"Same old shindig as usual, with a couple of new interesting extras."

On a note, I highly recommend before purchasing this game, to play the others in the series first, or obtain some background info on fansites about the main story.

I'm sure a lot of people in the Americas and all over Europe have heard of Phoenix Wright or the Ace Attorney at least once, whether it be a random "Objection!" being yelled for no apparent reason, or people discussing the amazing, unique game play it has, and it's characters. Although to many fans demise, the game does something that was a risky move, but a good one to say the least, and that was deciding to make a new main character, or is he? You start off in a courtroom, discussing your first case with your mentor lawyer, and find out that your first client is none other than a legend himself. What could have possibly happened to this fallen legend? You will soon find out as you play through the game..

Story: 9/10
In my opinion, this is the key thing that keeps the series going. The whole entire series of the games is a giant, visual novel, with some fun interaction. Apollo Justice, fresh rookie attorney off the block is ready to defend the innocent, and do everything in his power to prove it. The story starts 7 years after the events of Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations, with no background information presented, which is somewhat disappointing to most fans, but some things are tied up along the way of the game. You will run into a few familiar faces, and be introduced to a whole new cast of characters who really make the game feel like it was when the first in the series was released. From beginning to end, the story contains plot twists galore, which can really dig you into the addicting storyline, and as always, a somewhat happy ending.

Gameplay: 8/10
Investigations are just the same as before. When you're out investigating witnesses, victims, your client, persons of interest, etc. Some may not greet you with a warming smile, and in order for them to cough up some information, you'll need to dig up some dirt on them or do them a favor without realizing it most of the time, which is fun to figure out. There are a few points in the game where a novice might get stuck for awhile, but upon searching and trying everything possible, they will find a way. The best thing to do is keep your eyes peeled and a shiny as that attorney badge you sport on your lapel. Unlike previous games, there aren't any Psyche-Locks until far later on in the game, which is good, and bad in some senses. Scientific Investigation from the bonus case in Ace Attorney for the DS returns in this game as well, but it's not used as often as it possibly could be.

The Courthouse: The Ultimate Battleground. This is where the game really shines. Three main new features have been added to the courthouse which include the ability to manipulate objects in a crime scene, preciving people's habits in order to catch them in a lie, and a Jury Trial. As far as crime scene manipulation and precieve , these new features are great. You will rearrange items in a crime scene in order to establish possibilities and proof. When you precieve, you will take note of a Witnesses' physical actions and try to catch them doing something unusual, which they tend to do when they lie. Unfortunatley, the Jury system isn't what it's left up to be and it does have a major impact on what happens in the game, and it can easily be manipulated.

Pressing witnesses, debunking testimonies, and presenting evidence all remains the same. You gather evidence during the investigation phases, and during trials. Through your observations, present them during the trial when a witnesses' testimony contradicts a piece of evidence. Pressing witnesses may lead to them exposing more information than you already know, and may help strengthen, or weaken your case, which is always exciting to find out!

Graphics: 9/10
There honestly isn't too much to say about the art of the game, except from the fact that it's well done. Everything is extremely detailed and the game looks nice. The character's actions/emotions totally speak for themselves. There will be times where you might burst out and laugh because of a character's behavior or reaction to statements, and some of the characters are just plain weird to begin with, so it's very easy to brighten up your mood.

The back drops/grounds are as good looking as usual. No more pixelated art (except for a special part in the game), everything is clean-cut and sharp, giving a wonderful presentation. The evidence is also well done. You can examine a good majority of the evidence in 3-D using the stylus, and there is a lot to look at, and much you need to observe and remember.

Music/Sound: 10/10
In the history of the series, most of the music is just remixed, with a few new tunes, which isn't bad. The original soundtrack is still great and the game uses the same bare basics to establish this soundtrack, but the original game came out over 5 years ago. Some of the music really builds up the suspense, especially the new, non-remixed pieces.

The sound effects are the same old beeps for the most part, New "Objection!" sounds are enough to make anyone feel right in the middle of the action. Nothing much has changed as far as sound effects.

Buy/Rent:

This is a tough one. I played the game almost straight through and it took about 18 hours. It was good to catch up a bit on the story and was worth the play to see some loose ends tied up, but not all of them. The replay value on the game is kind of low, since you may know exactly what to do, and when. The upside is after beating a case, you can fast-forward some parts of the dialog so you save yourself a couple of hours by skipping some parts, and it might be fun to play them over again. Unless you're a hardcore Ace Attorney fan, and even if you are, it's an easy rental. If you have the spare time to finish the game in a matter of 2-3 days, that's for sure. If you enjoy it and feel like playing it again, sure go ahead and buy it.

Although not all of our questions are answered in Ace Attorney 4, perhaps Ace Attorney 5 will answer the rest, or who knows, there might be more than 5!

Final Score: 8/10 (Not an average.)

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/27/08

Game Release: Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (US, 02/19/08)