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Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

EMAIL PRINT ds

9.4 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 53 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 32 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Capcom Entertainment

Developer: Capcom Entertainment

Genre(s): First-Person Adventure

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: October 11, 2005

Summary

(Known in Japan as "Gyakuten Saiban") Not everyone is innocent until proven guilty! Players star as a defense attorney, who must prove his seemingly guilty client’s innocence no matter how dire the circumstances may seem. The game presents twisting storylines and intriguing gameplay in a comical anime style. Players must collect evidence, weed through inconsistent testimonies, and overcome corrupt agendas to ensure that justice prevails. [Capcom]

Also On Metacritic

GAMES: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice For All Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations

Cheat Codes & Hints: GameSpot Hints & Cheats

Also On The Web: GameSpot Preview Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Just Adventure

Character reactions are exaggerated, heck, they’re waaaaay over-exaggerated, the main setting is a courtroom and it is - *gasp* - adventure. In fact, to label Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney as ‘kooky’ would be an understatement, but somehow it works.

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N-Europe

Proof that even lawyer games can be fun. Addictive, challenging and inventive; Capcom have struck gold once again.

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The New York Times

While the oddball stories are played for laughs, the constant plot twists and surprises are as effective as those of any John Grisham novel.

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NintendoWorldReport

Everything about Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is surprising, from its intricately staged murders and clever humor to its mere existence. Any gamer looking for a good mystery book or a good laugh cannot go wrong with this instant classic.

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Deeko

You'll oftentimes be surprised at some of the things characters say during the game and may even find yourself laughing out loud at some of the antics encountered during court proceedings.

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Adventure Gamers

With its charming gameplay, excellent use of the Nintendo DS features, truly funny dialogue, intricate plot, and personable cast of characters, this "soon to be a classic" title offers plenty of gaming enjoyment.

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VideoGamer

When a game has this much attention to detail, when the script fizzes along with such humour and throws in plot twist after plot twist during the courtroom battles, it's easy to forgive the linearity.

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Jolt Online Gaming UK

If it’s a great story with likeable characters (with the notable exception of Phoenix’s slightly annoying assistant he picks up shortly into the game) you want, then Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney will sink its claws into you and not let go until the judge’s hammer comes down on that final case.

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Play.tm

Whenever a game of such craftsmanship actually gets a release in Europe, you would be a fool not to grasp it tightly and treasure its unique and original interactivity.

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Sydney Morning Herald

But while there's little appeal in tackling Phoenix Wright's cases again, this is a unique, lengthy, deep and absolutely gripping game. Highly recommended.

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Console Gameworld

On the charge of being an excellent adventure game on the DS, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is declared guilty as charged.

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Armchair Empire

The defense and prosecuting attorneys aren't merely suits with expensive educations, they're presented as warriors fated to opposing sides due to their professions.

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RPG Fan

All-in-all, though, Phoenix Wright ends up winning my heart with its charm and overall presentation. The characters are certainly lovable and the stories are far from boring.

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GameSpot

Though the game is heavily text-driven and there's little replayability, it's a bright, rich, and lengthy adventure that could hardly have been improved upon otherwise.

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Pelit (Finland)

A refreshingly original adventure. It feels like a comic book and the story centres around courtrooms. There are some mildly annoying repetitive elements, but nothing too distracting. [June 2006]

Gamer 2.0

The game nails its sound scores. Though the soundtrack of the game is sometimes lacking and old-fashioned, it is reminiscent of old SNES and NES titles and feels mood appropriate at all times.

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GameZone

The scenarios are both challenging and interesting and there’s even some CSI-like crime scene investigating.

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Play Magazine

I can only hope this game does well enough for Capcom to bring the other games in this series to the U.S. [Oct 2005]

GameCritics

Despite the half-done feeling of chapter five, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney remains the sort of game that I live for. It's intelligent, creative, and never ever loses its sense of humor.

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BonusStage

Appeals to that mystery-solving personality that’s in all of us and truly is one of the most innovative titles to appear on the DS this year.

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GameCube Advanced

A great way to show off the DS’s innovative features, and it is also a great game with a humorous story.

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Nintendophiles

A very engaging experience packed with fun and interesting characters and puzzles that really make you think.

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Gaming Age

The game seems earmarked to become a cult hit...and with another game on the way in Japan, I can only see the series getting better.

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Nintendojo

Because it is so linear you may not play it over and over, but the unique nature of the game and the humor may get you to give it another go.

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GameShark

Once you have beaten the game, there is no need to replay it, as there is no extra content unlocked by doing so. It would be like reading a book over and over again, which could get boring.

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My Gamer

I only hope that enough Americans will appreciate Mr. Wright so that we can get our hands on the other two titles in the series.

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NGC Magazine UK

Wackier than Ally McBeal, but in a good way. Addictive and amusing lawyerly hi-jinks. [Apr 2006, p.38]

PALGN

A truly wonderful adventure game, thanks largely to an excellent script and memorable cast of characters.

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Total Video Games

With heavy amounts of text and progress based upon your brain reflex as opposed to your trigger finger, Ace Attorney isn't a game for everybody; but for those looking for a stylish and original experience, make sure to check this out immediately as it will probably surprise you.

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N-Insanity

The diverse characters and humorous outbursts that occur in the courtroom are enough to make Phoenix Wright an enjoyable experience and what helps keep the player interested into it.

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Electric Playground

This game is different, has a great style, and will give your brain a workout. If you like mystery novels or courtroom dramas, you gotta take this case.

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Thunderbolt

It might be a little stiff, but the game is just plain fun to play thanks to some outstanding writing that’s just plain lacking in many other games.

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AceGamez

Such a refreshing game. The cases are really well thought out and will get you thinking, the sound effects and graphics are top notch for a 2D image-based handheld adventure.

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eToychest

Deeply amusing, dramatically fresh, and incredibly novel.

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G4 TV

If you can live without the slightest bit of action and can forget anything you know about the law (suspension of legal belief is definitely required) then there's a lot for you here to enjoy.

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GameSpy

If you don't mind using your brain as you play, then approach this bench. Court is now in session.

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GamePro

Engrossingly fun to play. [Nov 2005, p.132]

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Nintendo Power

Keeps its legal-eagle fantasy flying much of the time - it's a welcome DS addition. [Nov 2005, p.109]

Eurogamer

It's like being cuddled by fun.

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Yahoo! Games

Since the storyline is very linear, there's not a lot of replay value to Phoenix Wright, making it best served for a long trip. Even so, only the player most determined to resist Mr. Wright's charms will be able to object to the game's finer points.

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Modojo

Capitalizes on humanity's inherent love for a slightly aggravating puzzle that we secretly relish.

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NTSC-uk

The minor issues are nowhere near big enough to take away from a game that sucks the player in with its originality and keeps them well and truly locked in until the judgement is made in the final case. Simply put, it’s brilliant. [JPN Import]

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IGN

The game's script is worth the price of admission by itself; intriguing characters, unique situations, and well-written and humorous dialogue keep the interest level high all the way through the multiple chapters.

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Game Informer

For those out there who got a DS because they wanted new experiences, I think that this cart is your chance. [Oct 2005, p.154]

Siliconera

The unique cast of characters and entertaining story makes Phoenix Wright worth playing, once. After you've seen all the plot turns and twists the game loses its appeal. [JPN Import]

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VGPub

The game has no real replay qualities too, but this game is so long that it doesn’t need it.

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GameBrink

The difficulty is low due to the puzzles being about as tough as a play through the board game clue and the replayability is nonexistent. It's a great unique rental for sure but not one I would rush out to buy.

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Electronic Gaming Monthly

What's great about Wright is that, unlike most other games, it really gets you thinking critically, and not just within the rules of the game. [Nov 2005, p.160]

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netjak

If Capcom could just get some better scenario writers; someone to weed out the contradictions of their own storylines, and someone to make this a little less "out of left field" and a bit more logical progression towards the truth, this could be fun for a larger audience.

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games(TM)

It's the strength of the stories that helps carry what would otherwise be a fairly linear and uninteresting concept. A niche title, then, but one that those looking for something unique should enjoy with relish. [Dec 2005, p.118]

Edge Magazine

It too often asks for a mere nod in the right direction rather than a considered gambit, filling in the incriminating details itself and leaving the player yearning for more active involvement. [Christmas 2005, p.110]

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Games Radar (in-house)

It certainly isn't the first case of a game holding its player's hand too tightly, but thankfully it's a difficult one to dismiss or, indeed, to adjourn.

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Game Revolution

A great presentation and even better writing can’t compensate for the fact that the game practically plays itself. This is a good comic book, but a below average adventure.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 9.4 (out of 10) based on 32 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Steve F. gave it a9:
Being more into action packed games rather than ones that require wading through dialogue, I wasn't all that interested in Phoenix Wright, but after hearing such good things about it, I decided to give it a go and I'm so glad I did. Though there may not be much "action" in the traditional sense, the gameplay is incredibly thrilling and presenting the right evidence at the right time is intensely satisfying. There is certainly a lot of text to read, but the dialogue is so good (often serious, often hilarious) that this is a joy rather than a chore. The wonderful characterisation is the game's main strength though. Phoenix is a very likeable character and his relationship with his enthusiastic assistant Maya a very sweet one. But even the minor characters are brimming with personality and funny character quirks, like buxom beauty April May, who uses her ample bosom to influence the male jurors or grumpy security guard Wendy Oldbag who launches into unstoppable tirades against whippersnappers. This game is utterly charming from start to finish and I would recommend it to all DS owners, even those who aren't usually into this sort of game.

[Anonymous] gave it a9:
An awesome game that should be in every DS library.

Mitch gave it a10:
One of the best adventure / story games. Put this in the ranks with Monkey Island and even Myth. Although the feel is very cartoony, which most people will appreciate.

Richard P. gave it an8:
Another innovative puzzler on the DS which deserves your time. Although some of the investigation sections can drag on a little too long, although when you ARE on the right track and you ARE presenting relevant evidence but at the wrong time the involvement and excitement which comes from this game makes up for it. I wish the game allowed for slightly relevant evidence to be considered, rather than demand a certain piece at a certain time, but it doesn't matter. Some of the cases and story lines are pure gold, full of court room drama twists which keep you itching for more.

J. K. gave it a10:
Phoenix Wright is bringing sexy back.

Patrick gave it a10:
Story is everything in this game, because at heart it's an adventure game. But the writing is exceptional, especially in a game; puzzles make you think, and you can seriously feel the tension with the addition of some Turnabout Tunes during trials to freak you out, calm you down, or whatever is appropriate. Only one way through the story, but then wouldn't almost all games get a 4? A lot of Deus Ex Macina, though, be wary of those things.

Blue Falcon gave it a9:
Great to see such an original fun title. It's one of the best on the ds.

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Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

Game Info

Summary

Also On Metacritic

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

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