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Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice For All

EMAIL PRINT ds

8.6 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 51 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 13 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Capcom

Developer: Capcom

Genre(s): First-Person Adventure

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: January 17, 2007

Summary

The second game in the popular court room battle series from Japan introduces four new cases featuring new characters, plot twists and gameplay features. Players resume the role of Phoenix Wright, a defence attorney who must prove his client’s innocence against the toughest of odds and most ruthless of adversaries. Players must exercise their legal prowess as they collect evidence, examine witnesses, analyse testimonies and seek the truth to ensure that justice prevails. New "Psyche-Lock" feature – some witnesses may be keeping the truth under tight lock and key, so in order to break them down, successfully open up their Psyche- Locks with a series of correct questions or catch them on their inconsistent testimony. New life bar represents Phoenix’s status in court – by presenting incorrect evidence or following misguided attempts to break Psyche Locks, Phoenix’s life bar will go down; the only way to regain this stat is to successfully open a witness’s Psyche-Lock. Colourful cast of characters include both new & familiar faces: Franziska von Karma – the new D.A. and daughter of former adversary, Manfred von Karma, is on the warpath to take Phoenix down and avenge her father by any means necessary; Maya Fey – having honed her psychic powers, she is now a mystic of the Kurain Channeling Technique and will continue to be a valuable ally for Phoenix in his trials; Pearl Fey – Maya’s cousin is an up and coming psychic herself and looks up to her as a role model. [Capcom]

Also On Metacritic

GAMES: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations

Cheat Codes & Hints: GameSpot Hints & Cheats

Also On The Web: 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...

Jolt Online Gaming UK

The humour from the original game returns in full flow, too. A lot of the dialogue is laugh out loud funny. [JPN Import]

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GameBrink

More of the same courtroom drama so fans shouldn’t be disappointed. [JPN Import]

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Nintendo Power

The verdict is in: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice for All is another superb graphic-text adventure from the folks at Capcom. [Feb. 2007, p.96]

Thunderbolt

Justice For All gives the fans everything they could want; the cases are longer, the testimonies are harder to crack, the witnesses ever so wily, and the prosecutors are more die-hard than anything you’ve faced.

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Console Gameworld

Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Justice For All picks up right where its predecessor started, offering one of the best adventure game experiences available on any current console.

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NintendoWorldReport

While the game design has its issues and the localization bloopers are regretful, I still found myself glued to the DS—on my second play through.

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GameCritics

I hope that future Phoenix Wright titles are able to keep the character and plot development at the same level achieved in Phoenix Wright: Justice For All.

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GameShark

While the game doesn’t deviate too much from the tried and true formula that has made the series such a hit in Japan, it still delivers a game experience worth playing.

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The New York Times

Justice is a terrific game, but it suffers in comparison with the previous one. This time around the plot twists aren’t quite as unexpected (you usually know who the real killer is fairly early on), and some of the puzzles in the last case are rather unreasonable.

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GamingTrend

With excellent writing and clever puzzles, this quirky little story adventure alternates between logical deduction and unexpected discoveries.

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Games Master UK

More of an expansion of the first Phoenix as opposed to a fresh new game, but still great. [Mar 2007, p.83]

AceGamez

The gameplay had become more complicated and in turn more frustrating, and the story wasn't nearly as strong as Ace Attorney's.

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Adventure Gamers

While not as good as the original, Phoenix Wright and his comrades still manage to entertain and deliver with a fantastic script and engaging courtroom drama.

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VideoGamer

If you crave for more humour in games and are looking for drama and tension without having to dabble in drawn out RPGs or nerve-wracking twitch games, then Justice for All might just be for you.

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Gamer 2.0

Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Justice For All may seem short at four chapters, but rest assured that it is extremely lengthy, especially if you make a lot of mistakes.

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Digital Entertainment News

The core gameplay that made the first game so great is still here, and considering that most fans of the original are undoubtedly eager for more, this game will certainly quench their thirst... for justice!

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Games Radar (in-house)

The charm and clever logic puzzles are still here, and the cases deliver the same charge-back-from-the-edge-of-defeat rush that made the first game so cool.

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Worth Playing

Almost more like an expansion than a full sequel. The changes made are very minor, with the exception of the Psyche Lock system, and those who've played the first game will be able to jump right into the second. However, rather than being a disappointment, this is a very good case of the old adage, "If it isn't broken, don't fix it."

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GameZone

With fresh new cases to tackle this is another fun chapter fans will enjoy.

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GameDaily

The few tweaks to the mechanics provide a better experience, complete with the tricky puzzles and amusing dialog that make the original so notable. [JPN Import]

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GamePro

Still, Justice For All demonstrates enough of the plucky spirit that made the first game so memorable. [Feb. 2007, p.82]

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Eurogamer

This is the most joyfully daft fun imaginable, bursting with in-jokes and hilarious set-pieces. [JPN Import]

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Modojo

The cases are fun and challenging, the presentation quirky and likable, and the gameplay is as sharp as a tack. If you have any objection to buying this game, consider yourself overruled. It's just too good to pass up. [JPN Import]

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Pocket Gamer UK

A compelling mix of dark plots, kooky stories and lawyer talk, Justice for All adds more evidence to the DS's case as the thinking person's console.

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Gamestyle

It's the most laid back and addictive game we've ever played, where simple five minute blasts turn into hour-long sessions.

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Game Informer

What it lacks in advance graphics and interface, JFA more than makes up for in charm and intrigue. [Jan 2007, p.115]

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NTSC-uk

For those fans captivated by the first instalment, buying this is an absolute must. [JPN Import]

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NGamer UK

The game overcomes its scrolling-through-text flaws with strong writing and entertaining graphics. [JPN Import; January 2007, p.69]

GamerNode

If you loved Ace Attorney, go buy Justice for All. If you were hoping for new features to get you hooked or make the game better, though, you may want to pass. It's a fun game, but it's more like an expansion.

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IGN

It's admittedly hard to ignore the rigid structure as well as the gaping and slightly frustrating plot flaws, but it's also hard to hate Phoenix Wright because of them.

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Game Almighty

Phoenix Wright is pure coolness. If you can handle the slower pace and very different style of gameplay, then this is one of the best titles available on the DS.

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Nintendojo

While by no means an accurate simulation of legal process, there's no denying the soapy dramatics, rich and endearing characters, and delightful wordplay puzzles make this a winner.

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GameSpot

Justice for All is a good, lengthy adventure with great character-driven storylines, but it fails to build upon the promising groundwork laid by the first game.

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Play Magazine

Despite its noxious flaws, the game offers great amounts of logic-based puzzle solving, intrigue, and investigation. [Dec. 2006, p.88]

Gaming Target

In a nutshell, it’s a satisfactory entry into the Phoenix Wright series without much deviation from the original. And so I bring down the gavel.

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PALGN

Great game, great story, more Phoenix Wright righteousness. There's a lack of evolution, but we expect that to change in future.

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Cheat Code Central

This game is not very difficult but it's not so easy either. If I could describe it in one word, I'd say it's engaging.

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Official Nintendo Magazine UK

Perfect for Phoenix fans who want more cases, but with only four stories you'll be left wanting. It still offers great gameplay, it just doesn't last very long. [Apr 2007, p.82]

WHAM! Gaming

Justice For All will entertain you with engaging characters and interesting storylines. If you’re good at detective work, you’ll be hooked; if you’re not, you may be putting this game down sooner than later.

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GameSpy

You'll easily clear all four cases in a weekend play session, but the suspend-anywhere save system allows you to easily play it in bits and pieces during commutes, on lunch breaks or while waiting for the previews to finish at your local theater.

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Yahoo! Games

Despite Justice For All's flaws, the game really does offer a rather goofy series of brain-bending challenges. There's a wonderful sense of accomplishment to be had when, during the courtroom scenes, the stupid psyche-lock system is abandoned and players, using only their wits, tear the heart out of a witnesses' testimony.

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Electric Playground

If you liked the original Phoenix Wright and can get past the fact that not much has changed (or improved), you should enjoy yourself.

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games(TM)

Those who scoffed at Phoenix Wright’s endless text conversations and backwards-looking point-and-click mechanics will find nothing to love second time out, but Justice For All wasn’t made for them; it was clearly put together with fans of the previous game in mind. [Jan 2007, p.91]

Electronic Gaming Monthly

The first Phoenix Wright game was a little bit better, a little more fulfilling, but DS owners looking to tackle another caseload will get a kick out of this. [Feb. 2007, p.96]

netjak

A partially fun, partially frustrating escapade for Phoenix. Once again, the puzzle construction is likely to send you running for a FAQ when, if it was done right it should have you yelling "Take THAT!" at your digital legal foe right along with Phoenix.

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The Onion (A.V. Club)

A solid first sequel. As long as the stories stay cheesy and Wright's head stays spiky, there's no end in sight for this franchise.

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Gaming Age

While I am somewhat underwhelmed with the final product, I do recommend the title to anyone who enjoyed the first - as it does help to further the storylines of the quirky cast of Capcom's courtroom challenge.

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Edge Magazine

Wins you over with its charm rather than its virtue. [JPN Import; Jan 2007, p.84]

1UP

The whole thing skates dangerously close to the "edutainment" realm by building its core mechanic around reading comprehension and deductive reasoning, but then again, DS gamers weaned on Brain Age will likely welcome the cerebral stimulation.

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Game Revolution

You can’t forgive the absurd health meter, the retarded save system, the completely rehashed gameplay, or the misleading “clues”, but you’ll never forget the charming characters, witty dialog, and bizarre sexual conundrums.

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Detroit Free Press

Characters encountered along the way are memorable and as charming as in the original. But the amount of text that must be plowed through makes it feel more like a modern rehash of the popular "Choose Your Own Adventure" book series than an adventure most will stick with for hours.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.6 (out of 10) based on 13 User Votes

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

Baljot B. gave it an8:
An excellent game, with varied cases. Break out your logic, because you're definitely going to be needing it here. The game is hard, and at times incredibly frustrating, but hell, we need some difficulty from Nintendo game. Things that definitely need to be added in future PW games- the ability to load from the game, instead of having to shut it off and turn it back on. S'more customization options (sound, text speed, etc) would be nice. And in ANY text adventure game, you shouldn't have to read along with the text, but be able to just double-tap and have the full text displayed. I don't care if it's not immersive, it's just a pain in the ass to have to wait for the text to finish when you're 10 seconds ahead of it. Otherwise, a great game with hilarious writing, and somehow it managed to stay immune to the usual crappy translation from Japanese to English. If you can stand the slow pace in the investigation parts outside of court, than you'll love this game.

Andrew C. gave it an8:
The only problem with this amazing game is that it's little different from the original. Also, there's no fifth case that takes full advantage of the DS capabilities, which is disappointing. Otherwise, this is some new great court action! Do it.

Stefan gave it a9:
It's a must-play. The gamplay is identical to the previous one (minus a couple of things), but the cases are much more imaginative and gripping.

Josh M. gave it a10:
If I could bring myself to look at it objectively, I would give this game a lower score. However, the writing is just too freaking good (though not Alexander O. Smith good), coupled with the awesome presentation, for it to get anything but a 10.

Christopher gave it a9:
Almost as good as the original, although I don't care for the Psych Lock feature as much.

Lee B. gave it a4:
Slow pace - nothing new over the first game. Requires soem leaps of faith to solve some of the cases.

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Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice For All

Game Info

Summary

Also On Metacritic

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

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