Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Review – Two Fantastic Crime Stories Receive a Beautiful Capcom Remaster

As an old-school gamer with memories of the Game Boy Advance era etched firmly into my gaming DNA, I must say that diving back into the world of Ace Attorney with the Investigations Collection has been nothing short of delightful. The whodunit mysteries have always been a favorite of mine, and this series manages to blend serious investigations with a healthy dose of absurdity in a way that few can match.

Ever since its initial release on the Game Boy Advance in 2001, the Ace Attorney series has consistently provided courtroom drama with a distinctive, humorous twist and an array of eccentric characters that charm us. The protagonists Phoenix Wright and Apollo Justice have held center stage in previous games, but the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection introduces Miles Edgeworth, a cunning prosecutor, to the limelight. He delves deep into a set of interconnected murder mysteries that form part of an intricate overall narrative. As you might expect, mystery and excitement abound, making for a captivating, delightful gaming experience.

This collection, affectionately titled Investigations, combines two Ace Attorney games: 2009’s “Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth” and its sequel from 2011, “Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Gambit.” The latter has never been released outside of Japan until now. This is the first time that “Investigations 2” has been officially translated, making this latest Ace Attorney Collection even more unique. Capcom has outdone themselves in this release, not just upgrading the pixel art sprites from the original DS games to stunning HD versions, but also adding the usual array of enhancements and bonus content in the Gallery. It’s truly remarkable!

As a gamer, I must say, diving into the Ace Attorney games featuring Edgeworth is quite an exhilarating experience. Unlike Phoenix Wright, he approaches cases differently, and it shows as we delve deeper into crime scenes, a testament to the ‘Investigations’ part of the title. The verbal sparring here isn’t limited to courtrooms; instead, it happens right at the scene of the crime, making each case more immersive and fluid. Plus, you can freely roam around, searching for clues that could make or break a case, adding an extra layer of challenge to traditional Ace Attorney gameplay.

Once more, Capcom’s artwork is top-notch, featuring detailed backgrounds and eccentric characters. Each game in the Investigations series presents a gripping storyline. The initial installment revolves around uncovering the true identity of a mysterious thief, known as the Yatagarasu. As Miles, you’ll work alongside Detective Gumshoe, a luckless trenchcoat-wearing police officer, and Kay Faraday, a self-proclaimed assistant with spirit, to track down a shady smuggling network. Along the way, you’ll gather evidence and clues to use in debates and counterarguments with suspicious individuals.

In the follow-up, I find myself teaming up with slick defense attorney Eddie Fender, donning a fedora, as we dive into another round of perplexing murders, all unfolding under some seriously odd circumstances. There’s even a case set in a prison teeming with free-roaming animals – because, hey, why not add a touch of the surreal?

In five separate instances, both the initial game and its successor are exceptionally well designed, showcasing impressive craftsmanship. Specifically, Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth stands out as a top-notch murder mystery experience, with a well-balanced pace and minimal reliance on gimmicks common in other Ace Attorney games, such as Apollo’s magical bracelet or Maya Fey’s psychic abilities. In the role of prosecutor Miles, you rely primarily on your intelligence, legal acumen, and a touch of logic to link essential evidence and arrive at useful conclusions that advance your current investigation.

At certain points, Kay employs her ‘Little Thief’ tool to recreate crime locations, though most of your investigations transpire within limited spaces such as offices, airplanes, courtyards, or corridors, which gives a sense of closeness to the events. Frequently, cases evolve and what appeared straightforward can soon turn out to be intricately complicated. At instances, it may seem like you’ve hit a dead end, but there’s always a testimony to probe or evidence to present as you aim to uncover inconsistencies and lies.

This has always been the inherent joy of the Ace Attorney games, alongside that lovely colourful art and a gleefully freewheeling ripping yarn – finding a path to find the truth, and ultimately, crack the case. Here, both games ride a line between the serious and the deliberately absurd, dealing with bloody murder unflinchingly – one case features an air hostess named ‘Cammy Meele’ who continually falls asleep when questioned, while another sees a dignitary with muscles bulging out of his suit rapidly deflate to reveal a quivering jelly-like mess. Humour blends seamlessly into intrigue, and it’s all handled perfectly.

In “Ace Attorney Investigations 2”, Miles is given the strategy game called Mind Chess to navigate. His objective is to strategically outmaneuver his opponent, deciding whether to wait or attack verbally at opportune moments. Essentially, Mind Chess is a unique twist on typical dialogues, where you engage in a mental battle to weaken the opposition and make them reveal information. A ticking clock adds tension as you attempt to discern when to apply pressure and when to stay patient. This new feature adds an exciting layer of complexity to the gameplay, especially since it’s not always clear when to push harder or hold back.

If you’re under the impression that these Ace Attorney games might not be as great as the Phoenix Wright and Apollo Justice sagas, think again! The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is just as captivating, but unfortunately, these are the final remastered installments for now. Here’s hoping that either The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles makes its way to Xbox one day or Capcom finally delivers a brand new Ace Attorney game after seven long years. We’re eagerly waiting for our next day in court!

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2024-09-03 18:34