The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles Review (NSW)

Written by Anthony L. Cuaycong

Title: The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Adventure
Price: $39.99

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Capcom's Ace Attorney franchise is built from wit and charm. The series of part visual novel, part puzzle/adventure games revels in its presentation, showing ridiculous but lovable characters in over-the-top legal trouble. It's one that knows its humor well, and proves that a good series certainly has the power to keep on going as long as it knows its target audience. With over six main line games and several spin-offs in its belt, Ace Attorney is here to stay.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is one such spin-off, taking players -back to Japan's Meiji period. Only decades after the Boshin War that ended Japan's near 300-year isolationism, protagonist Ryunosuke Naruhodo finds himself embroiled in legal trouble at a time where his country is taking steps to enter the "modern world" alongside the western powers. There’s a great deal of emphasis on culture, nationalism, and idealism, and you'll get to explore these firsthand as you dive into Ryunosuke’s shoes and expose the flaws of the legal system from the inside out.

To do this, you must play the dual role of both investigator and lawyer, exploring the crime scene, interviewing people, examining evidence, and stitching together the gruesome details of the crime that prompted your probe. You're not just taking stock of the scene of the crime; you're doing it Ace Attorney style, complete with all the facets and quirks for which the intellectual property has come to be known. The characters are ridiculous but fun, with each memorable in his or her own way and designed with certain tropes in mind. Each case you take on is unique in its settings and problems, and while the game's cases are never difficult, they do provide enough of a challenge to keep you hooked and on the edge of your seat.

This type of formula is part and parcel of the Ace Attorney series, and while at times it might seem silly in concept, it all flows very naturally in-game. Examining objects is as simple as a click of a button, and helpful hints and observations are tacked on and amended on an item's description as you find out more about it. Your goals are often emphasized with very clear and concise problem statements, so you're never truly lost if you happen to forget what you're looking for, and each case has just enough ambiguity to keep you guessing without feeling patronized.

All this wouldn't work, though, if the presentation wasn't so good. Taking up the mantle of its predecessors, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles seems to try even harder and, in the process, come out better. Each case you play is presented with crisp, cinematic openings that set the stage and serve as an introduction to the episode. Before, the series had mostly stuck to two-dimensional sprite work and pixel graphics in-game. On the PS4, it uses some very nice 3D artwork and animations to really set itself apart. In fact, it's in the new sets of backgrounds of each area where it really shines. The art style lets each location you visit feel more vibrant and unique. Coupled with the game's brilliant soundtrack, it's very easy to get pulled into the moment, especially when the dramatic music starts playing, and witnesses start breaking down.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles shows just how far the Ace Attorney franchise has come. What was once a small but interesting little distraction on the Nintendo DS is now a full-blown series to enjoy, and the latest offering is able to do the legacy justice. It's a game that fully understands its roots and where it's come from, how far it's gone, and how much it wants you to enjoy the ride it's able to give you.

Which is all well and good, because The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles isn't just one game; it’s actually two. Combining the then-Japan only The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures, and its sequel The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve gives it a ton of content for people to enjoy right off the bat. It's essentially twice the normal amount of cases you get in any given Ace Attorney game in one solid purchase, and it's a steal for what it has on offer.

True, the Great Ace Attorney Chronicles has you dealing with a few minor issues. The options menu is surprisingly bare, with no sliders for the music volume or anything to really change. The game can also be a bit repetitive in how it emphasizes things; it drags on with its plot points, especially when it tries to set up for later payoffs. As noted, however, these concerns are trivial. Whether you're a longtime fan of the franchise or just new to it, nothing will detract you from enjoying it.

Little wonder, then, if the Great Ace Attorney Chronicles winds up being your favorite set of Ace Attorney games to date. With a rich new aesthetic, interesting cases, and a lovable cast, it's Ace Attorney, but set in Japan 200 years ago. w\What's not to love about that?

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THE GOOD

• Lots of content; two games in one
• New art style and aesthetic make each case feel more dramatic and interesting
• Interesting themes and moral dilemmas to explore

THE BAD

• Can feel a bit slow and repetitive, especially with the first few cases
• Limited menu options to play with

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RATING: 9/10

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