Fans of courtroom-based gaming have been eating well as of late, thanks to Capcom revisiting its much-loved Phoenix Wright series. We have had Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy drop over the past few years. And now Capcom has brought another classic collection to the table. Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a duology collection bringing together Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth and Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Gambit.
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Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a huge deal for fans. Indeed, this is the first time that Ace Attorney Investigations 2 has had an official release outside of Japan.
The only way to play it up to now being through the often hit-and-miss fan translations. And that alone probably makes this collection worth it on its own for fans of the series
Above and Beyond
Beyond that, these two titles give you a fresh look at the series gameplay loop. You now play as a prosecutor, which totally changes how you handle each case. You will find evidence, carry out interrogations and piece the whole thing together. Then, you’ll use Edgeworth’s logic skill to piece everything together and try to reveal what happened.
It’s a fun spin on what you may have grown accustomed to in the main titles. The arc also helps players understand Edgeworth and why he is the way he is.
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The events of the first game take place in the two-months before the ending of the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy and the earliest trial of the Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy. So, if you have played the others, you’ll have an idea of some of the elements at play.
The main tales sees Phoenix Wright’s old friend and rival – Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth – become embroiled in a series of murder cases. At first, the cases seem disconnected from one another, but in reality, hide a deeper truth.
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However, the writing on show is a bit of a mixed bag with the first game being the weaker of the two. It feels like the devs were just testing the waters with what they could and wanted to do.
That said, the second game is brilliantly written and as sharp and witty as any of the core offerings. And this only reinforces the importance of Ace Attorney Investigations 2 finally getting a release on these shores
Collector’s Edition
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection comes with all the extra goodies we have seen in past offerings.
Stuff like art galleries filled with concepts and promo art, a soundtrack player that also features a few live tracks, and a story mode that streamlines everything.
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So, you can sit back and just enjoy the tale without the gameplay getting in the way. There is also a handy chapter select.
The graphics of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection are as sharp and crisp as you would expect. Additionally, you can switch between the upgraded visuals and the original pixel style on the fly, which is a very nice touch.
Completeness
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is truly the ultimate way to play both these games. For non-Japanese gamers, this is not just just a ‘HD remaster’ collection but a means to play one of the best games of the bunch.
And on top of all that, Ace Attorney Investigations Collection now means the series is now wholly playable on modern machines.
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Well, other than Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, but that is a spinoff from the main line games and unlikely to see a re-release.
So, if you have ever wanted to jump into the franchise and experience its bizarre but compelling gameplay, or just see what made this oddball series a cult classic, there is nothing stopping you now. Ultimately, Capcom should be applauded for taking the time and care to bring this brilliant series to a whole new audience.