Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Review – It’s Only Logical

As a seasoned Ace Attorney fan with over two decades of courtroom drama under my belt, I must say that the release of the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection was like a long-awaited reunion with old friends. The collection, much like a well-orchestrated trial, brings together two games starring none other than Miles Edgeworth, the series’ resident prosecutor and Phoenix Wright’s nemesis.

Earlier this year when the Apollo Justice collection was launched, I thought the developer had completed re-releasing all the games from the series on modern platforms, and that the only thing left for the franchise would be Ace Attorney 7. However, it appears there was still one more surprise up their sleeve to prolong the anticipation. The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is actually the final piece of the puzzle, featuring two games centered around Phoenix Wright’s recurring adversary Miles Edgeworth. This collection holds a special place for long-time fans of the series – it marks the first official global release of the second Investigations game. While the first game was released in the west, the second one never received a localization, so this is the first time a significant portion of the fanbase will have access to an entire game included in this collection, thanks to its inclusion here

This unique addition of a brand-new game significantly alters the value proposition for this Ace Attorney collection. Unlike previous collections, which primarily consist of re-releases, this one includes an entirely new game that you’ve never had a chance to play before. If you’re a fan of the series, this alone is a strong reason to consider buying it. Essentially, it offers a fresh adventure within the franchise, and it’s a very engaging one at that

As a fellow gamer, let me share something exciting with you! Unlike many other Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney collections that have been released by the developers in the past, this one is not just an updated version. Technically speaking, it might be a re-release, but functionally speaking, you’re getting a game that you haven’t even had the chance to play before – as part of the package! That means if you’re a fan of the series like me, this collection alone is definitely worth recommending for you. Enjoy the new experience!

This gadget is quite fascinating indeed, adding an intriguing twist to the typical gameplay style while staying true to Edgeworth’s character. What makes it even more appealing is that the games are well-written with some compelling narratives – though the first one could use some improvement in writing and story compared to the series’ best performances. The logic mechanism was not fully exploited either in the first game. On the other hand, the second game boasts a much stronger narrative (which fans outside of Japan can now enjoy without having to hunt down fan translations) and surpasses not only its predecessor but also most other games in the series. While I won’t delve into spoilers for these games, many events in the second one build upon what happened in the first one. Despite some shortcomings, the first game is still worth playing as it sets the stage for the brilliance of the second one

“This method I’m about to share is undoubtedly the best approach for both of these games, but if you genuinely prefer the touch screen/dual screen setup offered by the DS for these titles, then perhaps this isn’t the most suitable option for you.”

This set of games is packed with all the additional features you’ve grown accustomed to in collections like this one. Inside, you’ll find a variety of concept art and promotional images, an OST player that includes tracks from the games as well as orchestral arrangements from special events, a Story Mode to easily solve puzzles, and a Chapter Select feature for jumping directly into any chapter of the story – ideal for replaying levels. You can also switch between original pixelated sprites and HD remastered versions at your convenience. The choice is yours, and you can change it whenever you wish. Plus, there’s support for more languages than the initial game release on the DS, as well as in-game achievements to unlock. If you’re a fan of the DS’ touch screen/dual screen setup, however, you might miss that aspect while playing these games in this collection

At long last, with the debut of Investigations 1 and 2, all Ace Attorney games are accessible on contemporary gaming platforms. While Professor Layton vs Phoenix Wright might be an exception, it’s essential to note that it’s a spin-off published by Level-5. Some might argue that it doesn’t fully capture the potential of its extraordinary crossover concept. However, every other game in the series can now be found on PC, PlayStation, and Switch. Consequently, there are no more games to re-release at this point, suggesting a new development – perhaps Ace Attorney 7, which fans have been eagerly waiting for quite some time. Or alternatively, a fresh installment of any kind. It’s wonderful that these legendary games are now easily playable on modern devices, given the potential increase in series followers due to the re-releases. Replaying this franchise has only served to reinforce my admiration for its genius and unique appeal. I can only hope that a new Ace Attorney game will emerge soon – until then, it’s heartening to finally experience Investigations 2, one of the series’ finest entries

This game was reviewed on PlayStation 5.

2024-09-05 18:42

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