This Ace Attorney Investigations Collection set, remastered for all console platforms and PC, includes a game never before localized for the West. It also features redrawn sprite work, rearranged music tracks, and various production add-ons. This is the best way to play the game without having to boot up your old Nintendo DS or find alternative methods to run it.
The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection comprises two spinoffs from CAPCOM’s renowned Ace Attorney series of video games. In these games, players assume the role of prosecutor Miles Edgeworth, who unexpectedly finds himself entangled in a series of intricate murder cases.
Unlike the mainline series, players gain complete control over Miles within a 2D environment. They can approach points of interest, collect clues pertinent to the case, and engage in verbal sparring matches with witnesses and potential criminals, all while listening to testimony and presenting evidence to counter their arguments. It provides some freedom in between all the chatter.
The two games in the collection, Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth and Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Gambit, offer a unique twist on the Ace Attorney formula. While Miles Edgeworth, the protagonist, prosecutes instead of defending, the goal remains the same: uncovering the truth for justice.
While the narrative of these two games undoubtedly holds significance to the overall storyline and concludes the original trilogy of games, it is evident that the developers have incorporated a multitude of fan service throughout the games.
Notably, this instalment features a wealth of returning characters from the original titles. It marks the final chronological appearance of characters such as Dick Gumshoe and Franziska Von Karma in substantial roles, infusing the narrative with a poignant element as you progress through both games.
Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Gambit is the main attraction for many, as it’s the first time this game is officially available outside of Japan. It introduces a new gameplay element that adds some variety to the mix.
While it still has the same mix of investigation scenes and rebuttals, Miles now occasionally plays a game of Mind Chess with secretive characters. In this game, you need to listen carefully to what they say and stay silent until you feel it’s the right time to strike. There’s a clock that times down to add a bit of suspense to the experience.
Miles Edgeworth solves multiple cases in both games, from a murder in his office to a presidential assassination attempt. He meets diverse characters, some familiar to fans, most new. Players likely develop a strong attachment to Detective Gumshoe, Miles’ underpaid partner. As you progress, you realize the cases are connected.
These story-heavy narrative adventure titles don’t require prior experience with the original games, but references to Edgeworth’s past actions enhance your understanding of the Ace Attorney cast. Multiple playthroughs have improved my comprehension of the series. However, neither game effectively conveys the superiority of Edgeworth, Gumshoe, Franziska, and others over their original counterparts.
What I enjoyed about Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is the “whole package” treatment. The fact I can play this game and experience a story that ties up without worrying about a sequel. They also do a good job of exploring Edgeworth’s past. Especially the second game.
With that being said, Ace Attorney Investigations Collection does struggle with some pacing issues. Dialogue seems to ramble on at times and given the importance of reading it all, you want to. However, I found myself spamming through some of the chatter just to avoid it and get to the meaty bits.
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is an excellent remaster of two great visual novels. If you’re a fan of the Ace Attorney series, then these are must-play. However, there are stronger games in the series you could jump into. These games, while offering the first-time DS experience, do feel a bit dated when it comes to the originality of the story.
This Ace Attorney Investigations Collection review is based on a Nintendo Switch code sent to us by Capcom. The game is available on PC, PS4 and Switch starting on 6 September.
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Review
Summary
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is an excellent remaster of two great visual novels. If you’re a fan of the Ace Attorney series, then these are must-play.
