Objection! Capcom registers 'Apollo Justice'

by John Bardinelli { May 29th 2007 at 8:15PM }

According to the NeoGAF forums, Capcom has just registered an unusual trademark: Apollo Justice. If we follow the strands of speculation like so many dots, the trail leads to Phoenix Wright and the western name for Housuke Odoroki, the new hero of Ace Attorney 4. It fits the lawyerly theme of the series, and Housuke is written with the kanji character for "law", so unless Capcom is planning a new IP (or a gigantic moon-mounted laser), it looks like we have a winner.

Tags: aceattorney, capcom, ds, patent, phoenixwright, trademark

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

spoo @ May 29th 2007 8:32PM

I will need to adjust to the new less than stellar name... Anywho I hope to see a '07 holiday release!

Shadow Hog @ May 29th 2007 8:38PM

There was another rumor going around that this was a sequel to Rival Schools, though. Something about the original Japanese name for the first title being "Justice something-something".

At least, I HOPE it's not Odoroki Housuke's new name, because that name is absolutely terrible. WAAAY too blatant a pun, that. Capcom's name puns are generally a bit more subtle (but only a bit); for instance, Morgan Fey, or Redd White (the latter only making sense when you consider he's of Bluecorp).

Author X @ May 29th 2007 9:15PM

Yes... they absolutely need WAY more subtlety. It certainly doesn't hold up to the high standards they've set in the past with names Wendy Oldbag, Dick Gumshoe, or... I dunno, Phoenix Wright. The first time I heard those, I barely even realized they were puns! (remember, Nick's name in Japan is "Naruhodo" which literally means "I see!" as in a revalation, so it's not like the translators are deviating from the theme)
Honestly, why shouldn't it be a silly, over-the-top name? Phoenix Wright is named because he always turns the case around when all seems lost, like a phoenix rising from the ashes; and because he fights for what he believes to be right (and for any number of just-as-corny reasons having to do with the word 'right'). Odoroki has a burning sense of justice and finds the truth, just like the greek sun god, Apollo, who represented both light and truth. And, of course, just like Pheonix before him, he fights to find justice for both his client and the guilty party that was responsible.

Joshua @ May 29th 2007 9:34PM

If that really is his name, then I am disappointed. It's not the "Apollo" part, but the "Justice" part! Come on! Just make it a LITTLE less obvious he was meant to be a lawyer! Maybe "Apollo Lawl" or something. That would be great for both "law" puns and for those of us versed in Internet slang.