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CRITIK

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
Item: The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Comedy, Puzzle and Logic, Visual Novel, Anime and JRPG, Drama, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableJul 27, 2021

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperCapcom

Overview

This bundle is "The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures" and "The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve" in one package. Play as Ryunosuke Naruhodo, ancestor of Phoenix Wright, to solve mysteries and defend clients with the ace detective Herlock Sholmes across both England and Japan.

Elsewhere

8.3

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the story of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles for being engaging, well-written, and rich in historical and cultural details. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and Nintendo Life appreciated how the narrative delved into the Meiji era of Japan and the Victorian era of England, incorporating cultural references and traditions from both periods. Game Informer highlighted the clever writing and interesting connections between cases and characters, while RPG Site commended the character-driven narrative and heavy themes that set it apart from its predecessors. The story was also lauded for its compelling exploration of cultural clashes, early justice systems, and social issues by LevelUp and Worth Playing. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain shortcomings in the story of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. COGconnected mentioned that some twists were too obvious, while Siliconera felt that the narrative lacked nuance and intellectual stimulation, particularly for older audiences. Game Rant noted that some cases may not feel as intense as previous ones, and Shacknews mentioned that lengthy diatribes in the narrative could be a drawback for some players. Additionally, Shindig highlighted that the game shied away from uncomfortable realities of discrimination, which could have added more depth to the storytelling. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. The game is praised for its captivating narrative, engaging characters, intricate plots, and thematic depth. Critics appreciated the historical settings, cultural references, and the way the story unfolds across multiple cases, keeping players hooked and invested throughout the experience. The blend of humor, drama, and mystery was well-received, with many critics noting the game's ability to tackle heavy themes like racism and corruption while maintaining an entertaining and compelling storyline. The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is widely regarded as a standout entry in the Ace Attorney series, offering a fresh take on the courtroom drama genre with its unique setting and well-crafted storytelling, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praised The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles for its engaging, well-written story set in the Meiji era of Japan and Victorian era of England, rich in cultural details. They lauded its character-driven narrative, thematic depth, and exploration of social issues. Some critics found the twists too obvious and the narrative lacking nuance, but overall, the game is a standout entry in the Ace Attorney series with captivating plots, engaging characters, and a unique setting that keeps players hooked.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles received praise from critics for its engaging gameplay mechanics that blend traditional Ace Attorney elements with new features. Critics like RPG Fan and Digital Trends appreciated the unique investigation and courtroom mechanics introduced in the game, such as solving crimes at the scene and interacting with a jury system, adding depth and tension to the courtroom scenes. Additionally, critics such as Screen Rant and Nintendo Insider highlighted the engaging cross-examinations, evidence examination, and the introduction of new mechanics like the Dance of Deduction and Jury System, which added freshness and depth to the gameplay experience. On the downside, some critics raised concerns about the pacing and familiarity of the gameplay in The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. Siliconera and Multiplayer.it mentioned that the game follows a formulaic approach similar to previous Ace Attorney titles, leading to a plodding pace and occasional feelings of repetitiveness. New Game Network also criticized the excessive hand-holding and lack of puzzle-solving elements, which may have detracted from the overall experience for some players. Additionally, PC Gamer mentioned that the focus on deduction mechanics could take away from the traditional evidence-gathering aspect, potentially impacting the balance of gameplay elements. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles offers a mix of traditional Ace Attorney gameplay with new and refreshing mechanics, making it an engaging experience for fans of the series. Critics like Adventure Gamers and Push Square appreciated the blend of investigation and trial segments, while critics such as Game Rant and GAMES.CH highlighted the engaging courtroom battles and the introduction of new features like convincing a jury and highlighting contradictions in jurors' deliberations. Despite some criticisms regarding pacing and familiarity, the majority of critics found the gameplay to be satisfying, challenging, and a worthy addition to the Ace Attorney series, catering to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles impresses critics with its mix of classic Ace Attorney gameplay and fresh mechanics like investigation at crime scenes and interacting with a jury system. While some critics find the gameplay formulaic and repetitive, most appreciate the engaging courtroom battles and new features. Overall, the game offers a satisfying experience for both longtime fans and newcomers, despite some pacing and familiarity issues.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics regarding its graphics and visual design. Many critics praised the game for its stunning visuals, detailed character designs, vibrant animations, and immersive environments. Critics like Siliconera, who appreciated the well-done visual treatment with stylized character designs, and GameSkinny, who highlighted the sumptuous late Victorian atmosphere and visually immersive experience, commended the game for its excellent presentation. The use of 3D models, cel-shading, and a mix of 2D and 3D elements was particularly well-received, with critics like Gamer Escape and Vooks noting the attention to detail in character design and setting, creating a vibrant and authentic world. On the downside, some critics raised concerns about certain aspects of the visual design. Player 2 and Screen Rant mentioned discomfort with elements of racial profiling and generic environments, respectively. Additionally, Metro GameCentral pointed out awkward animations, such as Ryunosuke's side-to-side glances, that may detract from the overall visual experience. While some critics noted minor flaws like blurry textures and transitions from the original 3DS release, the general sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with most critics praising the game's visuals for enhancing the storytelling and gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles excels in its graphics and visual design, with a vast majority of reviewers lauding the game for its stunning presentation, detailed character models, and immersive environments. The game's transition to modern platforms like the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch was well-received, with critics like Worth Playing highlighting the vividly animated character models and excellent use of 3D visuals. Despite some minor criticisms, such as awkward animations and generic environments, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards the game's visual strengths, making it a standout title in terms of graphics and design within the Ace Attorney series.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics overwhelmingly praised The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles for its stunning visuals, detailed character designs, and immersive environments. While some raised concerns about racial profiling and awkward animations, the majority appreciated the game's excellent presentation and use of 3D models. Overall, the game's graphics were seen as a major strength, enhancing the storytelling and gameplay experience for players.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Sound Design and Music of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, with many highlighting its exceptional quality. Critics like App Trigger, Everyeye.it, and Metro GameCentral praised the dynamic and memorable soundtrack, emphasizing how it enhanced the overall experience of the game. The orchestral score was a standout feature, with Atomix noting how it added to the immersive atmosphere of the gameplay. Additionally, RPG Fan and RPG Site commended the period-appropriate instruments and character themes that enhanced the sense of time and place within the game. The music was described as captivating, engaging, and enhancing the storytelling experience, with many critics appreciating the high standards maintained by the series in terms of sound design. On the flip side, some critics did mention a few drawbacks regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. GameSpew pointed out the lack of voiced dialogue except for some scenes, which was seen as a missed opportunity. Gamer Escape noted that while the music was good, it aimed for an English orchestral sound but lacked the impact of earlier entries, suggesting that some tracks were less memorable compared to previous installments. Shindig criticized the lack of variety in the game's sound design, indicating that there may have been room for improvement in creating a more diverse auditory experience throughout the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. The majority of reviewers found the soundtrack to be exceptional, with many praising its ability to enhance the gameplay experience and storytelling elements. Critics like Cubed3 and Nintendo Life highlighted the excellent music that reinforced the atmosphere of the scenes and the era in which the story takes place. The voice acting, while not universally praised, was generally considered well done and fitting for the characters and situations. The orchestral score, character themes, and the overall sound design were commended for their ability to immerse players in the world of the game and elevate the dramatic and comedic moments. The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles' Sound Design and Music were recognized as standout features that significantly contributed to the overall charm and success of the game, making it a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praised The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles' sound design and music, citing exceptional quality, dynamic soundtrack, and immersive orchestral score. Some critics noted drawbacks like lack of voiced dialogue and less memorable tracks. Overall, the majority lauded the music for enhancing gameplay and storytelling, creating an atmospheric experience that captivated players and maintained the series' high standards.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

28%

Mixed (50-79)

72%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Voice Acting in The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles has received mixed reviews from critics. Atomix praised the incorporation of diverse British accents and moments of silence, which revitalized the Ace Attorney series, adding to the immersive experience. The Mako Reactor also commended the excellent voice acting in both languages, recommending players to try out both options. Additionally, PC Gamer appreciated how the voice acting contributed to the flamboyant and eccentric nature of the game, enhancing the portrayal of London stereotypes. On the other hand, some critics pointed out limitations in the voice acting of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. GameSpew and Shacknews noted the lack of full voice acting in the game, with GameSpew suggesting that a fully voiced version could enhance immersion. Nintendo Enthusiast mentioned that the English voice acting felt off at times, while Pure Nintendo highlighted the strangeness of British accents for Japanese characters. Worth Playing also mentioned minor shortcomings in the voice acting, such as Ryunosuke's 'Objection!' lacking impact compared to other protagonists. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles offers a mix of positive and negative aspects regarding its voice acting. While the incorporation of diverse accents, distinct character speech mannerisms, and emotional depth through effective voice acting were appreciated by some critics like Atomix, The Mako Reactor, and RPG Fan, the lack of full voice acting and occasional issues with accents or impact in certain lines were noted by others such as GameSpew, Nintendo Enthusiast, and Worth Playing. The option to switch between English and Japanese tracks was generally well-received for enhancing the player's experience, as mentioned by RPG Fan. Despite some criticisms, the voice acting overall contributed to the immersive storytelling of the game, as acknowledged by PC Gamer and Atomix.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. Some praise the diverse accents and immersive experience it brings, while others criticize the lack of full voice acting and occasional issues with accents and impact in lines. Overall, the voice acting enhances the storytelling but has room for improvement according to various reviewers.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of technical performance on the PS4, Atomix praises The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles for its beautiful visuals and smooth gameplay despite not utilizing the RE Engine. SpazioGames notes that the game's solid performance on the PS4 comes with the drawback of only being available in English, which may be a limitation for non-English speakers. Both critics acknowledge minor improvements over the original 3DS version, adding value to the collection. Moving on to the Nintendo Switch platform, God is a Geek, Nintendo Life, Press Start Australia, and Shacknews all commend the game for its excellent technical performance. God is a Geek reports that the game runs perfectly on the Switch without any technical issues, while Nintendo Life highlights the praised accessibility options that allow players to customize settings and enjoy additional features like DLC costumes and developer commentary. Press Start Australia and Shacknews both emphasize the tight and polished performance of the game, with no major technical issues mentioned despite it being a port from the 3DS. Overall, the majority of critics agree that The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles excels in its technical performance across both the PS4 and Nintendo Switch platforms. The game's smooth gameplay, lack of technical issues, and additional content and accessibility options are widely praised, enhancing the overall gaming experience for players. Despite some minor drawbacks such as language limitations on the PS4 version, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics appreciating the efforts put into optimizing the game for different platforms and providing a seamless and enjoyable gameplay experience for fans of the Ace Attorney series.

TL;DR

technical performance

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles shines on both PS4 and Nintendo Switch with beautiful visuals, smooth gameplay, and additional content. Critics praise flawless performance and accessibility options, with only minor language limitations on PS4. Overall, a must-have for Ace Attorney fans.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

51%

Mixed (50-79)

49%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles has garnered positive feedback from various critics regarding its replay value. Critics like Atomix, CGMagazine, and Nintendo Life have highlighted the game's abundance of additional content and bonus features, such as character insights, visual customization options, and mini-episodes, which enhance the overall value and provide a tailored experience for players. The inclusion of multiple cases, new gameplay mechanics, and interconnected mysteries, as mentioned by PC Invasion and RPG Fan, also contribute to the game's replayability, offering fans of the series ample content to explore and enjoy. On the flip side, some critics, such as LevelUp and Digital Trends, have pointed out potential drawbacks that may impact the game's replay value. Issues like the extensive reading required, Japanese references and humor, and the nature of visual novels, as highlighted by LevelUp and Digital Trends, could deter certain players who prefer more action-oriented or fast-paced gameplay experiences. Additionally, concerns raised by PC Gamer about the core mystery aspect potentially getting lost amidst dramatics may affect the overall replay value for those seeking a more focused and engaging narrative experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles offering substantial replay value for both fans of the series and newcomers. The game's inclusion of bonus content, quality-of-life improvements, and interconnected storylines, as noted by critics like Siliconera and Game Informer, adds depth and longevity to the gameplay experience. While some critics have mentioned minor issues like unclear evidence presentation and lengthy gameplay sessions, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's compelling narrative, engaging characters, and plethora of extras that contribute to its overall replayability. Ultimately, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles seems to strike a balance between providing a rich, immersive experience for players looking to delve into its mysteries multiple times and offering enough variety to keep them coming back for more.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles for its strong replay value due to abundant bonus features and interconnected mysteries. Some note drawbacks like heavy reading and potential loss of focus on core mysteries. Overall, the game offers a tailored experience with depth, engaging characters, and plenty of extras for both series fans and newcomers, despite minor issues.

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.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, with many highlighting its strengths. Critics like App Trigger and Press Start Australia praised the game for its captivating story, engaging gameplay, charming characters, and compelling mysteries. The handling of sensitive themes, well-executed localization, and balance between serious topics and trademark humor were also commended by Digitally Downloaded and Digital Trends. Additionally, the game was lauded for its refreshing gameplay mechanics, unique storytelling, and immersive experience by Games.cz and Gfinity. The inclusion of new gameplay elements, deep characters, and strong writing was appreciated by Inverse and Game Informer, making it a must-play for fans of the series. On the flip side, some critics did point out certain drawbacks of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. VideoGamer mentioned that the game started to feel stale towards the end, with overly complex mysteries and a script that sometimes lagged behind obvious answers. PC Gamer highlighted that while the game introduced new gameplay elements and explored a historical setting with flamboyant characters, it fell short in reaching the dramatic highs of its predecessors and maintaining the core mystery aspect. PC Invasion also noted that the first game in the package was mediocre, but it was redeemed by the exceptional quality of the second game, which might require some patience from players to reach the rewarding payoff. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is a highly recommended title, especially for fans of the Ace Attorney series and visual novel genre. The game was praised for its strong package, captivating story, delightful visuals, and memorable characters, setting a high standard for the series. Critics like Shacknews and RPG Fan emphasized the captivating collection of cases, strong cast of characters, and a good mix of new and classic elements, making it a gold standard classic for the visual novel genre. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of reviewers found The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles to be a compelling and well-crafted legal adventure experience that is Worth Playing, whether you are a series veteran or a newcomer.

TL;DR

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles wowed critics with its captivating story, engaging gameplay, and charming characters. Critics praised its handling of sensitive themes, well-executed localization, and balance of serious topics with humor. While some noted drawbacks like overly complex mysteries and a lagging script, most agree it's a must-play for fans. The game sets a high standard with its captivating cases, strong characters, and mix of new and classic elements, making it a gold standard classic in the visual novel genre.

CRITIK

Reviews

149 reviews found

100

Nintendo Insider

Nintendo Switch

Jul 26, 2021

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

Highly recommended as a must-play, best in the Ace Attorney series, powerful and emotional storytelling, sets a high standard for the adventure game genre

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100

Gfinity

PlayStation 4

Jul 26, 2021

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

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is a truly exceptional experience and worth the wait. It is recommended for both series newcomers and long-time fans. The reviewer gives it a 5/5 rating.

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100

Nintendojo

Nintendo Switch

Sep 14, 2021

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

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is an exceptional entry in the series, with a delightful story, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay. It reaffirms the potential of video games as an entertainment medium

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100

Guardian

Nintendo Switch

Jul 28, 2021

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

The reviewer considers The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles to be their favorite game in the series and praises the writing, gameplay, graphics, and overall experience. They state that it is the best game in the franchise.

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100

Cubed3

Nintendo Switch

Jul 27, 2021

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

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is a masterpiece of 'Courtroom drama' and offers a compelling narrative that bridges two games. It perfects the formula and is highly recommended to both fans and non-fans of the series.

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100

Adventure Gamers

Oct 27, 2021

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

Thrilling and immersive gaming experience that revitalizes the franchise, a must-play for fans of the Ace Attorney series.

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100

GameSkinny

Nintendo Switch

Jul 26, 2021

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

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles surpasses its forebears, offering superb adventures and storytelling, setting a high standard for the series.

God is a Geek

Nintendo Switch

Jul 26, 2021

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

The best game in the Ace Attorney series, highly recommended for fans of adventure games and visual novels.

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The Mako Reactor

PlayStation 4

Jul 26, 2021

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

The review highly recommends The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, considering it one of the easiest games to recommend for its memorable story, great characters, brilliant music, and improved gameplay. It praises Capcom's track record in 2021 and considers it a strong Game of the Year contender.

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Jul 26, 2021

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

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is praised as a fantastic package that feels worth the wait, despite some challenges with balancing story and gameplay. It is considered a series highlight and a sign of hope for the future of the franchise.

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