The DS has hosted some odd ball games in, most of which we will never see. Developers rarely try new types of games and a lawyer game was unexpected to say the least. Yes, that's right, a lawyer game. While a popular series in Japan (under a different name), Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is the first to make it to the North American market. Does this game justify itself? On to the evidence!
As rookie attorney Phoenix Wright, you will have to learn the paces in the rough world of a defense lawyer. Phoenix will face the most ruthless prosecutors in five scenarios to prove his client's innocence or lose the trial. As the player, you must carefully consider the evidence and testimonies to find holes or contractions in support of your case.
For each trail, a lot of things must be done. Investigating crime scenes, asking questions, researching files, and snooping around all come with the job. For the first 4 scenarios, you do little more visit locations and selection an option. From the court room to the crime scenes, a majority of the game proposes a multiple choice question for you to answer. It doesn't sound like much but the game really does have some charm to it. You can actually say "Objection!" to your DS to make Phoenix object during trials! It plays out like those old 'choose your own adventure' books. And the game does involve careful thinking and time.
Why have I excluded the fifth scenario thus far? Well, the fifth scenario was a new addition to the NA version of the game. Unlike the first four, the fifth scenario makes some good use of the DS's touch and two screens. The gameplay is similar to the first four scenarios but a bit more active on the player's part. The fifth scenario also shows the weakness of the first four: they feel like they belong in a GBA game.
The game can prove fun and addicting for those with patience. If you're not the thinking type, then stay far away from this game. The game consists of mostly text based conversations and options, requiring the player to keep sharp about evidence, testimonies and location analysis. You have to know the right time to present or say things or face a penalty (luckily, you can save at almost any time). The linearity of the game really helps to reduce frustration because sometimes things get out of hand. Each trial plays a part around some key characters which all tie to Phoenix and his profession.
The length of the game depends on a lot of factors though it should easily last over 10 hours. The 'trial and error' tactic will come into play and does help the replay a bit. But once completed, there's nothing to go back to. On the audio and visuals side, the game fails to impress. While the art looks neat, the game uses animation stills and backdrops for almost all of the graphics (again, expect in parts of the fifth scenario). The audio sounds bland and the soundtrack lacks variety, though the music is fitting. While not impressive, the graphics and sound get the job done and add to the book-ish style of the game.
Even though the game appears to be a chore, it simplifies things enough so that they player does not become overwhelmed. A combination of adventure, story, mystery, and detective gameplay drive to create a very distinctive game. The presentation might not make use of the DS's hardware but the gameplay is solid.
Final words: For the patient gamer not afraid to use his or her brain, Phoenix Wright provides a satisfyingly different experience.
-Vinny
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