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Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations

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9.0 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 45 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 13 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Capcom

Developer: Capcom

Genre(s): Adventure

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: October 23, 2007

Summary

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]

Also On Metacritic

GAMES: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice For All

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 story is deep and well thought out, the script at times dark, at times humorous, but always entertaining.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Pocket Gamer UK

The third game in the much-loved lawyer-sim series makes a watertight case for classic status.

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Zentendo

The story is phenomenal, the music is some of the best, and it leaves Phoenix Wright and friends off on a spectacular note.

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Cubed3

The Ace Attorney series has got increasingly better with each entry and the conclusion to the Phoenix Wright trilogy ties all plot threads together so seamlessly it makes this a must-have for those who became engrossed with the first two.

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Games Master UK

The best Ace Attorney game by miles - just play 1 & 2 first! [May 2008, p.89]

Worth Playing

It's been a great run; court is adjourned.

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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.

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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.

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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]

ZTGameDomain

Why complain if “more of the same” is serving up consistent goodness?

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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.

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Official Nintendo Magazine UK

Familiar gameplay, but the finely crafted stories make this the best game in the series. [Nov 2008, p.86]

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]

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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?

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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.

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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.

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NGamer UK

The best in the series. [Dec 2007, p.68]

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.

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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.

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Gamer.nl

Trials and Tribulations is at the least as good as its predecessor. Although technically nothing has changed, you still get pulled into the game. Gamers with experience in the series will, without a doubt, enjoy Trials and Tribulations.

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Meristation

This is the last entry of the original Phoenix Wright trilogy. It includes all-new runabouts that are set in the past and present of the ace attorney. The story is very well-driven, and it links every character in the game with each other, leading to a great conclusion. Sure, it's not the best DS game at a technical level, but it offers everything that we want in a Phoenix Wright game: it's fun, big, interesting and charming.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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AceGamez

The brilliant conclusion that the trilogy needed.

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GameDaily

If you like the first two games (even mildly), there's no need to plead a case. Go get it.

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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.

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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]

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.

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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.

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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]

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.

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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.

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GamePro

The courtroom antics of Phoenix Wright are well worth the trip, even if the formula hasn't changed.

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GameSpot

Trials and Tribulations is yet another enjoyable Phoenix Wright game--just don't expect anything new.

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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.

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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.

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Destructoid

The music is also wonderful, giving the extra detail to each character that makes them even more memorable.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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]

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 9.0 (out of 10) based on 13 User Votes

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

Cynthia gave it a10:
All three games were wonderful, but Trails and Tribulations is simply the best game in the series. The music was good, the cases were interesting, and the characters were like always entertaiming. I really enjoyed it! I almost cried at the end because it was the last game of Phoenix Wright. I really did. Almost. But...! You really have to play 1 & 2 first, or you don't get the whole story! It's a perfect end of the series, thanks, Capcom! Court is adjourned!

Komino gave it a7:
As this is the 3rd game in the series most players will have a strong connection to the characters and the genre. The game is much of the same from the previous games but without hitting the highs of the first. A must for a fan but check out the first game for anyone who's yet to experience Phoenix Wright.

Chris A. gave it a10:
I have played all three Phoenix Wright games to the end, and I have to say that if this one is indeed the very last, it will be a sad time. A really great storyline that ties all three games together neatly, and it's just plain fun! Not many games have caught my attention so well like these have, and I'm not even fond of lawyer style games.

Thomas P. gave it a9:
Trials and Tribulations is so good you'll miss it when it's over.

Jon S. gave it an8:
Much better than "Justice For All", but sadly lacking in the extra interactivity of the fifth case of the first in the series, definitely the high-water mark so far. It's a delight to come back to more well-drawn characters and questionable humour though!

Danny P. gave it a10:
I have never, in my 14 years of gaming, been so engrossed in a game like I have with this. I played during school, during work, during the night until 3 in the morning, nonstop. This game is a beautiful end to a perfect series. The stories are all tied together over the last few games, and it all culminates to the greatest final case ever. I highly doubt that I will ever find a game to fill the hole that will be left by this game. If you own a DS, you owe it to yourself to go out and buy this game (After playing the first two, of course).

Kevin R. gave it an8:
More of the same great Phoenix Wright. And while there is nothing new or innovative this time around, the story throughout the game is better than last time, and some of the cases are arguably the best in the series (I still believe the best was the fifth case of the first game)..

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Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations

Game Info

Summary

Also On Metacritic

What The Critics Said

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