There are many game concepts that you never really think would make a successful gaming franchise. From farming to banking, the world of video games has a remarkable ability to make the dull seem fascinating. A lot of children are started on lifelong career paths through the medium of gaming – though I’d recommend not following in Agent 47’s footsteps… One such vocation is that of a defence attorney. The idea of pouring over files and obsessing over every tiny detail of an eyewitness statement is many people’s idea of hell. So, basing a gaming series around it seems to be a bit of a “Marmite” situation.
My only real experience with the Phoenix Wright games was through the various memes related to it. I knew that you screamed objection and that for some weird reason there was an orca as a witness in one of the later games? When the crossover game between Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright came out, I was enthralled by the characters and the court system (though I did fail a lot to begin with). So, when I heard the original trilogy was being remastered and brought to the Nintendo Switch, I was more than excited. Analytical thinking and finding logical solutions to problems have always been my strong suit, so it was nice to have another game series that I could throw myself into.
The Phoenix Wright games are extremely text-based, with the most interaction required being analysing a scene or rewinding a security type to spot an issue. So, if you don’t have the patience for that style of game, then this series probably isn’t for you – go watch a playthrough of it online instead! However, as a lover of story-driven games and deep characters, I admit that I have fallen hopelessly in love with the series and am plotting to get the other games in the series (eventually, after all I am a student).
The main aspect of Phoenix Wright that speaks to people, is the interactions between the characters. Whether you are watching Phoenix and Edgeworth battle it out in the courtroom, Maya encouraging them from the side or Gumshoe having his salary cut, you are constantly rooting for the characters (or their redemption in some more whip happy prosecutors). This, combined with the intriguing storylines, creates a game series and a universe that has kept a loyal fanbase all these years. Coming into it so late, I can see the passion and creativity that has been poured into every detail of this game series, and I’ve only played the original trilogy!
What I found most interesting about the games is the fact that they play with your expectations. Obviously, as a game about being a defence attorney, your aim in each case is to successfully defend your client and prove them innocent. However, there are quite a lot of moments where you aren’t sure about whether you’ll succeed or even if you are meant to succeed. This is especially true of the second game in the trilogy which challenges you to make a choice in the final case, that you are terrified of the outcome of. If you haven’t experienced it and don’t want to be spoiled, skip this next paragraph!
(SPOILERS):
Phoenix and the gang are at a hotel watching an awards show when a murder occurs. Soon, you realise that Maya has gone missing. You are forced to take on the case of Matt Engarde, otherwise Maya’s life will be forfeit. The entire case revolves around trying to find Maya as well as proving Matt Engarde’s innocence. However. After investigating, you realise that your client is guilty of the murder. He hired a hitman to take out his rival, the same hitman that is holding Maya hostage to ensure you cooperate. You are faced with the choice of gambling on a rescue attempt by the police or letting a cruel psychopath roam free. Depending on how the case ends, you receive either the “Good” or the “Bad” ending.
(END OF SPOILERS):
In these kinds of story driven games, you don’t expect something so dramatic to happen. Despite the serious tones of the cases, there are elements of humour and general ridiculousness (looking at you Polly) throughout the game, so having a case turn into such a tense and fearful affair for all involved was a dramatic yet welcome experience for the player. Considering I’d purchased the trilogy, I knew roughly what the outcome would be and was certain that my choices wouldn’t have much of an impact but the steady fear and increasing suspense throughout those darker cases are what makes Phoenix Wright shine.
This is a game series that I recommend you experience for yourself. It has remarkable storytelling, a great cast of characters and a gorgeous visual style, as well as all the court cases. There are dozens of dedicated walkthroughs for the more complex aspects of the cases (looking at you Blue Badger security footage), meaning that you don’t need to spend two days banging your head against a wall because you presented the wrong piece of evidence. Each game has an initial case that acts as a tutorial into how the mechanics will work, so you don’t need any experience with these games to enjoy them.
Honestly, it was a game series that I’m going to go back to soon. I don’t often replay games but this world that has been built by Capcom, is amazing and I’m genuinely excited to find out more about it. The sheer joy and satisfaction from successfully pressing a witness or spotting a contradiction, is ridiculously enjoyable.
Apologies this one is a bit shorter, I’m a very busy bean! Breath Of The Wild is next week’s article!
– CaitlinRC