, is the writing. At times it is genuinely moving, at others genuinely hilarious, managing to be that rare thing, a video game with natural humour, as opposed to manufactured or gimmicky. The games contain numerous references to Internet culture as well, ranging from the relatively simple exclamations of “OMG WTF H4X” by a particularly nerdy character, to an elaborate set-up for a “This is Sparta!” joke and a character reciting the opening to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Yes, both of those are really in there. But most important of all is the over-arching storylines in each game. Seemingly trivial cases at the beginning of the game can blossom into massive mysterious intrigues. While some of it may seem a little improbable or hackneyed, such as the early death of of Phoenix's mentor and his subsequent quest for justice, it's nevertheless thoroughly enjoyable, and loose ends are nicely tied up at the end of each game.

As already stated, you can get these games on pretty much every platform out there, and I really would recommend you do so. I haven't even been able to cover all I love about this series. If you like classic adventure games, you'll probably love Phoenix Wright.

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