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How Metascores Are Calculated
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1 vs. 100
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Players star as a defense attorney, who must prove a seemingly guilty client's innocence no matter how dire the circumstances may seem. Phoenix faces the toughest prosecutor yet as the mysterious hard-boiled "Godot" tries to take him down at any cost. Players must collect evidence, survey crime scenes, weed through inconsistent testimonies, and overcome corrupt agendas to ensure that justice prevails. With the return of the popular "psyche-lock" interrogation tool from the previous title, "Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice for All," players have to overcome even more intense courtroom standoffs in order to close the case. Maya Fey is a bright young girl that aids Phoenix in his trials; she harnesses her psychic powers which are useful in a pinch. Godot - the mysterious, hard-boiled prosecutor makes his appearance. Play as two lawyers - relive Mia's rookie days from the past and Phoenix's current cases in the present. Two distinct gameplay segments: Investigation phase - survey crime scenes, interview witnesses and gather evidence that will be used in court; Court phase - present findings from the investigation to support your case, listen to testimonies and examine witnesses. "Psyche-Lock" system - break down tough witnesses with a series of correct questions or catch them on inconsistencies. Touch screen interface progresses players through the game. Microphone can be used to yell "Objection!" and "Hold it!" as you cross examine witnesses. [Capcom]
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... 92
Jolt Online Gaming UK
The story is deep and well thought out, the script at times dark, at times humorous, but always entertaining.
 90
1UP
Invested Phoenix fans get five well-written, twist-filled cases to end a trilogy that unquestionably deserves a seat right next to titans like Maniac Mansion and the Space Quest series. Just make sure you play the first two Ace Attorneys first -- this is one courtroom you shouldn't enter unprepared.
90
Adventure Gamers
This is by far the deepest, darkest game in the series, yet the superb writing means that it will also be the funniest you'll encounter.
90
NintendoWorldReport
While Capcom is known for milking its franchises, Trials and Tribulations is not a mindless sequel. You'll cheer. You'll boo. You might even yell, "Objection!" The first entry is still the best, at least in English, but the final Phoenix Wright game definitely surpasses the second.
90
Pocket Gamer UK
The third game in the much-loved lawyer-sim series makes a watertight case for classic status.
90
Zentendo
The story is phenomenal, the music is some of the best, and it leaves Phoenix Wright and friends off on a spectacular note.
89
Games Master UK
The best Ace Attorney game by miles - just play 1 & 2 first! [May 2008, p.89]
87
Worth Playing
It's been a great run; court is adjourned.
86
RPG Fan
It ranks as my favorite installment in the trilogy. The gameplay brought nothing new to the table, but playing it for the plot and characters has left me more than satisfied.
85
Console Gameworld
While it doesn’t do anything differently, if you enjoyed the first two Phoenix Wright games you’ll surely want to pick up the latest installment for more old-school adventure goodness with the same quirky sense of humor and quality writing.
85
Nintendo Power
Phoenix Wright lays down the law for the third time in two years, and the outcome is no different from before: we've got another excellent DS graphic-text adventure on our hands. [Dec 2007, p.85]
85
ZTGameDomain
Why complain if “more of the same” is serving up consistent goodness?
85
GamerNode
Trials and Tribulations is a great ending to the trilogy. The gameplay is no different and may have gotten easier, but it's easily the best plot yet in a Phoenix Game. The final case is the best case yet in the series.
85
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
Familiar gameplay, but the finely crafted stories make this the best game in the series. [Nov 2008, p.86]
83
Game Informer
Knowing that the next game in this series will star a new up-and-coming defense attorney, Trials & Tribulations is a fun and fitting farewell to Phoenix and company. [Nov 2007, p.162]
83
Game Almighty
Although Trials and Tribulations is essentially the same gameplay as the previous games, let’s admit it…the series is innovative. Who would have thought that the courtroom could be entertaining, better yet enjoyable?
82
Gaming Target
Although Trials and Tribulations doesn’t present anything new to the series, it helps to close out one of the greatest video game trilogies in recent memory.
82
Gamer 2.0
Though it's probably not the best game in the series, Trials and Tribulations could not have ended up any better than it is and it's a fantastic final hurrah for everybody's favorite defense attorney.
82
NGamer UK
The best in the series. [Dec 2007, p.68]
81
3DJuegos
The last game in the Phoenix Wright's trilogy gives us the opportunity to discover five new cases in a very conservative title that lacks any other kind of innovations. It's basically an expansion from the original Phoenix Wright videogame, but it's also a great time to discover the past about the lawyer and his mentor, Mia Fey.
80
GotNext
[Trials and Tribulations] much like the titles that preceded it, is fueled by a quirky and colorful cast that you'll remember long after the experience is over.
80
Gamestyle
A classic case of it "if it isn't broke, don't fix it", Trials and Tribulations carries on the series' high quality and is a fitting end to the trilogy, but it won't convert anyone waiting for the series to break out of its somewhat rigid menu-driven process of elimination.
80
Thunderbolt
The premise may seem downright ridiculous and this is reinforced by the witty, pun-filled dialogue bursting with enough memorable and laugh-out-loud quotes to inflame one's haemorrhoids. The actual cases themselves can, however, be quite sombre and very touching at times – sure, you will laugh, but you may also shed a tear.
80
EuroGamer
It's a 9-flavoured 8, but again the mechanics of the court sequences are often so stupidly frustrating that it would be wrong to mark any higher.
80
AceGamez
The brilliant conclusion that the trilogy needed.
80
GameDaily
If you like the first two games (even mildly), there's no need to plead a case. Go get it.
80
GameSpy
It's by no means the end of the Ace Attorney series, but in regard to tying up loose ends and leaving the game's rabid fans happy, it's the best in the series so far.
80
games(TM)
Capcom’s writer-translators have crafted a cast of believable characters to root for, two utterly detestable villains, and a script so dramatic and humorous that you’ll wish every game had this much care poured into it. [Dec 2007, p.116]
80
Modojo
If anything, Trials and Tribulations is guilty of just being the "same old thing". After all, the formula hasn't really changed whatsoever from what was present in the first two games, aside from some tweaks to the defense system.
80
GameTap
It'd be interesting to see what would happen if Capcom took this same mechanic and setup and actually created courtroom dramas that weren't goofy and crazy. Nevertheless, one has to appreciate Phoenix Wright just for the fairly unique niche it holds in the videogame space.
78
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Phoenix Wright latecomers risk confusion, but invested fans get a well-plotted conclusion to the trilogy--and that's what's important. [Dec 2007, p.126]
78
Nintendojo
Taken as a whole, the experience has been incredible for both developers and gamers. While it lacks captivating gameplay mechanics, the series brings a novel premise, sharp visual and musical presentation, great story and top-notch localization, creating a franchise that doesn't need trendy themes like war mongering.
77
IGN
Trials and Tribulations, being stylistically identical to the first two games, will appeal to those who have enjoyed the series thus far. For them, it’s a must-own. For others, however, be warned. There’s no action here. This is a game where you read -- a lot -- and must make choices based on wit and thought.
75
GamePro
The courtroom antics of Phoenix Wright are well worth the trip, even if the formula hasn't changed.
75
GameSpot
Trials and Tribulations is yet another enjoyable Phoenix Wright game--just don't expect anything new.
75
GameShark
As an end cap, the game does its job beautifully, wrapping up the Phoenix Wright series, yet at the same time allowing for characters to, hopefully, make an appearance in Capcom’s upcoming Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney game.
75
Deeko
Fans of the game will get it for sure because it successfully continues the overall hilarious plot that makes the series so great and it does bring the trilogy to a close with a nice bang.
75
Destructoid
The music is also wonderful, giving the extra detail to each character that makes them even more memorable.
70
Gamer's Hell
In a way, Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations is a game that is less than the sum of its parts—on an individual level the game’s graphics, gameplay, and sound are both intriguing and solid.
70
Cheat Code Central
It actually sort of makes sense to think of Trial and Tribulations as an expansion pack--a 20+ hour one--to the original.
65
GameZone
Even when I became involved with the story, I’d eventually get tired of text tapping the screen, and quit playing altogether. Fans should pick up this title immediately. Newcomers should be wary of the genre, not the game itself.
60
Edge Magazine
Often you’ll present a piece of evidence on a hunch and find him explaining it far beyond your own understanding. The result is a distance from the story, and a reminder of the paucity of interactivity on offer. [Nov 2007, p.99]
Chris A. gave it a10: Thomas P. gave it a9: Jon S. gave it an8: Danny P. gave it a10: Kevin R. gave it an8: L C gave it a9: |
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