Some kids were obsessed with the cosiness of slow games. Others preferred immersive storylines. Then, you have me, nine-year-old Isha, who spent all her free time playing “Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney” and getting completely engrossed in the dramatic victories and losses experienced in a courtroom. My mum is still surprised (and a little disappointed) that I didn’t become a lawyer. In case you didn’t know, it’s one of three prestigious professions Indian kids should strive for.
Lawyer aspirations aside, “Ace Attorney” defined my childhood. Released in 2001 by Capcom, the visual novel adventure game is a satire of the Japanese judicial system, which had gained a reputation due to its extremely high 99% conviction rate. As a result, in the fictional world of “Ace Attorney”, every trial has to be concluded in three days, with the burden of proof falling on the defence to prove that their client is not guilty.
You play as Phoenix ‘Nick’ Wright — a rookie defence attorney with a heart of gold and an unwavering sense of justice. Even if he bluffs his way through cross-examinations half the time). The point-and-click gameplay consists of two main sections. Firstly investigations, which involve gathering information and evidence. Then you have trials, where you cross-examine witnesses and uncover the lies or inconsistencies in their testimony. You do this by presenting evidence, leading to an iconic sequence of Phoenix slamming the table, pointing at the prosecutor, and shouting “Objection!”. This has now become a meme in its own right (pun intended).
Fast-forward 22 years later to Xbox announcing that the “Ace Attorney Trilogy” — a remastered version of the first three Phoenix Wright games — is now available to play on Xbox Game Pass. I jumped at the opportunity to relive what was, in my opinion, one of the best games of the 2000s.
The introductory case, “The First Turnaround” acts as a tutorial to introduce the player to the game’s mechanics. It’s not until the second case, “Turnabout Sisters” that the story really begins with the murder of Phoenix’s boss and mentor, Mia Fey, and the introduction of Mia’s sister, Maya Fey.
Oddly enough, seeing these characters felt like greeting old friends. That’s part of the charm of “Ace Attorney”. Each case not only tests your legal prowess, but weaves an incredible storyline. It’s filled with humorous moments, shocking revelations, and unforgettable characters all set against the backdrop of a morally questionable legal system.
It even features an epic soundtrack that heightens the emotions of each scene. It’s been years since I last played “Ace Attorney”, and I can listen to the soundtrack and immediately pinpoint exactly where each song plays during the game. That’s how memorable it is. I still get a rush when I see Phoenix present evidence and hear “Pursuit – Cornered” as he nails a witness. Oh, and I can’t forget about the table slams. Or the crisp sound of the judge’s gavel in an attempt to hush the frenzy of the crowd in the courtroom.
What can I say? “Ace Attorney” created an atmosphere of its own. While playing, you become a witness to Phoenix’s triumphs in the courtroom and the connections he built along the way with prosecutor Miles Edgeworth, detective Dick Gumshoe, and the women of the Fey family — who are all spirit mediums (there’s a whole case dedicated to them in the game and it’s one of the best). Other noteworthy characters include Franziska Von Karma, a prodigy who became a prosecutor at the age of 13 and never fails to bring her trusty whip to court (which she sicks onto any who displease her). As well as Godot, a coffee-addicted prosecutor who hides his identity behind a mask. He also blessed us with this hilarious scene where he chucked a cup of coffee onto Phoenix’s head.
The dialogue is the cherry on top of the masterpiece that is “Ace Attorney”. It’s all thanks to the localisation teams that we have scenes of Miles complaining about his “unnecessary feelings” to Phoenix (your honour, they are guilty of being in love!) and punny character names like “Lotta Hart”, “Sal Manella” and “Luke Atmey”.
Combined, all of these elements are what resulted in “Ace Attorney” taking off when it was first localised and released worldwide in 2005. Over two decades later, the series has cultivated a unique legacy and a legion of fans through its numerous gaming instalments. They include a spin-off with Phoenix’s understudy, Apollo Justice — as well as an anime, manga and film adaptation.
Revisiting “Ace Attorney” as an adult reminds me of a simpler and sweeter period of life. Back when I didn’t have to worry about taxes, inflation or the state of the world. Instead, I was just a kid curled up in bed, playing her favourite video game. The storyline is slightly more sluggish than I remember, and I no longer need a walkthrough to help me when I get stuck questioning a witness. But it’s still my favourite video game — and I think it’ll remain that way forever.
“Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy” is available to play on Xbox Game Pass. May you forever be saddled with unnecessary feelings of love and affection towards this game.
