Review: Ace Attorney: Apollo Justice

Mike Bantick
Thursday, 05 June 2008 08:08

Opinion and Analysis

The latest in the Ace Attorney series, can Apollo Justice pick up where Phoenix Wright left off and provide a compelling court room gaming experience?

The Ace Attorney series has been around for some time now – and I admit I haven’t delved into its past iterations; as such this is my first acquaintance with the franchise.

Ace Attorney: Apollo Justice
	Developer	CAPCOM
	Publisher	Activision
	Rating	PG
DS

Because of this, I approach the game with none of the Phoenix Wright – star of previous AA games – baggage.  Wrights successor, Apollo Justice comes into this predominately court room drama minus any swagger of experience, in the same way as I do.

For folks such as myself new to courtroom games, be aware, there is a lot of reading involved.  Luckily the strong story of AA:AJ coupled with the easy to use interface allows you to fly through the text.

Furthermore, dramatic scene changes coupled with equally dramatic courtroom sound effects (!) keep the interest level high as Justice bumbles through the four main ‘chapters’ of the game.

Game mechanics wise, you are eased into the processes required to successfully defend your client, who initially turns out to be the aforementioned star of previous AA titles, Phoenix Wright. 

This DS version of Ace Attorney uses the touch screen to progress dialogue and select options whist the microphone is an alternative way to get across your “Objections”.