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Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Item: Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Third Person Perspective, Simulation, Side View Perspective, Interactive Movie, Visual Novel, Single Player

AvailableJan 25, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One

DeveloperCapcom

Overview

Court is back in session with Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy! Featuring three games - Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice - join Apollo Justice on his journey to bring order to the courts and bring an end to the dark age of the law!

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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)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy are largely positive. Many critics praised the game for its thrilling cases, entertaining dialogue, and well-written characters. CGMagazine highlights the best case of all time in the first game, while PlayStation LifeStyle mentions the introduction of the iconic Papa Phoenix and interesting moments with Apollo's ability to perceive when witnesses are lying. The Games Machine commends the story for its complex plot, tackling of relevant themes, and well-written characters. Nintendo Life praises the darker and sadder tones, expertly crafted tales, and deeper and darker themes like religion, politics, and foreign diplomacy. These positive aspects of the story demonstrate the engaging and rewarding nature of the narrative in Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy. However, there were some critics who had mixed opinions or pointed out certain flaws in the story. VideoGamer mentions that Apollo Justice suffers from glaring pacing issues in the form of circular conversations that rehash the same details too often. Wccftech criticizes the writing and delivery of the plots, although they still acknowledge the impactful and well-delivered twists and turns. Shacknews describes the story as a wild ride with bright ideas and memorable characters, but also mentions some dismal storytelling and narrative decisions. Siliconera notes that changes to the legal world in the fourth game don't come back in a meaningful way. While these criticisms highlight some weaknesses in the story, they do not overshadow the overall positive sentiment expressed by the majority of the critics. In conclusion, the story of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is widely regarded as very good by the majority of the critics. The positive aspects of the story, such as thrilling cases, entertaining dialogue, well-written characters, and the exploration of relevant themes, were praised by multiple critics including CGMagazine, PlayStation LifeStyle, The Games Machine, and Nintendo Life. Although there were some mixed opinions and criticisms regarding pacing issues, writing and delivery, and narrative decisions, these critiques do not diminish the overall consensus that the story is compelling, engaging, and well-crafted. Overall, the positive sentiment expressed by the majority of the critics indicates that the story of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a strong aspect of the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics mostly love the story of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy for its thrilling cases, well-written characters, and exploration of dark themes. While some point out pacing issues and narrative flaws, the majority agree that it's a compelling and engaging narrative with impactful twists. Overall, the story receives high praise for its strengths, making it a standout feature of the game.

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 opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy are largely positive. Many critics praised the gameplay mechanics, specifically highlighting the entertaining value of the courtroom phase and the ability to review statements and present evidence. CGMagazine, for example, mentions the addition of modes and settings that make the gameplay smoother and more interactive. PlayStation LifeStyle also speaks positively about the trial and interrogation mechanics, as well as the addition of new gameplay elements such as Athena's AI companion and the 'Mood Matrix' mechanic. The Games Machine mentions the enhancement of classic gameplay through the addition of new gameplay elements, such as perceiving witness tics and analyzing the last moments of a deceased person. On the other hand, some critics had mixed opinions about the implementation of certain gameplay mechanics. Shacknews suggests that while the game introduces new investigation methods that give it a fresh feeling, these mechanics are unevenly implemented and often feel like underused gimmicks. However, Worth Playing mentions that the core gameplay of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is what you would expect from the series, with the major differences lying in the new gimmicks of Apollo and Athena. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is very good. The majority of the critics express their positive views, with PlayStation Universe stating that the gameplay additions keep the experience fresh and invite creative thinking. GamingTrend describes the gameplay as great, while Inverse mentions the unique blend of puzzle solving, drama, and mystery in the courtroom-style gameplay of the Ace Attorney series. The inclusion of new and innovative mechanics, such as Apollo's abilities to pick out lies and Athena's ability to decipher emotions, is also appreciated by several critics, including GGRecon and Nintenderos. In conclusion, the gameplay of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is highly regarded by the critics. The positive aspects of the gameplay, such as the entertaining courtroom phase and the addition of new gameplay elements, are highlighted by multiple reviewers. While there are some mixed opinions about the implementation of certain mechanics, the overall consensus is that the gameplay is engaging, rewarding, and keeps the experience fresh.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise the engaging gameplay of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy, particularly highlighting the entertaining courtroom phase and new gameplay elements like Athena's AI companion. While some critics have mixed opinions on certain mechanics, the majority agree that the gameplay is very good, with innovative features keeping the experience fresh and inviting creative thinking. Overall, the consensus is that the game offers a great blend of puzzle-solving, drama, and mystery, making it a must-play for fans of the series.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy are generally positive. CGMagazine praises the visual upgrade in the latter games, with fully-rendered 3D environments and characters in Dual Destinies and Spirit of Justice. PlayStation LifeStyle also speaks positively about the remastered high-definition graphics and sprites, as well as the fully-rendered 3D environments and characters. PlayStation Universe mentions that the visuals have been faithfully recreated with a high resolution in mind, and The Games Machine describes the game as beautiful to see, with vibrant colors resembling an anime. Worth Playing highlights the higher-quality 2D sprites in Apollo Justice, while also acknowledging the advantage of a wider range of movement in the 3D versions. Wccftech states that the trilogy brings a good visual upgrade for all three games. However, there are some negative opinions as well. Shacknews prefers the original 2D art from the Nintendo DS version over the upscaled 3D models used in the remastered version. GamingTrend mentions that the art style loses something without being translated into pixel art, and some textures are still low resolution. Siliconera notes that some characters who appeared as 3D models for the first time didn't transition smoothly. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy are a positive aspect of the game. The remastered high-definition graphics, fully-rendered 3D environments, and vibrant colors are praised by multiple critics. The transition from 2D sprites to detailed 3D characters and backgrounds is also highlighted as a notable improvement. While there are some minor criticisms regarding the transition of certain characters to 3D models and some low-resolution textures, the overall sentiment is that the visual upgrade enhances the experience of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics generally praise the upgraded visuals in Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy, highlighting fully-rendered 3D environments, high-definition graphics, and vibrant colors. Some prefer the original 2D art, noting issues with 3D models and textures. Overall, critics agree that the visual enhancements enhance the game's experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of the Sound Design and Music of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy, the majority of critics have positive opinions. CGMagazine appreciates the inclusion of an Orchestra Hall where players can view the art gallery and listen to music from the three games, while God is a Geek mentions the presence of a jukebox with every song from the game. PlayStation Universe praises the fully equipped media player that allows players to listen to tracks and watch cutscenes from across the series, including tracks from recent Ace Attorney symphonic orchestra shows. The Games Machine commends the impressive and rearranged soundtrack of the trilogy, which can be enjoyed in the Orchestra Hall section of the game. Worth Playing states that the music is excellent, as is expected from the Ace Attorney franchise. However, there are a few negative points raised by some critics. Wccftech mentions that the sound mixing can be odd, with some sound effects being louder than others and the BGM being quiet even when maxed out. ZTGD suggests that the music could have used some arranged tracks and mentions the absence of voice overs and a remastered OST. VGC notes that while there is an orchestral soundtrack in the sound test, the games themselves still have the old DS and 3DS quality soundtracks. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a positive aspect of the game. The inclusion of an Orchestra Hall, jukebox, and media player allows players to fully immerse themselves in the music and enjoy the extensive soundtrack. The rearranged and excellent quality of the music is appreciated, contributing to the overall experience and enjoyment of the game. However, there are some minor issues with sound mixing and the absence of certain features like voice overs and remastered OSTs. Despite these drawbacks, the positive aspects of the Sound Design and Music outweigh the negatives, making it a noteworthy aspect of the game according to the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy's Sound Design and Music, highlighting features like the Orchestra Hall, jukebox, and media player for an immersive experience. They commend the rearranged soundtrack but note issues with sound mixing and lack of certain features. Overall, the music is excellent, enhancing gameplay despite minor drawbacks, according to critics.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

100%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy are varied. Some critics, such as Wccftech and TheXboxHub, mention positive aspects of the voice acting. Wccftech notes that the main dialogues have been recast, which adds a fresh element to the game. TheXboxHub also highlights the new voice dubs in this release, which contribute to enhancing the overall experience. These positive comments suggest that the voice acting in the game has been well-received by some reviewers. On the other hand, there are critics who express negative opinions about the voice acting in the game. ZTGD mentions that there are no voice overs in the game, which can be seen as a disappointment for players who enjoy immersive voice acting. Additionally, VGC states that there is no voice acting in the game at all. These negative comments indicate that the absence of voice overs or limited voice acting may be seen as a drawback by some reviewers. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is not fully implemented or lacks consistency. While some reviewers appreciate the new voice dubs and recasting of main dialogues, others express disappointment over the absence of voice overs or limited voice acting. However, it is worth noting that the game offers the option to choose between English and Japanese voices, which adds to the accessibility of the package, as mentioned by Noisy Pixel. The availability of multiple language options, as highlighted by COGconnected, also contributes to the overall positive aspects of the voice acting. Ultimately, the mixed opinions suggest that the voice acting in the game may not be a standout feature, but it still adds some value to the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are divided on the voice acting in Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy. Some praise the fresh voice dubs and recasting of main dialogues, while others criticize the lack of voice overs or limited voice acting. The game offers English and Japanese voice options, enhancing accessibility. Overall, opinions vary, with some finding value in the voice acting despite its inconsistencies.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of the technical performance of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy, the critics had varying opinions depending on the gaming platform they played on. Starting with the positives, CGMagazine played the game on PS4 and mentioned that the collection has been upscaled and cleaned up for consoles, providing a brand-new, enhanced experience. Press Start Australia played the game on Xbox One and praised the visual improvements, reworked fonts, menus, and user interfaces, which made the games feel part of the same era. Additionally, ZTGD played the game on PC and stated that it is Steamdeck verified and plays perfectly well, indicating a smooth experience. Moving on to the negatives, VideoGamer played the game on PC and mentioned that as a re-release and remaster, players should be prepared to make some concessions in terms of quality of life, such as not being able to move immediately to an area until going through two other connected areas. GamingTrend also played the game on Nintendo Switch and pointed out that the PC version lacks expected options and is hard locked at 30 fps, suggesting some technical issues. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the technical performance of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is generally positive. Cultured Vultures played the game on PC and stated that it ran absolutely perfectly with no issues. Siliconera played the game on Nintendo Switch and mentioned that there were no significant lag issues, indicating a smooth gameplay experience. While there were some minor technical issues mentioned by a few critics, such as the odd sound mixing and lack of options on certain platforms, these issues were considered fixable through patches, as mentioned by Wccftech. The majority of critics highlighted the faithful reproductions of the original titles and the enhanced experience on consoles, indicating that the technical performance of the game was satisfactory across multiple platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed opinions on the technical performance of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy across different platforms. Positives included enhanced visuals and smooth gameplay on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, while negatives included quality of life issues on PC and technical limitations on Switch. Overall, critics found the performance generally positive with some minor fixable issues, praising the faithful reproductions of the original titles and enhanced experiences on consoles.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

48%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

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 Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy are generally positive. Many critics highlight the inclusion of additional content and extras that enhance the replayability of the game. CGMagazine mentions that long-time fans can relive their favorite cases in a quick and easy way, while PlayStation LifeStyle praises the ability to jump into any game, episode, or chapter. The inclusion of bonus pack-ins, DLC costumes, and episodes, as well as the animation studio where players can create their own vignettes, are also mentioned positively by multiple critics such as PlayStation Universe and The Games Machine. Cultured Vultures and Press Start Australia appreciate the inclusion of extra content like concept art, music, and cinematics, which reward players for completing specific events in each game. These positive aspects contribute to the overall replay value of the game. However, there are a few critics who express a more negative opinion regarding the replay value. VideoGamer states that there is essentially no replay value as the stories are identical to the original and all linear, meaning nothing changes from playthrough to playthrough. While this may be a valid point, it is worth noting that the majority of critics do not share this sentiment and instead highlight the various extras and additional content that add to the replayability. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy offers a good amount of replay value. The inclusion of bonus content, DLC cases, selectable character costumes, and the ability to jump into specific chapters or cases are mentioned by multiple critics as factors that enhance the replayability of the game. The comprehensive menu selection, extensive gameplay hours, and the appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers are also highlighted positively. While there are some dissenting opinions regarding the linear nature of the game's stories, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive assessment of the replay value of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy for its strong replay value, citing additional content like DLC cases and extras that enhance the gaming experience. Some critics mention the linear storytelling as a downside to replayability, but overall, the majority highlight the various features that make the game worth playing again.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

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

Overall, the critics' opinions regarding the Overall Verdict of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy are largely positive. The majority of the critics praised the game for its collection of thrilling cases and stories, entertaining gameplay, improved experience, and nostalgic value for returning players. CGMagazine commends the trilogy for holding up fairly well and highlights its entertaining gameplay and improved experience. PlayStation Universe describes the compilation as a celebration of the series, with a lot of heart and soul put into it, recommending it for both diehard fans and newcomers. GGRecon gives a verdict of 4.5/5, stating that the trilogy is an excellent collection of games that offers a definitive experience for both veterans and newcomers. These positive opinions from critics like CGMagazine, PlayStation Universe, and GGRecon contribute to the overall consensus that Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a very good game. However, there were a few criticisms mentioned by the critics. God is a Geek considers the game weaker compared to other games in the series and mentions pacing issues. Shacknews states that the trilogy is uneven, with Dual Destinies being the weakest entry. Cultured Vultures mentions variations in the quality of the individual games. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment from the critics is still largely positive. In conclusion, the overall consensus of the critics is that Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a very good game. The positive aspects of the game, such as its thrilling cases, entertaining gameplay, improved experience, and nostalgic value, were highlighted by multiple critics like CGMagazine, PlayStation Universe, and GGRecon. While there were some criticisms mentioned, such as pacing issues and variations in quality, they did not outweigh the positive opinions of the majority of the critics. Overall, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is recommended for both fans of the series and newcomers, offering a definitive and enjoyable experience.

TL;DR

Critics largely praise Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy for its thrilling cases, entertaining gameplay, and improved experience, with CGMagazine, PlayStation Universe, and GGRecon recommending it for fans and newcomers alike. Despite some criticisms about pacing and uneven quality, the overall consensus is that it's a very good game with a lot to offer.

CRITIK

Reviews

109 reviews found

GGRecon

Nintendo Switch

Jan 22, 2024

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

The review gives a verdict of 4.5/5, stating that the Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is an excellent collection of games that showcases the franchise's strengths and offers a definitive experience for both veterans and newcomers.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Jan 22, 2024

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

The compilation is considered a celebration of the series, with a lot of heart and soul put into it. The amount of detail and supplementary material included should be commended. It is recommended for both diehard fans and newcomers to the Ace Attorney series.

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Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Jan 22, 2024

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

The review concludes that the trilogy is a worthy follow-up to the original Ace Attorney games, praising the writing, art, and volume of the story. It also mentions the small but mighty upgrades in the remaster.

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Jan 22, 2024

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

The review suggests that the game is the best way to experience the courtroom dramedies and offers well over 60 hours of gameplay.

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Noisy Pixel

Nintendo Switch

Jan 22, 2024

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

The trilogy is an accessible and heartfelt collective Ace Attorney experience. The story explores new characters, dynamics, and plot threads. The quality of the trilogy varies, but it is a standout experience for fans of the franchise.

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TouchArcade

Nintendo Switch

Jan 23, 2024

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

The review mentions that the game is enjoyable but suffers from significant performance issues, making it hard to recommend.

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Game Informer

Nintendo Switch

Jan 22, 2024

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

The review concludes by stating that Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy succeeds in bringing three great games to modern consoles in their most approachable forms to date. It praises the majority of the trials and the new suite of quality-of-life improvements.

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The Games Machine

PlayStation 4

Jan 22, 2024

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

The review concludes by stating that the trilogy is a great re-release, with visually appealing and well-written games, especially Dual Destinies and Spirit of Justice.

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Press Start Australia

Xbox One

Jan 22, 2024

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

The review concludes that Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is easily the best the series has ever looked and a collection many fans will appreciate.

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Nintenderos

Nintendo Switch

Jan 22, 2024

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

The game is praised as one of the best mystery graphic adventures, offering a definitive version with a wide range of extras. The lack of a Spanish localization is mentioned as a drawback.

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