It is amazing to think of how far the Phoenix Wright series has come. What was once a Game Boy Advance-exclusive series trapped in Japan has turned into a worldwide phenomenon available on multiple platforms. Now, with Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy, things go a step further. Instead of being largely a Nintendo-exclusive with mobile ports, it has gone multiplatform. Not only that, but Capcom made sure it looks as good as it possible can.
While there are six main series Ace Attorney installments and five spin-offs, the original three games really kicked it off. It introduced us to the gameplay, which blends investigation segments and visual novel-like courtroom proceedings. It let us meet Phoenix Wright, get pulled in his world, and get invested in the activities, comedic moments, and dramatic scenes between him, his clients, his coworkers, and his opponents. We see both his past and present in Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Justice for All, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Trials and Tribulations. People who pick it up get to see this progression and enjoy it at once, the way it should be savored.
The collection also helps do these games justice. Looking at it on a PlayStation 4, it is difficult to believe these three were once Game Boy Advance titles. The art here is in HD and looks incredible. But, it is building on the original. People who did play it back when it relied entirely on gorgeous sprite work can see how the original inspired these cleaner looks and hopefully appreciate it. The new art just stands out in a very positive kind of way.
More importantly, the new UI makes sure Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy avoids a pitfall many adventure games and visual novels can face when they appear on consoles or PCs. Everything is crisp, clear, and easy to read. There’s no need to park yourself a foot from your TV to decipher the font. It keeps things from looking obtrusive and is generally pleasant, which is exactly what you need when you have a collection that will probably eventually take you around 60-65 hours to beat.
Though, the most accessible part of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is yet to come. While there have naturally been English and Japanese localizations in the past, this is going to be the first to have more of a worldwide reach. In August 2019, French, German, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese language options will join the English and Japanese options already available. It is this opportunity that will make it more welcoming than ever before.
The Ace Attorney series has become legendary. This adventure series has made its mark over the years, but platform and language limitations might have left some people out. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is the one to bridge gaps. While there are still some months before all the localizations come through, having a pretty version of the three games with an easy to read UI, a cursor that helps make it easier to spot things, and lots of save slots is a godsend. Especially since it is on every major platform now. Justice can really be served.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is available for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. It is also available on the Nintendo 3DS.
