Tag: Phoenix Wright

E3 2016: Making Some Sense Of ‘Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney- Spirit Of Justice’ And Its New Mechanics

by Josh Jackson

As a longtime fan of the Ace Attorney series, I always imagined that it must be really hard to make a sequel for a game like this. As a simple lawyer, how can the development team keep finding new ways to prove that people are lying through text? Obviously, whoever’s working at Capcom is a lot more creative than I am, because they’ve pulled off new mechanics well so far. Their impeccable track record is seemingly continuing in Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney- Spirit of Justice, the sixth mainline game for the popular handheld series, asking the lawyer to examine the senses of the victims at the time of death.

E3 2016 Phoenix Wright Screen 1

Finding himself in a foreign country that detests lawyers, with a legal system that relies on Spirit Mediums to take us back to a victim’s final moments to identify their killers, (kind of like Minority Report in reverse), how is someone supposed to defend the innocent with rules like these? With that said, how can the defendant be innocent when you’re watching what seems to be the crime in action, with your client committing the crime? In typical Wright fashion, you bluff until you find a clue that can blow the case wide open. Except this time, examining memories themselves will be the only way to do so.

E3 2016 Phoenix Wright Screen 2

When viewing the victim’s death, the sensations that they’re feeling manifest into words in the vision. While not meaning much at first glance, this method of cross examination will let you point out contradictions in new ways. In the demo version, the time of death was called into question since the victim heard the Song of Ceremony, which wasn’t supposed to take place until some time after. Perhaps the most obvious sense, his sight, also played a role as the person apparently blacked out right before feeling the blow to his head that led to his death. Once these contradictions came to light, it wasn’t long before the court started questioning their full proof methods, but in typical Ace Attorney fashion, not before taking some humorous pot shots at our favorite lawyer. Just be prepared to get it your guesses wrong on your way to success, which gives the game plenty of chances to show off the return of five “chances” before you get a game over as opposed to the health bar that’s been a mainstay since the second game.

E3 2016 Phoenix Wright Screen 3Comparing testimony to the senses that the victim experienced is your path to justice.

This mechanic takes some time to get used to, but I have complete faith in the development team. Like with the psychological profiles and nervous ticks from the last two games, I fully expect to be challenged in new, exciting ways when Spirit of Justice releases exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS in September.

Professor Layton Puzzle Master Passes Away At 90

by Matt Rodriguez

Akira Tago, “puzzle master” of the Professor Layton series has passed away due to interstitial pneumonia on March 6, at the age of 90.  He is credited of being the “puzzle master” in every Layton game, as well as responsible for the best-selling quiz book, “Atama no Taiso” (Brain Exercises in 1966).  According to Eurogamer in 2014, the entire Professor Layton series is inspired by Tago’s work.

Professor Layton is the beloved Nintendo exclusive puzzle franchise developed by Level-5, that follows a professor from London into some of the most daring mysteries of his world.  The mysteries are solved in Sherlock fashion, using point and click mechanics to unveil secrets, and frequently solving puzzles for villagers, major characters, and even boss battles.  There was even a rare crossover game called “Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright” pitting Level-5’s and Capcom’s iconic puzzle characters into a clash of wit with each other.

Our hats, are off to you, Akira Tago!  You were a true gentleman in every sense of the word, and we know that Professor Layton won’t be the same without you.  Rest in Peace.

Source: IGN

 

Maya Fey Channels Our Inner Fanboy With Her Return In ‘Ace Attorney 6’

by Josh Jackson

As the Ace Attorney series drifted back towards a focus on Phoenix in the fifth entry in the popular text adventure series, it was only a matter of time before his friends started filtering back in as well. This felt even more inevitable when it was confirmed that the upcoming sequel, Ace Attorney 6, would heavily focus on spirit channeling, allowing the Wright Anything Agency to relive the final moments of the victim’s lives. If you were expecting to see the return of the famed Fey family, then you were right! Phoenix’s old assistant from the original trilogy, Maya Fey, will make her comeback in the upcoming sequel.

Despite making recent appearances in a wide variety of spinoffs, including Professor Layton Vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3, and most recently, Project X Zone 2, the noodle burger loving head of the Fey family hasn’t had an appearance in the main series since Trials and Tribulations back in 2007. With Phoenix firmly taking center stage in the fifth game, it was strange not to have an appearance from someone so close to him considering the violent events that took place throughout the story. Apparently this time around, the call of spirit channeling was too much for Ms. Fey to ignore, showing that her penchant for assisting Nick during trials, (and almost becoming a victim herself,) is still in effect.

That’s not to say Apollo and Athena will be ignored. On the contrary, the two proteges are left to defend the agency in Japan while Phoenix is dealing with his problems in Kurain Country. Does this mean that the two will finally get to stand on their own and outside of Phoenix’s shadow? As a big fan of Apollo and wanting to see his story that started in the fourth game resolved, I can’t object to that!

Check out the trailer below and see Ms. Fey in all of her non-aging glory. Wait… shouldn’t she be 27-ish in this game? Why does she still look like a teenager!? Ehm… anyway, let us know your thoughts, and be sure to check back with us as more information surfaces on a Western release date.

From ‘Shenmue To ‘Phoenix Wright’: ‘Project X Zone 2’ Looks Absolutely Crazy!

by Josh Jackson

Project X Zone 2 is one of those games that you would have never thought could have existed when us bright eyed gamers were used to the idea of game companies being at each other’s throats. Fast forward to today, and it’s crazy when you think about how common crossover games are these days.

Despite its title, what’s technically the third game in Namco’s and Monolith Soft’s turn based strategy series brings together an even wider range of characters from wildly popular series’ like Street Fighter and Resident Evil, to the more obscure franchises like Yakuza, Star Gladiator, and Capcom Fighting All Stars, knowing that all these characters will share a screen with one another is an exciting thought.

The latest batch of screenshots show off some of the heroes and villains that will make an appearance once the 3DS title releases on February 16th. Newcomers displayed include M. Bison, Xenoblade‘s Metalface and Fiora, Ingrid, Ryo Hazuki and Leon S. Kennedy, as well as the returning Ryu, Ken, Estelle, KOS-MOS and T-elos. NPC’s like Ada Wong and Miles Edgeworth show their support, while even non gaming characters like Segata Sanshiro manage to sneak in!

Check out the full screenshot gallery and the latest trailer below. Comment and tell us who you’re most excitped to play with, and if you have no idea what we’re talking about, get caught up with our review of the first game and our E3 impressions of PXZ 2. And as always, make sure to check back with us as more information surfaces!

 

‘Ace Attorney 6’ Shows Off A New Type Of Courtroom In Its Latest Trailer

by Josh Jackson

With Ace Attorney 6 recently confirmed for an international release, it wouldn’t be long until we learned more about Phoenix Wright’s latest escapades. What better time to show your cards than this year’s Tokyo Game Show? At the event, Capcom released their first full trailer for the game, giving us a hint at what the turnabout lawyer has in store for his sixth outing.

Taking place in the kingdom of Kurain, this far off country uses a legal system known as “Futile Trials”. As the name suggests, all defendants are found guilty in this land that relies on mysticism over logic, especially with their ability to view the final moments of the victim’s life to pinpoint the culprit. Thus, this is a system with no defense attorney’s, but what happens when an ace attorney finds himself behind their walls?

The Ace Attorney 6 trailer implies that the next major game play addition will be the ability to examine the victim’s final moments, doing its best, mystic impression of Minority Report. As expected, Phoenix will find contradictions in these scenes, ultimately proving his client’s innocence as only an ace attorney can.

But we can’t discuss the trailer without pointing out its peculiarities. Like where are Apollo and Athena? Let’s hope Phoenix isn’t riding solo here, since I would love to see them develop more, especially after how well the fifth game handled them. And wait… Did they say Kurain!? Based on the theme of the trailer and the shape of the 6 in the title looking like a magatama, it seems like we’re heading back to the spirit channeling days of the original trilogy. If that’s the case, where’s Maya? Isn’t she the Master? What about Pearl? If nothing else, we can almost guarantee that we’ll be seeing the Fey girls again, but how has the Kingdom of Kurain drifted so far from the Kurain Villiage that we saw in the past? Are they even directly related outside of name? Agh, the questions!

We’ll find out when Ace Attorney 6 releases worldwide in 2016. What our your theories? Share them below!

Capcom announces ‘Ace Attorney 6’ for Japan and U.S!!

by The_acz

Earlier today, Capcom announced that the next installment in the Ace Attorney series is already in development and well under way. While no release date has been announced yet, Shacknews has confirmed that Capcom will indeed be  bringing Ace Attorney 6 to the west. It’s also worth mentioning that there will be a playable demo of  the game this year at Tokyo Game Show. Check out some of these screenshots of  the game. Are you  excited for Ace Attorney 6?

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The Cosplay Of Anime Expo 2014

by Josh Jackson

Now that Anime Expo has come and gone, and as we gear up for Comic Con this week, what kind of jerks would be be if we didn’t share the incredible cosplay from the event?

From Monster Hunter to Hyperdimension Neptunia. Blazblue to Phoenix Wright. And of course, there was plenty of Sailor Moon at the show. Check out the best of AX 2014’s cosplay, and stick with Geekscape as we move on to Comic Con!

 

Capcom Takes The Ace Attorney To The Meiji Era With ‘The Great Ace Attorney’

by Josh Jackson

Last month, the Japanese Nintendo Direct teased a brand new Ace Attorney game; one that would be completely different from what we expect. Well, details have finally emerged, and it turns out “different” is a huge understatement.

Tentatively titled The Great Ace Attorney, this title is set to be the start of a new spinoff franchise. Players will take control of Naruhodō Ryūnosuke, who is possibly directly related to Phoenix Wright considering their Japanese surnames are the same. Taking place in Japan during the Meiji Period, (1868-1912), it’s easy to imagine how the legal system, setting and characters will possibly bring some fresh ideas to the lawyer’s desk. And with series creator Shu Takumi back on the job, it looks like this bold direction is being placed in good hands.

Check out the teaser trailer below and let us know if you want to see The Great Ace Attorney make its way stateside!

Source: metro.co.uk

‘Phoenix Wright: Dual Destinies’ Available Now, Watch The Launch Trailer!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies has finally made its way to North America, and Capcom today debuted a great launch trailer for the game.

The video introduces many of the title’s central characters and gameplay moments, and it looks like an absolute blast. It’s been some time since I’ve played a Phoenix Wright game, but I will definitely be giving this one a buy.

Take a look at the trailer below, and let us know what you think! Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies is available on the 3DS eShop for a cool $29.99.

New Nintendo Direct Features Mario, Sonic, Smash Bros and More!

by Josh Jackson

This morning, Nintendo took to the Internet once again in their latest Nintendo Direct presentation, this time focusing on what the company has in store for the rest of 2013, along with a few surprises to carry us into next year. Can you say… SONIC IS BACK!?

Smash Bros Sonic 3DS

Below are the highlights of this information packed presentation. Look for more details on these announcements throughout the day.

Super Mario 3D World features a slew of power ups to help Mario, Luigi, Peach and Toad take down Bowser once again, (this time in a sweet ride!) These include the Cat Suit, a cherry that splits characters into multiples, (which is the closest we’ll get to Mario 128,) a cannon helmet and a Goomba disguise. Returning power ups shown in the trailer include the Propeller Block, Fire Flower and the Hammer Bros. suit. Super Mario 3D World is arriving on November 22nd to Wii U.

Mario and Luigi themed Wii Remotes will also be released three weeks before this new Mario game on November 1st.

Remotes

Wii Party U was shown off with two new mini games. The first had players using the Wii Remote Plus as a ladle to scoop water out of the game pad and carry it to the TV without spilling. The second, called Dance with Mii, has up to four players holding the pad simultaneously as they perform certain actions displayed on the screen. The game will come packaged with a horizontal stand and will hit stores on October 25th.

http://youtu.be/_4PgM6p9R8s

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze confirmed the Internet rumors that there would be a delay. We’ll now have to wait until February to get our hands on the Kong family’s latest adventure.

Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games will be the first game in the series to feature simultaneous online play, including the championship and dream events shown in previous Directs. The medals earned will increase the score of the player’s home country, creating a cumulative point total that will help countries compete like the real games while paving the way to resolving world conflict. Sochi 2014 is coming on November 15th, including a bundle that packs in a blue Wii Remote Plus.

http://youtu.be/HEuvcFNAJgo

Speaking of Sonic, the Blue Blur will meet the Blue Bomber in Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS with the hedgehog being officially confirmed to be returning.

http://youtu.be/QREyxpuYeGU

Pikmin 3 has new challenges available for download, both as paid DLC at $1.99 and as one free download. Future stages will be released for an additional charge. In addition, leaderboards are being expanded to show world rankings. This update as well as the additional stages are available now.

A slew of third party software is headed towards the Wii U and 3DS, including Etrain Odyssey Untold (available today with two modes of play, a CD and an artbook,) Just Dance 2014, (available on October 8th with a Wii Remote bundle,) Skylanders: Swap Force, (coming October 13 for Wii U and 3DS, both of which will come packaged with different Skylanders,) Lego Marvel Superheroes, (landing on October 22nd,) Batman: Arkham Origins and its handheld counterpart, Batman: Arkham Origins: Blackgate, (October 25th,) and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, (October 29th.)

Sonic: Lost World will release with a special Deadly Six Bonus Edition, adding special stages and boss fights to the package. The Wii U and 3DS version will each have exclusive Color Powers, in addition to the 3DS exclusive customizable gadgets, which can be shared with the Wii U version. This newest Sonic title is still slated for an October 29th release.

http://youtu.be/nJJubcPdOJw

Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies will give gamers a taste of his latest courtroom adventure with a playable demo available now. This should hold us over until its October 24th release date.

Nintendo will participate at that year’s IndieCade, showing off the large amount of independent offerings found in the 3DS and Wii U library.

Link’s awesome lobster shirt from the recently rereleased Wind Waker HD can be scanned into Animal Crossing: New Leaf through a QR code within the video. In addition, two new Spotpass items will be distributed through Nintendo Zone locations, including the Fedora Chair starting today and the Sushi Platter on October 15th. Nintendo Zone items for Kid Icarus: Uprising, Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 will be released in the coming weeks.

Speaking of Nintendo Zone, the recently added StreetPass Relay system is being improved to provide the data of the last six people to pass it rather than the last one person, making completing those puzzles that much easier.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds will break away from the typical formula and let players tackle dungeons in whatever order they choose. A new shop called the Ravio Shop will allow Link to rent or purchase a large amount of equipment that will aid him in completing each dungeon. And yes, Ravio looks a lot like Nabbit from New Super Mario Bros U, but let’s not talk about that.

http://youtu.be/sq5s79bqEOs

Finally, to close out the show, a brand new Kirby game was revealed for the first time, coming to the 3DS in 2014.

http://youtu.be/Jxk7IL1YrYs

It’s safe to say that there was more information released today than we could handle. What’s your favorite piece of news from today’s presentation? Was it Sonic in Smash Bros? Or new Kid Icarus items? How about the new Kirby game or the changes to the Zelda formula? All I want is Cat Mario… Watch the presentation in full below, and let us know how excited you are!

‘Professor Layton vs Ace Attorney’ Coming in 2014

by Josh Jackson

If you were crazy enough to wake up at the crack of dawn today, you might have caught the latest Nintendo Direct presentation. The video mostly covered games that we knew were coming with one huge exception. After years of silence and months of doubt, it was finally confirmed that Professor Layton vs Ace Attorney will be hitting Western shores in 2014.

The top hat professor and the turnabout attorney were first shown to collaborate back in 2010, with its release in Japan following suit last year. Hype levels were through the roof, but a long bout of silence combined with Ace Attorney Investigations 2 staying in Japan and Ace Attorney 5 getting a digital only release, fans like myself were afraid that the additional popularity boost from the good professor might not have been enough. Thankfully, after much objection from the masses, today proved that this wasn’t the case, (pun very much intended.)

It’s safe to say that we’ll have all the investigating, puzzle solving and sharp dressed gentlemen we can handle in 2014. Keep an eye out for additional information on Professor Layton vs Ace Attorney, as well as details for the upcoming releases of Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies and the recently announced Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy as they become available.

E3 2013: Hands-On ‘Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Dual Destinies’

by Josh Jackson

As most fans of the Ace Attorney series probably know, the last few years have been a turbulent ride for everyone’s favorite spikey haired defense lawyer. Fans were divided over the handling over the last major entry in the franchise, Apollo Justice. Two Edgeworth spinoffs would see releases, but due to poor sales of the first, the second never saw a release outside of Japan. When Dual Destinies was confirmed for the States, it was announced that it was coming as digital only, a first for the series since it debuted here on the DS in 2004. Needless to say, while it’s great that it didn’t pull and Edgeworth and not come out at all, many would be defense attorney’s would rather have the option of a physical copy. While Phoenix and crew may have hit hard times as of late, my biggest fear was that shifting focus back to the original protagonist would completely ignore the plot lines started in Apollo Justice. After some hands on time in the courtroom however, it’s safe to say these fears were put to rest with the defense.

WARNING: Minor Case 1 spoilers may follow!

The demo starts off much darker than previous Ace Attorney titles, (which is hard to do when murder is the norm for each case.) During a previous trial, a bomb went off in the middle of the court room. Apollo was the acting attorney and was injured during the blast. Now, a young girl who was in the room when the blast went off is being accused of the crime, and with Apollo’s injuries keeping him out of action, it’s up to Phoenix Wright to stand up for their client and come out of retirement to stand in Apollo’s place.

 

Phoenix Wright Dual Destinies Screen 1

While Phoenix may have a reputation as a legendary defense attorney, years being away from the bench has left him a little rusty. His ability to bluff his way through a trial however, is alive and well. The court sections play just like they have since the second game. In order to spot contradictions in witness testimony, players must compare their statements to the evidence and confront them when caught in a lie. If there aren’t any errors in their statements, witnesses can be pressed for more information on each statement, potentially giving us an opening that might not have originally been there. But think carefully… Each mistake costs a certain amount of “health” so to speak, and once that bar is gone, the judge will throw your case out and declare your client guilty. You don’t want to live with that on your conscience, do you?

But as we’ve learned in some of the more recent games, sometimes witnesses are too calculating to be cracked. What’s one to do when there aren’t any contradictions in any statements? That’s where Athena Cykes comes in, the hotheaded best friend of the defendant, rookie attorney and Phoenix’s newest assistant. Athena comes equipped with a new Mood Matrix, which highlights each statement and shows you what emotions the witnesses are feeling when they say them. If for example, the person is feeling happy while discussing a ceiling collapsing on then, you know they’re either screwed in the head, or there’s more to the story that they’re telling. Combined with Phoenix’s Psyche Locks and Apollo’s Perceive ability, this power of psychology is a welcomed addition to this crazy world that gamers have fallen in love with.

 

Ace Attorney Dual Destinies Screen 1

Other than the game play, the new 3D animations look fantastic in motion. The writing is in top form, making me laugh out loud multiple times, (and getting strange stares from the people sitting around me in the process.) I’m happy to see that Apollo isn’t being replaced, and instead is standing side by side with Phoenix as dual protagonists. As a side note, I just have to mention how much I love these E3 demos. Like Ghost Trick before it, this game had exclusive dialogue reminding me I’m playing a demo, (“I hope you can win in 10 minutes Mr. Wright. This is just a demo after all.”) Many old and new faces are promising to show up, and if the time I had with the demo is any indication, whether its digital or not, Ace Attorney fans can start getting excited over this newest game giving us another day in court.

Dual Destinies will be heading for a 3DS eShop near you in September.

New ‘Ace Attorney 5’ Trailer Calls New Prosecutor, Klavier and Pearl to the Stand!

by Josh Jackson

Details on the upcoming Ace Attorney 5: Dual Destinies have been slow to find their way to our eyes and ears, but it looks like Capcom is ready to blow the lid off of this thing.

A Japan only Nintendo Direct focusing on Capcom’s court room drama, (with a side of giant monsters to hunt,) revealed some exciting details regarding the long awaited fifth entry in the Phoenix Wright saga. Highlighting the return of series favorites like Miles Edgeworth and Trucy Wright, (with blink and you’ll miss them shots of former medium in training, Pearl Fey and Apollo’s rock and roll rival, Klavier Gavin,) round out a new cast that seems more than capable of living up to the quirky reputation of these games.

Joined by new assistant Athena Cykes, Apollo and Wright will need her ability to psychoanalyze witnesses if they want to beat new prosecutor, Jin Yugami, a living contradiction who is both a prosecutor AND a prisoner serving time for murder.

Dual Destines was recently confirmed for a digital Western release, so we won’t have to wait much longer. Bringing together the two attorneys as co-protagonists instead of axing Apollo completely is welcomed news, and I must say I can’t wait to play it. New cases, new 3D crime scenes and… dissension within the Wright Anything Agency!? My hype levels are through the roof! Not to mention Phoenix puts on a jacket like a boss!

Check out the newest trailer and share the hype with me! And when you’re done, stop on over and read our feature about why Apollo rocks my socks.

‘Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney- Dual Destinies’ Coming Stateside… Digitally!

by Josh Jackson

After months of Japanese trailers, screenshots and trickling details (including DLC costumes, has to be a first for a visual novel), Capcom has put the fears of would be attorneys to rest. The latest installment of the Ace Attorney series, titled Dual Destinies in the west, is in fact hitting our shores! But there’s a catch.

For the first time since the series launched here in 2005, the game will not receive a physical release. Instead, the game will be digital only on the 3DS eShop later this year. While I’d much rather have a physical copy, considering that the last game in the series, “Gyakuten Kenji 2,” (a sequel to the spinoff featuring prosecutor Miles Edgeworth) was never even brought here, it’s a clear sign that something is better than nothing.

Capcom-Unity’s Chris Svensson explained the digital only decision.

“Their COGS (costs of goods sold) and retail margins and reserve issues are entirely different there given the market differences. It’s a sad fact, but it’s still a fact.”

“We worked very hard to ensure a Western release on this title. If we’d said ‘no, it’s not coming’, it would have triggered the inevitable ‘please bring it to eShop, at least’ cries. Instead we shortcutted that and brought it straight to eShop.”

If you put two and two together, it sounds like the Edgeworth game sold so poorly that Capcom’s afraid to fully commit to the series outside of Japan. But that’s just my guess. Now where’s my Phoenix Wright X Professor Layton!?

Ace Attorney will release on the 3DS this fall. Check out the English trailer and tell us what you think!

Source: Shacknews.com