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CRITIK

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
Item: Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Crime, Side View Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Visual Novel, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableSep 6, 2024

PlatformPC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperCapcom

Overview

EUREKA! Miles Edgeworth moves beyond the courtroom and straight to the crime scene in Ace Attorney Investigations Collection with revamped graphics, new language options, bonus features, and more! Featuring two remastered titles - Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth and the Western debut of Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor's Gambit - it's a perfect package.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, who praised its engaging narratives, well-crafted mysteries, and character development. Critics like GLHF on Sports Illustrated and VGC highlighted the focus on Miles Edgeworth's investigative skills and character growth, with the second game delving even deeper into these aspects. The interconnected cases and overarching plotlines involving corrupt legal systems and master thieves, as mentioned by God is a Geek and GameCritics, kept players gripped from start to finish. The game's ability to balance serious moments with humor, as noted by Gaming Age and Pure Nintendo, added depth to the storytelling and made the experience more enjoyable for players. On the flip side, some critics mentioned pacing issues and difficulty in following the plot at times. XboxEra pointed out pacing issues in the games, while Nintendo Life mentioned that the plot could be hard to follow at times, especially in the first game. Impulsegamer criticized the overly long and padded final testimonies in the first game, which affected the pacing of the story. These criticisms suggest that while the overall story was engaging, there were certain aspects that could have been improved to enhance the player experience further. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Story of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection. Critics like TierraGamer and Checkpoint Gaming praised the interconnected episodes, engaging mysteries, and grander narrative that built up piece by piece, providing thrilling experiences for players. The game's ability to balance humor with serious elements, as highlighted by GAMINGbible and TheSixthAxis, added depth to the storytelling and made the characters more relatable. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of critics found the story to be one of the strongest aspects of the collection, showcasing the franchise's ability to deliver compelling narratives and memorable characters.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics overwhelmingly praise Ace Attorney Investigations Collection for its engaging narratives, well-crafted mysteries, and character development, especially focusing on Miles Edgeworth's growth. The interconnected cases, overarching plotlines, and balance of humor and seriousness keep players gripped. However, some critics note pacing issues and difficulty following the plot at times. Overall, the collection is lauded for its thrilling experiences and compelling storytelling, despite minor criticisms.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The critics unanimously praised the innovative gameplay mechanics introduced in Ace Attorney Investigations Collection. SomosXbox appreciated the new investigation and puzzle-solving elements that deviate from the traditional courtroom setting, while XboxEra highlighted the depth added by features like Mind Chess. GLHF on Sports Illustrated and God is a Geek both commended the engaging logic mechanics and new gimmicks like Mind Chess, which shake up the gameplay. Siliconera and TierraGamer also noted the unique experiences offered by logic puzzles, investigations, and courtroom confrontations, with Edgeworth's Logic mechanic adding a fun twist. VGC and But Why Tho?? lauded the hands-on investigation process and Logic system, encouraging critical thinking and interactive exploration. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain issues with the gameplay of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection. Nintendo Life mentioned that aspects like the Deduce ability can be unclear, and Mind Chess in Investigations 2 was criticized for being convoluted and annoying. Gaming Age felt that some areas felt too open with little to do, while GameCritics highlighted the complexity of some puzzles that may require lateral thinking. These criticisms indicate that while the game introduces fresh gameplay mechanics, there are areas where clarity and engagement could be improved. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive towards the gameplay of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection. The game successfully merges crime investigation gameplay with visual novel elements, offering a refreshing take on the traditional Ace Attorney mechanics. Critics like GAMINGbible and GamingBolt appreciate the subtle but necessary evolution from the Phoenix Wright games, providing players with a more interactive and explorative approach to gathering evidence and solving cases. Despite some minor issues highlighted by critics such as Nintendo Life and GameCritics, the general sentiment is that the gameplay innovations, such as the Logic system and Mind Chess, add depth and variety to the overall experience, making Ace Attorney Investigations Collection a worthwhile addition to the series.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Ace Attorney Investigations Collection for its innovative gameplay mechanics, such as new investigation and puzzle-solving elements like Mind Chess. While some critics mention issues with clarity and engagement, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game successfully merges crime investigation with visual novel elements, offering a refreshing take on traditional Ace Attorney mechanics. Critics appreciate the evolution from Phoenix Wright games and find the gameplay innovations, like the Logic system and Mind Chess, add depth and variety to the experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like God is a Geek and Siliconera commended the gorgeous updated art with impressive animations, cute character avatars, and detailed animations, which were deemed visually appealing and beautiful on modern consoles. VGC and But Why Tho?? appreciated the brilliant remaster with redesigned sprites and optional customization features, while Impulsegamer noted the fully remastered experience with redrawn sprites and backgrounds in widescreen, along with quality of life features like Autoplay toggle and a gallery with concept art and animations. The inclusion of multiple visual styles, such as HD chibi style and pixel art, catered to different preferences, as mentioned by SomosXbox and TierraGamer, enhancing the overall visual experience for players. On the other hand, some critics pointed out a few negatives regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of the game. XboxEra mentioned that while the HD art and original pixelated sprites were well-done, some rearranged music tracks were not as good. Nintendo Life highlighted that while the chibi versions of characters added dynamism and cuteness to the game, some animations struggled and hung, affecting the overall visual experience for players. TheSixthAxis also noted that while the core cast looked great in the updated style, some side characters had animations or facial expressions that may not have looked right, indicating inconsistencies in the visual presentation. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection. The majority of reviewers appreciated the remastered visuals, updated character models, and the option to switch between different art styles, such as original pixelated sprites and HD remastered visuals. Critics like Push Square praised the fresh look provided by the remastered HD visuals, distinctive character designs, bright color palettes, and charming animations, along with excellent music tracks. Despite a few minor criticisms regarding music tracks and animation inconsistencies, the overall sentiment is that the game offers a visually appealing and well-crafted experience that caters to a wide audience, making it a highly recommended choice for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics love the updated art and animations in Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, praising the gorgeous visuals, cute character avatars, and customization options. Some noted minor drawbacks like music track rearrangements and animation issues with side characters, but overall, the game offers a visually appealing and well-crafted experience that fans and newcomers will enjoy.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like SomosXbox and TierraGamer appreciated the improved sound quality and original soundtrack, stating that it enhanced the investigative atmosphere and overall experience of solving crimes as Miles Edgeworth. Additionally, CGMagazine and Impulsegamer commended the incredible soundtrack with classic and updated music arrangements that perfectly complemented the gameplay, including character themes and iconic tracks like 'Pursuit - Chase Down the Truth'. Vooks also noted the remarkable job done by the translation team in keeping the spirit of Ace Attorney alive through the music selection, galleries, and character profiles. On the other hand, some critics expressed minor criticisms regarding the music of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection. XboxEra mentioned a preference for the original score over the rearranged music tracks, finding the latter to sound busier and impact the overall audio mixing. Push Square highlighted limited voice acting with soundbites like 'Objection!', which may have left some players wanting more in terms of immersive audio elements. These criticisms, however, were relatively minor compared to the overwhelming positive feedback from the majority of reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the sound design and music of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection. The game was widely praised for its fantastic music, faithful soundtracks, and the inclusion of both original and updated tracks that enhanced the overall experience for players. Critics like Gaming Age and TheSixthAxis described the soundtrack as absolutely incredible, with classic Ace Attorney sound effects that added intensity to gameplay moments. The inclusion of features like a music player, achievements involving fan in-jokes, and fun extras like galleries and character profiles further contributed to the positive reception of the sound design and music in the game. In conclusion, the general sentiment is that the sound design and music of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection greatly contributed to the immersive and enjoyable experience of playing the game, making it a standout aspect for many critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praised the sound design and music of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, highlighting its improved quality and original soundtrack that enhanced the investigative atmosphere. While some critics had minor criticisms, the majority praised the fantastic music, faithful soundtracks, and inclusion of original and updated tracks. Features like a music player and fun extras further added to the positive reception, making the sound design a standout aspect for many reviewers.

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on Xbox One, XboxEra praises the convenience of being able to save almost anywhere and at any time, indicating a smooth experience without major technical issues. Moving to the PC platform, critics like GLHF on Sports Illustrated appreciate quality-of-life features such as the ability to skip through text, enhancing the game's pace. Additionally, Siliconera commends the fantastic port of the game on modern consoles, highlighting its beautiful visuals and solid localization, with the option to switch to original sprites adding a unique touch. On the downside, Nintendo Switch faced some technical challenges according to critics. But Why Tho?? notes minor lagging in the first game when docked, while Checkpoint Gaming mentions occasional performance issues like frame rate drops and stuttering animations. Nintendo Life points out grammar errors and struggling animations, impacting the overall experience, with Pure Nintendo specifically highlighting bizarre framerate drops that hindered gameplay. Overall, despite some technical issues on the Nintendo Switch platform, the consensus among critics is generally positive for Ace Attorney Investigations Collection. The game is praised for its convenience, quality-of-life improvements, and the ability to reach a wider audience through new collections. While some platforms faced minor technical hiccups, the game's enduring appeal and solid performance on Xbox One and PC platforms overshadowed these issues. Critics like Hooked Gamers and God is a Geek appreciate the game's longevity and engaging gameplay, indicating that the technical performance, although not flawless on all platforms, does not detract significantly from the overall experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection receives praise for its technical performance on Xbox One and PC, with smooth gameplay and convenient features highlighted. However, the Nintendo Switch version faces some technical challenges like lagging and frame rate drops. Despite these issues, critics are generally positive about the game's improvements and enduring appeal across platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection are largely positive. Critics like SomosXbox, GLHF on Sports Illustrated, and VGC highlight the game's high replay value due to the multiple cases, optional features for customization, additional content like galleries, character profiles, music selection, and achievements. The interconnected cases and engaging gameplay mechanics, as mentioned by TierraGamer, also contribute to the replayability, especially for fans of the Ace Attorney franchise or visual novels. Furthermore, the inclusion of unlockable art, concepts, orchestrated music, and bonus materials by critics like CGMagazine and Gaming Age adds to the overall replay value of the game. On the negative side, some critics express concerns about the potential impact of the game's quick completion on its replay value. Pure Nintendo notes that the games can be completed quickly, which may affect the replayability for some players. Additionally, XboxEra and Vooks mention that while the Story Mode allows the game to play itself, it limits unlocking content and achievements, potentially reducing the incentive for replay for completionists. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a significant amount of replay value, particularly for fans of the series. Critics like Nintendo Life praise the extras like animation galleries, concept art, and achievements that enhance the replayability. The inclusion of features like Chapter Select, Story Mode, and the ability to play specific chapters, as highlighted by GamingBolt and GGRecon, further solidify the game's replay value. Despite some concerns about quick completion and limited content unlocking in Story Mode, the overall sentiment is positive towards the game's ability to keep players engaged and coming back for more, making it a worthwhile addition to the Ace Attorney series for both returning fans and newcomers.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Ace Attorney Investigations Collection for its high replay value, citing multiple cases, customization options, additional content, and engaging gameplay mechanics. While some express concerns about quick completion affecting replayability, overall consensus is positive, highlighting the game's extras, features like Chapter Select, and ability to play specific chapters as enhancing replay value. A must-have for Ace Attorney fans and newcomers alike.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection has garnered significant praise from critics for various positive aspects. Critics like SomosXbox and Siliconera have highlighted the engaging storytelling and strong character work, with the collection offering a fresh experience with Miles Edgeworth as the protagonist. The innovative gameplay mechanics, updated visuals, and enhanced experience, as mentioned by GLHF on Sports Illustrated and GamingBolt, have been commended for breathing new life into the series. Additionally, the memorable characters, compelling narrative, and engaging gameplay, as noted by TierraGamer and Checkpoint Gaming, have been lauded for providing a worthwhile experience for both fans and newcomers alike. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out a few shortcomings in the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection. Pacing issues, occasional performance problems, and minor gameplay logic concerns, as mentioned by XboxEra and GameSpew, have been noted as areas that could be improved. Some critics, such as Digital Chumps and COGconnected, have highlighted the similarity in gameplay mechanics and the limited number of games in the collection as potential drawbacks for certain players. Overall, the majority of critics have expressed a very positive sentiment towards the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection. With praise for its engaging storytelling, innovative gameplay mechanics, updated visuals, and memorable characters, the collection has been recommended for both fans of the series and newcomers. Critics like VGC and GGRecon have emphasized the stellar writing, varied gameplay, and unique experiences offered by the games, making it one of the best ways to experience the Ace Attorney universe. Despite some minor issues, the consensus among critics is that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection delivers a satisfying and highly enjoyable experience, solidifying its status as a must-play for fans of the franchise and visual novel enthusiasts alike.

TL;DR

Critics rave about Ace Attorney Investigations Collection for engaging storytelling, innovative gameplay, and memorable characters. Some mention pacing issues and gameplay flaws as drawbacks, but overall, the collection is highly recommended for both fans and newcomers for its unique experiences and satisfying gameplay.

CRITIK

Reviews

94 reviews found

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 4

Sep 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is praised for bringing a new style of gameplay, featuring two great games with traditional difficulty, and enhancing the series' gameplay experience.

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GGRecon

PlayStation 4

Sep 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Miles Edgeworth Collection is praised as a stellar product with some of the series' best writing, varied gameplay, and unique set pieces, making it one of the best ways to experience these games.

CGMagazine

Nintendo Switch

Sep 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Highly recommended for fans of the Phoenix Wright series and newcomers alike, offering a digestible way to experience the soul of the franchise.

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Impulsegamer

Nintendo Switch

Sep 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is praised as the definitive way to experience the spin-offs, offering a faithful re-release bundle with quality of life additions that can be enjoyed even without prior experience of the mainline games.

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GLHF on Sports Illustrated

Sep 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is praised for being the best way to play the games, enhancing the experience significantly while maintaining the charm of the originals. The second game is highlighted as one of the best in the series.

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Vooks

Nintendo Switch

Sep 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is highly recommended, with a wonderfully bizarre narrative, fun gameplay as a prosecutor, and a lot of love and care put into the extras. Occasionally, the right answer may not be obvious, but the overall experience is positive.

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Hooked Gamers

Sep 26, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is highly praised for its gameplay innovations, engaging story, and updated visuals, making it a worthwhile experience for both new and returning players.

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Gaming Age

Nintendo Switch

Oct 8, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a love letter to fans, providing a fantastic remastering of the games with engaging gameplay, iconic soundtrack, and replay value, making it a must-play for Ace Attorney enthusiasts.

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TheSixthAxis

Nintendo Switch

Sep 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is praised for its coherent narrative, great character work, enjoyable gameplay mechanics, remastered visuals, incredible soundtrack, and additional features like Story Mode and Gallery content. It offers a satisfying experience for fans of the Ace Attorney series.

God is a Geek

Sep 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A wonderful bundle of two of the best Ace Attorney games with a fantastic protagonist, great characters, new visuals, and bonus features, despite some issues with Story Mode and game logic.

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