Game Reviews

Although Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth is a spin-off from the original Phoenix Wright and Apollo Justice games, it lacks none of the magic of its predecessors. Playing detective is as much fun as ever, with cool new features like third-person view, updated gameplay elements, and settings outside the courtroom to make things more interesting this time around. This is a game with depth and variety that effortlessly ties its elements together with a rich and engaging story. It's a little easy at times, and playing as Miles Edgeworth takes some getting used to, but the witty dialogue, colourful characters, and exciting gameplay turn Ace Attorney Investigations into a satisfying adventure. Ace Attorney Investigations centres on an entirely new story and protagonist in the shape of Miles Edgeworth, who is a level-headed prosecutor from previous Ace Attorney games (likes: justice and correct grammar; hates: incompetence). Each of the five chapters in the game focuses on a new case that is tied to the one before it, and eventually, the intertwining storylines are brought together. After dealing with a mysterious murder in his office, Miles gets caught up investigating an international smuggling ring, which in turn leads him to search for a mysterious thief called the Yatagarasu. His partner in crime (or is that justice?) is the bumbling and affable detective Dick Gumshoe. Dick is a returning character from the old series who will occasionally step aside from his role as sidekick to make way for new characters, as well as familiar ones. First, there is newcomer Kay--a sweet 17-year-old orphan who claims to be a great thief herself. Then, there is another returning character: feisty Franziska von Karma (likes: whipping people; dislikes: not whipping people). Of course, new circumstances call for new characters, and the game is full of wacky and perverse people that jump out from behind every corner to either help or hinder your journey to the truth. Always entertaining, these colourful personages help keep things interesting. The problem--at least at the very beginning of the game--is Miles himself. Regardless of his many nicknames, Edgey is a straightlaced prosecutor with a nagging disposition to always let justice prevail. He's not as goofy or immediately engaging as Phoenix Wright or even Apollo Justice. His sense of humour is kind of dry, and he's always correcting people on grammar usage or the correct application of the law. The game tries a little too hard to make Miles likeable--there are too many exaggerated facial expressions, as well as hurtful jabs at Gumshoe and his paycheck.