Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Review Summary

Compelling, interconnected cases and plot: The collection features well-written, interconnected cases with twists, turns, and satisfying conclusions. Ace Attorney Investigations 2 is particularly praised for its overarching plot, character development, and exploration of complex themes. Many reviewers consider the story and cases to be among the best in the Ace Attorney series.

AAI2 is a series highlight: Ace Attorney Investigations 2 receives widespread acclaim as a standout title, often considered one of the best in the series. Its official localization is a major highlight, making it accessible to a wider audience after years of anticipation. Many reviewers feel it surpasses the first game in terms of story, characters, and overall quality.

High-quality HD remaster: The collection features updated HD graphics, including redrawn character sprites and remastered backgrounds. Players have the option to switch between the new visuals and the original pixel art style. The remake is praised for its attention to detail and faithfulness to the source material.

Engaging investigation-focused gameplay: The game shifts the focus from courtroom battles to crime scene investigations, offering a refreshing change of pace. Players directly control Miles Edgeworth, exploring environments, gathering clues, and interrogating suspects. This more interactive gameplay is considered a welcome departure from the main series' formula.

Strong focus on Edgeworth's character: Miles Edgeworth is a central figure, with the game delving into his character, motivations, and relationships. Reviewers appreciate the opportunity to explore his perspective and witness his growth. Kay Faraday is also a popular character, with her interactions with Edgeworth adding humor and warmth.

Inconsistent and slow pacing: Reviewers frequently cited pacing issues, with cases feeling either too short or excessively long and drawn out. This inconsistent pacing, combined with repetitive dialogue and plot elements, leads to player fatigue and a less enjoyable experience. The slow tempo impacts the overall flow of the game.

Poor translation quality: The official Chinese translation was heavily criticized for poor quality, inconsistent character names, awkward phrasing, and forced puns. Reviewers noted that these translation issues detracted from immersion and made it difficult to follow the story. Some reviewers preferred fan translations over the official localization.

Technical issues and bugs: Several reviewers reported technical issues, including game crashes, typos, and bugs. Some also mentioned that the game's logic was flawed and that the text speed was not adjustable. These technical problems negatively impacted the overall gameplay experience.

Unenjoyable Logic Chess mechanic: The Logic Chess mechanic was widely criticized for being tedious, poorly designed, and reliant on trial and error. Reviewers found the time limits and health penalties for incorrect answers frustrating, and the lack of meaningful feedback made the puzzles feel unrewarding.

Uninteresting new characters: Some reviewers found the new characters to be uninteresting, one-dimensional, or strange. The voice acting for these characters was also criticized as being awkward or uncomfortable. The re-localization of character names was a concern for some players.

Focus on crime scene investigation: Unlike the main series, Ace Attorney Investigations focuses on crime scene investigations and evidence gathering, with players directly controlling Miles Edgeworth in a 3rd person perspective to explore environments. This shift allows for more immersive and interactive gameplay, emphasizing logical deduction and puzzle-solving over courtroom battles.

Introduces "Logic" and "Logic Chess" mechanics: The game introduces unique mechanics like "Logic" and "Logic Chess" (or Mind Chess) to enhance investigations and interrogations. These systems involve connecting clues, deducing information, and engaging in mental battles with characters to uncover the truth, though some reviewers found the "Logic Chess" mechanic to be tedious or illogical.

Play as prosecutor Miles Edgeworth: The game puts players in the role of prosecutor Miles Edgeworth, offering a unique perspective on the Ace Attorney formula. This allows players to experience cases from the prosecution's point of view, focusing on finding the culprit and presenting evidence to prove their guilt.

Combines investigation and courtroom elements: The game retains familiar Ace Attorney mechanics like investigation, cross-examination (rebuttals), and evidence presentation. However, it innovates by blending investigation and courtroom elements, creating a more cohesive and faster-paced experience compared to the main series.

Visual inconsistencies with mixed assets: Some players have noted visual inconsistencies due to the combination of HD backgrounds with older character sprites. This can result in the character outlines appearing similar to those in the mobile versions, which may detract from the overall visual experience for some players.

Controller input bug on PS5: One player reported a specific bug on PlayStation 5 where the controller input was registered twice for each click, requiring a daily restart of the game. This issue was specific to the PlayStation 5 controller and significantly impacted the player's experience.

Gamepad recommended over mouse: Playing the game with only a mouse can be difficult and tiring. A gamepad is highly recommended for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

UI bugs in borderless mode: Some players have encountered UI bugs when the game is set to borderless mode and a larger resolution. This issue may affect the user interface's functionality and appearance, potentially hindering the player's experience.

Benefits from Apollo advancements: The game benefits from technical advancements seen in the Apollo games, offering more flexibility. This suggests improvements in the game's engine or features that enhance the overall player experience.

Must-play for Ace Attorney fans: The collection is highly recommended for Ace Attorney fans, especially due to the inclusion of Ace Attorney Investigations 2, which many consider a highlight of the series. Playing the original trilogy beforehand is often suggested to enhance the experience, but newcomers can still enjoy the game.

Play order matters for experience: Many reviewers suggest playing the games in a specific order, typically starting with the original Phoenix Wright trilogy. This is to provide context and enhance the emotional impact of character arcs, especially those of Miles Edgeworth.

Appeals to Edgeworth fans: The game is particularly appealing to fans of Miles Edgeworth, with many reviewers highlighting his character development and hoping for his continued presence in future installments. Some suggest that enjoyment is heavily tied to appreciation for Edgeworth and the returning cast.

Investigations 2 is highly praised: While opinions on the first game vary, the second game, Ace Attorney Investigations 2, is consistently praised as superior in terms of story, characters, and overall quality. Some reviewers even consider it one of the best in the entire Ace Attorney series.

Consider buying on sale: Some reviewers suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing the game, citing the price as a potential barrier. However, they generally agree that the game is worth buying, especially for fans of the series.

Nostalgic return to Ace Attorney roots: The game is set between Ace Attorney 3 and 4, featuring familiar characters and references to the original trilogy, creating a sense of nostalgia for long-time fans. While Phoenix Wright doesn't directly appear, his presence is still felt throughout the game.

Hope for future Ace Attorney installments: Many reviewers express hope for future installments in the Ace Attorney series, including a multilingual translation of "The Great Ace Attorney" arc. They are eager to see what Capcom has in store for the franchise.

Miles Edgeworth spin-off collection: This collection includes Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth 1 and 2, marking the first official Western localization for the second game. The story focuses on Miles Edgeworth, providing more background on his experiences as he solves cases.

Explores themes of familial relationships: The game explores themes such as parent-child relationships and contradictions in law. Investigations 2 has a smaller motif of the relationship between parents (primarily fathers) and children.

Official Western localization finally available: The game marks the first official translation and release of Ace Attorney Investigations 2 in the West. This is a significant event for fans who have waited a long time to play the game in English.