TGS 2009: Hands-on: Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth
by Ludwig Kietzmann 
{ Sep 26th 2009 at 5:30PM } 
In what could have been just another Phoenix Wright game, but presented from an opposing perspective, Ace Attorney Investigations diverges from tradition more than any other title in the series -- which is to say that it actually diverges from tradition just a bit. The focus is still heavily on plot, characters and clever yappin', but the sterile, first-person point-and-click investigation process has now been replaced with a third-person view.
The control system is functional, but quite unnatural in one respect. You can maneuver Edgeworth through the 2D environments, displayed on the DS' top screen, by either dragging the stylus across the touch screen or simply using the d-pad (thanks for the option, Edgey!). When you've gotten him close enough to an item of interest, you tap a context-specific icon on the bottom screen to interact with it. So, it's less point-and-click and more walk-over-there-and-tap-the-button.
The touch screen is also used to access your inventory, investigate evidence up close (now that's point-and-click) and initiate conversation with your partner in crime solving, the lovably inept Detective Gumshoe. More importantly, it's the home of the game's "Logic" system, a visual representation of the facts in Edgeworth's deductive mind. After talking to other characters or discovering clues, facts will appear on the logic screen. Linking two of them leads to a deduction -- and an incredibly dramatic animation of Edgeworth's mind connecting the dots -- while incorrectly matching them up causes Edgeworth to lose concentration, along with the mental equivalent of "health."
It's a compelling mechanic, and a great way to place the impetus on you to push the story forward. Ultimately, there's only one way for the plot to arrive at its next, inevitable twist, but it's fun to think that you're the one making all the brilliant connections in Edgeworth's stead. As the refined prosecutor points out, the key is to "let the logic flow!"
Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth is due in North America on February 16th, 2010, and in Europe on February 19th, 2010.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
S-Puff @ Sep 26th 2009 5:43PM
We know how it works just give me the game already! I can't waaaait for this.
ChuckBartowski @ Sep 26th 2009 5:53PM
it would be fun to actually beat phoenix....
Ethan @ Sep 26th 2009 5:59PM
It'll help that the judge is on your side.
Sam406 @ Sep 26th 2009 6:06PM
"NOT SO FAST"?
Why doesn't he just say "Hold it!" like everybody else?
seifer @ Sep 27th 2009 5:16AM
Are you kidding? "Hold it!" is a Phoenix/Apollo thing, and I doubt Edgeworth would lower himself to that level unless absolutely necessary.
Meh @ Sep 27th 2009 1:32PM
He did in PW1-3. Still, "Hold it!" is a court thing, saying that out loud in public would be embarassing.
VaultICEE @ Sep 26th 2009 6:30PM
Wow, it HAS been a while since there was a new Ace Attorney game...
Josh @ Sep 26th 2009 7:05PM
Yeah, this is what I've been waiting for. A new Ace Attorney game, finally!
Shadow_Modder @ Sep 26th 2009 9:12PM
Woah, it's going to come out almost 2 years after Apollo Justice, damn, it's sure a long wait. Hopefully they are working on another PW or AJ game already...
Azerael @ Sep 26th 2009 10:27PM
I hope it's a PW game... Apollo just doesn't cut it.
Bring Phoenix our of retirement!
VaultICEE @ Sep 27th 2009 1:37AM
Ah, come on. Apollo is just so damn loveable.
Fullmetal Salchemist @ Sep 27th 2009 3:17AM
I didn't mind the fact that we got a new protagonist in Apollo. I just hated the whole "magic wristband" thing and having to look for a nervous twitch. Despite the fact that it was no more ridiculous than "magic necklace," I didn't feel the mechanic worked.
Also, I hated the fact that they turned Phoenix into a bum.
Paul @ Sep 28th 2009 10:48AM
Yeah, the "bum" thing completely ruined the game for me. That's not how I want Phoenix's life to turn out! And where the hell is Maya?!
pika2000 @ Sep 27th 2009 2:21AM
Oh dear Lord, they kept the lame "Eureka!"
MRLN @ Sep 27th 2009 3:31AM
I kinda like the new way of walking around.
Plus he's got awesome ruffles.
Meh @ Sep 27th 2009 6:24AM
"incorrectly matching them up causes Edgeworth to lose concentration, along with the mental equivalent of health."
Eternal Darkness anyone?
Miku @ Sep 27th 2009 11:44AM
Something tells me the walls won't start bleeding in this game.
BPMOmega [XBL, PSN, Steam] @ Sep 27th 2009 2:20PM
Yeah, they're saving that for the sequel.
Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth Trips Balls.
dotzeno @ Sep 28th 2009 11:32AM
I will have fun playing you