Are you a fan of murder mysteries and courtroom drama? Then we’ve got the perfect game collection for you: The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, out on PlayStation 4 on July 27!
This collection contains The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures and The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve, both first released outside of Japan as part of this collection. Set at the turn of the 20th century in Japan and England, Chronicles features a solid cast of quirky and unusual characters, with tons of drama, comedy, and mystery. Get ready to solve some of the craziest legal cases in the mock courtroom world.
Those familiar with Ace Attorney games may already know that The Great Ace Attorney isn’t the first in the series, but if you’re new or curious about it, let’s take a look back at the history of the series. . .
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – The original lawyer with the pointy hair and the blue suit
The Ace Attorney series dates back to the original release of Gyakuten Saiban (literally “Turnabout Courtroom”) in Japan in 2001, and much like The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, the games center on courtroom drama, the mystery of the murder and even some supernatural antics, all presented in anime art style. The star of the series is Phoenix Wright, the main protagonist of the original trilogy of games. This spiky-haired defense lawyer always fights for those who cannot defend themselves. He quickly rose to fame, becoming a seasoned defense attorney who managed to turn things around even in the worst of situations to get a “not guilty” verdict!
Many characters support Phoenix on his journey. Brave-minded medium Maya Faye, her stoic childhood friend and courtroom rival Miles Edgeworth, and goofy but benevolent Detective Gumshoe, all help – or hinder – Phoenix and company along the way. Through various cases and stories, Phoenix and his friends investigate various murder cases while meeting suspicious and unusual characters and asking witnesses for clues.
Investigations end in the courtroom, where you use evidence gathered from heated trials to cross-examine witnesses and present the evidence you find. Throughout the cross-examination, you will press for more information and raise objections after you find contradictions in the testimony. You might recognize some of the classics from the finger of Phoenix and co., Or the popular “OBJECTION!” and “HOLD IT!” bubbles.
It all makes for the perfect combination of courtroom action with a “Whodunnit?” style story! Over the years, the Ace Attorney series has continued with various sequels and side stories. Let’s take a trip back in time and meet an old, but equally astute, blood relative of Mr. Wright …
Enter Ryunosuke Naruhodo
The Great Ace Attorney – New gameplay with familiar mechanics
Wind up the clock at the turn of the 20e century, and set the stage for The Great Ace Attorney. Introducing Ryunosuke Naruhodo, ancestor of Phoenix Wright, and future defense lawyer studying at a legal academy. Much like the previous games, Ryunosuke will also investigate criminal cases with his comrades, such as his legal assistant Susato Mikotoba and the excessive detective Herlock Sholmes.
Herlock Sholmes on the stage
While retaining the classic investigative and trial gameplay, new features have been added to the mix, incorporating more variety into investigating and courtroom battles. For example, Dance of Deduction gameplay has you working with Herlock Sholmes, identifying contradictions in the detective’s excessive (and usually incorrect) logical deductions to uncover new facts about the case.
The summons review is a new feature that takes place during courtroom trials. Analyze jurors’ arguments and correct differences of opinion with convincing arguments and evidence, while proving your client’s innocence.
The summons exam will pit your spirits against the jurors
New to the Ace Attorney series is the optional “Story Mode” feature. You can turn this mode on and off during gameplay, allowing you to watch the story unfold as the game automatically advances through the investigative and courtroom phases.
Want to just relax with a visual novel? Play it for you!
This is just a little taste of what’s coming with The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. In addition to the two games, there is a plethora of bonus content! Go to gallery content to view artwork, change character outfits with alternate costumes, and play all eight bonus Getaway Boxes.
While waiting for this collection of two amazing games to release on July 27, how about getting started in the Ace Attorney series right now? Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy contains the first three games: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice for All and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations, available now for PlayStation 4.