Am not much of an experienced player when it comes to VN, I used to play some since I was young but have not else of an experience after that. Maybe a bit of Majikoi, probably some other names I forgot. But Ace Attorney was never known solely as a virtual novel. No, it was a detective game that donned the skin of a virtual novel. It offered both dialogue and exceptional gameplay. But...I can't actually say more than that, because well, I never played any Ace Attorney games. Well, up until now that is.
Story and characters
Enter Great Ace Attorney, the 'Great' suffix is added to elicit that you're playing a prequel game that has to do with main character, Phoenix Wright's ancestor. Ryunosuke Naruhodo is someone who is pretty much down on his luck. After trying to talk to one of his varsity professors from England, he sees the same man murdered before he could realize what was going on. He later gets framed, he has no choice but to defend himself with the help of his close friend, Kazuma Asogi and Susato Mikotoba.
And much like Phoenix himself, MC is a born-to-be lawyer. His acumen for pointing out flaws out in people's statements, deductions and making keen observations is what drives the Wright bloodline. Although man might have some form of inferiority complex going on, he eventually triumphs over, reaching for goals he'd never imagined he strive for in the first place.
A series of events have compelled him to chase after big goals, while at first he does it mostly for his close friends, his main drive becomes clear when he fully discovers himself as well as what he believes need to be done for justice to be served but also be the damn best defence lawyer in late 19th century London.
Despite the serious nature of the main story, this game has a lot of goofs, slapstick comedy, and wholesome moments to look at. The characters, one in particular being Herlock Sholmes gets made fun of for his sounding German and despite making good assertions, makes bonehead mistakes or oversights on his deductions.
The FMC, Susato has a certain naivete and unyielding sense of justice that carries the game yet she is the sometime clueless girl that becomes easily baffled by easily impressionable things. A lot of characters are easy to read into, but they also have certain kind of depth to them as well.
The gameplay
Ace Attorney plays out mostly as a detective game. You have to investigate areas for clues, take some items as evidence or of interests. Then examine some of them for more clues, and knowledge to use for well, lawyering someone. Ace Attorney isn't a straightforward game as each case is complex, challenging, and has intrigue in it. This game doesn't always hand hold, as at times, even you need to come up with your own deductions.
What I really, really like is the fact that this is a 2 game in one collection. As in, this is the HD console release of the 3DS games for both console and PC. Both Adventures and Resolve. So you'll clock in mostly at 50-60hrs of playtime.
If you can endure the indulgence of the stylized cutscenes, then you'll be able to reap the enjoyment that comes from its tricky narrative and humorous setpieces. Often times you get stuff like this, they are fun, but have they have to overstay their welcome just a bit so that you can get all the information you need in Ace Attorney fashion.
This title, compared to all the other Ace Attorney games make significant changes to the established mechanics as well introducing newer things that elevates the gameplay overall compared to the older games. It is a fun game, but if you don't like games that makes you think too much or test your intellect as well as your resolve, then it's going to be difficult, trying to find the fun factor you'd be looking for. Besides what it already offers.
Wrapping it up
Honestly, I did get a chance to play the Ace Attorney games but I never put myself to it years back, now I really want to check it out. GAA is a good gateway for this franchise. The characters are varied and each have their own moments that make them really standout. The story and premise are set up really well to introduce not only the cases, but know more about the characters around them. The gameplay is all about being big brain detective, and shutting people down in court.
I managed to only finish the first half of the game, and I am really stoked to try out the second one. It will blow my mind, of that am pretty sure.
