Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (WiiWare)
Known for its immersive storytelling and unique gameplay, the Phoenix Wright series has captured the hearts of millions of gamers worldwide. With Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney recently released on WiiWare, even more people can now enjoy this timeless courtroom drama!
If you’re not familiar with the Phoenix Wright series, the gameplay revolves around playing the role of defense attorney, Phoenix Wright. Trials themselves play out like boss battles in which Phoenix must coerce the witness into giving more information about a particular case. Doing so will not only free your unjustly arrested client, but will help you unlock more information about the case. In between trials, you must uncover evidence to progress through the case and ultimately solve it.
Not only is the intricate storyline a treat, but the visual novel game mechanics sync perfectly. In addition, the music is as compelling as ever and is, without a doubt, the selling point for me. Each song within the game has its particular role and will immerse players, whether it’s through the chill investigation music or suspenseful scenes in court. These moments will, indeed, stay with you.
Aside from that, the only real difference between this version and the DS version is the use of the Wiimote. Now players can perform Phoenix’s iconic “Objection!” gesture when pointing out a contradiction in one’s testimony or when handing an item to an NPC. While the WiiWare port of Ace Attorney has little else to offer, it manages to have fluid motion controls. It’s funny how such a minor change in gameplay can add to the experience.
As previously mentioned, the game is primarily text driven, so if you are unfamiliar with the series, be prepared to navigate through various pieces of text with frequent interjections and choice menus. Depending upon the choices you make in court, the more (or less) likely you will be to cracking the case. Just as a piece of literature may grab you, Phoenix Wright will undoubtedly keep your attention.
The game consists of four cases and can be bought on the Wii Shop Channel for 1000 Wii Points – a great price considering how expensive (and rare) the DS version is. In addition, the fifth case (created originally for the DS) is to be released within the next few months for only 100 Wii Points, so it too is well worth the price. While the ‘pick-up-and-play’ nature of these titles makes them better suited for a portable device, this WiiWare port should make a great addition for those just getting into the series.
Likes:
- Motion controls are well integrated
- Pretty good port for a cult classic
- The game is incredibly immersive
Dislikes:
- The 'pick-up-and-play' nature of the game makes it better suited for the DS
- Fifth case won't be available until the next few months
- The game has no new additions
Review Score
/ 
The review scale at LevelFortyTwo is between 1 and 5. A score of 5 is considered an amazing game, 4 is a well-done game with only minor issues, 3 is in the middle; not great, but not bad, 2 is a very problematic game, and 1 is absolutely terrible.
