As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must say that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection has certainly piqued my interest. Coming off the heels of the Phoenix Wright Trilogy, this spin-off series offers a refreshing change of pace while still maintaining the core gameplay mechanics that make the franchise so beloved.
At first glance, Ace Attorney Investigations Collection might appear to be another series sequel released within a year. While it’s accurate to label it as such, this newest compilation stands out uniquely. The character Miles Edgeworth is distinct from Phoenix Wright, and that difference is evident throughout these games. However, this spin-off collection excels in both innovative and familiar aspects, making the experience even more enjoyable with added fun features.
Opening argument
The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection gathers both the titles Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth and Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Gambit. While one of these games might be recognizable to Nintendo DS owners, since the latter was exclusively released in Japan. This collection, therefore, seems more enticing than previous Ace Attorney compilations as it presents a fresh batch of stories that many gamers have yet to explore.
In both series, players assume the character of Miles Edgeworth, a renowned prosecutor and Phoenix Wright’s chief adversary. Similar to other Ace Attorney games, the Ace Attorney Investigations titles are primarily interactive adventures where you click on objects to explore. The main distinction lies in the fact that while Phoenix mainly conducts his work within the courtroom, Miles will predominantly work in the field for his narratives. His stories emphasize investigating crime scenes for clues and questioning witnesses and suspects at the scene. Often, Detective Dick Gumshoe is present to help if a significant development or arrest occurs.
In every case, Edgeworth carefully gathers data, makes careful observations, and questions those present for additional insights. He often employs his Logic system to combine related evidence, creating a new insight typically used during interrogations of other characters. Solving these puzzles by linking two pieces of evidence provides a great sense of accomplishment, as it brings the larger mystery one step closer to being solved. Some solutions demand creative problem-solving, but they can become even more intricate in Prosecutor’s Gambit when an additional mechanic is introduced.
Throughout both series, new concepts are gradually introduced over time within the game titles. As the narrative progresses in the initial game, Edgeworth encounters a spirited young thief named Kay Faraday who assists in analyzing crime scenes. This scenario feels quite typical of the Phoenix Wright series, but the Mind Chess mechanic in Prosecutor’s Gambit presents an intriguing challenge. In this unique feature, Edgeworth confronts his opponents in a virtual chess setting, exploiting inconsistencies in testimony or reasoning to outmaneuver them. What sets Mind Chess apart is that there are situations where Edgeworth can choose not to speak, waiting for a better opportunity later on. This tactic allows the opposition to unwittingly trap themselves, which isn’t common in games of this genre. At first, it may seem perplexing, but trial and error tends to guide players through most cases.
Rebuttal
From a gamer’s perspective, I’ve got to say, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection by Capcom is taking my gaming experience to a whole new level. Unlike the Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy, this time around, I’ve got the freedom to choose between Capcom’s sleek, HD remastered visuals or stick with the pixel sprites that remind me of the good old Nintendo DS days. Each option has its charm, and it’s awesome that Capcom is giving us gamers a choice. It’s these thoughtful touches that make this collection stand out!
An alternative feature could stir up some debate. Alongside this new update, Capcom has incorporated a Story Mode option. While simplifying its purpose may not do it justice, essentially, this mode allows the game to be played for you. Dialogues will unfold automatically, characters will move where they need to go, all relevant evidence will be presented, and Edgeworth’s dialogue decisions will follow their intended course.
Story Mode is an excellent choice for those who prefer a straightforward viewing experience, as it provides a continuous narrative across every episode. The stories are captivating, interconnected, and feature intriguing characters, making viewers eager to follow along and discover how the overall plot unfolds.
In summary, I previously pointed out the joy in solving problems, but Story Mode eliminates this completely. Instead, I wish there had been a more subtle hint system included. The issue is that when Story Mode is activated, trophies and achievements are deactivated and remain that way until the end of the episode. Regrettably, even if Story Mode is only used for specific puzzle sections and then turned off again, the trophies and achievements still don’t function.
The verdict
Similar to previous collections of the Phoenix Wright series, Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers gripping courtroom dramas centered on a protagonist who champions justice and a cast of quirky supporting characters. Unlike Phoenix, who blends in seamlessly with his unusual acquaintances, Miles Edgeworth is more of the straight man. What makes these tales captivating is that while Edgeworth has a notion of what justice means and how to attain it, as the collection’s narratives progress, he begins to soften and (almost reluctantly) realizes that perhaps there is merit in Phoenix Wright’s philosophical viewpoint.
This set offers a fresh twist on the classic Phoenix Wright gameplay, showcasing familiar elements in an entirely new light. Each Edgeworth tale is distinctly personalized, yet adheres to the core Ace Attorney structure, with its strengths and weaknesses intact. The only criticism I’d offer is that some parts, similar to those in Phoenix’s games, can occasionally be overly wordy. However, rest assured, everything will eventually tie up nicely. As the grand orchestral theme builds, you might expect a conclusion, but instead, the story continues for another 20-30 minutes.
If you’re seeking a unique twist on the Ace Attorney series while still maintaining that strong feeling of upholding justice, look no further than Miles Edgeworth’s games. Although the environment may vary, I doubt anyone would complain about immersing themselves in more riveting stories centered around justice.
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2024-09-11 18:27