Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a compilation of interactive novels where you have to investigate crimes and defend your clients. The $30 package contains Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Justice for All, and Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations. You step into the shoes of the titular character who starts off as a junior attorney and slowly climbs the ranks as he takes on more difficult cases. The games are filled with murder and other heinous acts, but there's also an ample dose of comedy in there. Even if you've experienced these titles on Nintendo 3DS or iOS in the past, the new console port is a marked upgrade that elevates the experience.
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Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Bottom line: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy on Xbox One is upgraded in every way.
Pros:
- Upgraded visuals
- Upgraded interface
- Lengthy campaign
Cons:
- Some obscure cases
- Requires leaps in logic
- Some hard-to-find objectives
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy gameplay
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy mostly revolves around going from location to location, gathering clues. These clues can be used to challenge a testimony in court, or be presented as evidence in defense of your clients. However, it's not that simple. The witnesses have a history of altering their testimonies — actions that would get them arrested for perjury in any other court — so you have to constantly question what they say. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy isn't a hard game, but it's one of that requires close observation.
The Xbox One port is a major upgrade over the original.
The two mechanics you need to be familiar with are "pressing" statements and "presenting" evidence. Pressing a witness makes them present further details about what they're saying. For example, let's say that a witness says that they saw someone else during the night of the murder. Pressing them further may yield the identity of this mysterious individual or some other clue that you can use during your investigations.
On the other hand, presenting is quite simple. If you suspect that a witness is lying to falsely implicate your client, you can show them evidence that proves they're wrong. Usually, this comes in the from of an autopsy report or photograph. Let's say that a witness says they saw your client murder someone in cold blood at 1 PM, but the autopsy report says that the victim was murdered at 3 PM. Presenting this during the cross-examination may get you the opening you need.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy features and upgrades
There are over a dozen lengthy cases you have to tackle, and they have even more twists and turns. Without giving too much away, Phoenix Wright often ends up becoming the target of ruthless businessmen and other conniving politicians, so you have to defend yourself just as much. Each episode is complex and finding out the truth is a reward in itself.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy on Xbox One is a major upgrade over the original that launched on Nintendo 3DS all those years ago. As expected, the Nintendo 3DS version featured blurry visuals, awkward menus, and slow text. Luckily, the Xbox One port features high-definition textures, a better frame rate, and so much more. The thumbstick controls are also perfect for a controller. The difference is night and day, and this console port is by far the best way to play the game.
Instead of playing Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy on iOS — which is the Nintendo 3DS version ported over without changes — I found myself streaming it through OneCast because what the Xbox One offers is a massive leap in quality.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy final thoughts
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy isn't a serious experience, but it'll definitely get you thinking about the cases. It's a phenomenal puzzle game, and given the fact that the Xbox One port is this polished, I can't recommend it enough. You're getting hours and hours worth of content that will keep you coming back for more.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy can't stand up to the likes of major "AAA" blockbusters, but it offers tremendous enjoyment and satisfaction. If you haven't played these games before, now's the time to pick them up.
It's finally available on Xbox One
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy mostly revolves around going from location to location, gathering clues. These clues can be used to challenge a testimony is court, or be presented as evidence in defense of your clients. However, it's not that simple. The witnesses have a history of altering their testimonies so you have to constantly question what they say.
Xbox accessories you'll love
Talon Xbox media remote ($20 at Amazon)
The Talon Xbox media remote is great for watching shows on your console.
Xbox One S vertical stand ($10 at Amazon)
Stand your console upright with this affordable accessory.
Xbox One X vertical stand ($6 at Amazon)
Grab this compatible vertical stand to save space.
Asher reviewed Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy on an Xbox One X console using a copy provided by Capcom.
