If my past reviews are anything to go by, I am a complete sucker for adventure games. In recent times, there has been a resurgence of games in the genre, such as Another Code and the Ace Attorney series of games. More recently the Professor Layton series of DS adventure games.
Being fond of adventure games, I am more than happy to welcome this addition to my collection and I am just as happy to at last review it. Especially since today’s video game market is so clogged up with first person shooters it is starting to become hard to remember that there are other genres.
Overview
Upon the death of the wealthy Baron Reinhold, his will was opened and he offered his greatest treasure, the Golden Apple, to anyone who can find it in his estate. After numerous searches, none of the next of kin has succeeded and thus they call on the services of Professor Hershel Layton.
Accompanied by his young assistant Luke, Professor Layton heads to the village of Saint Mystere. It is not long before the professor and his assistant soon realise what there is a lot more to the village and just the Golden Apple.
Saint Mysteria is not without its own mysteries. There is the oddly shaped tower that dominates the skyline. Every time it lights up, someone gets abducted only to re-appear again the following morning as though nothing has happened. The one and only draw bridge being disabled upon the Professor’s arrival. And the mysterious figures that hang in the background as the Professor conducts his duties.
Game Play
Effectively, the whole game revolves around the player solving various puzzles. The puzzles are found but either examining object or talking to in game characters. Some puzzles are compulsory thus the player must complete them in order to progress the game.
There are even a few instances where the game will not progress until the player has solved a minimum number of puzzles. A tactic such as this can easily deter players from finishing the game but with all the puzzles in the game varying in difficult any player is bound to find enough simple puzzles to move on.
The puzzles themselves also vary in their nature. Some puzzles challenge mathematics, reasoning, logic and some even require players to visualise problems in three dimensions, like when given five paper patterns, select the one that results in the completed, folded box.
Even though some puzzles are only more difficult and/or complex versions of earlier puzzles, there is a lot of variety of puzzles between them thus this game avoids losing players by constant repetitions.
Story
The problem with the puzzles is how they are scored. Before attempting a puzzle, the player is informed of how many Picarats the puzzle is worth. Picarats are a form of in game currency that allows players to unlock additional content such as concept are and even a music player.
The problem is puzzles of high difficult do not always mean that they are awarded a large number of Picarats. There are times where a difficult puzzle is worth 10 Picarats while a dead easy one is worth 60. It most likely explanation for this is the difficulty of puzzles is not constant across human beings. Also, if the player gets the puzzle wrong and tries again, the amount of Picarats rewards is reduced.
In the event that the player cannot solve a puzzle, the player can unlock hints. Each puzzle has three hints associated with them and unlocking a hint sends another in game currency called hint coins. The coins themselves are found by examining environments as Layton and Luke walk around. While helpful, the hint system is easily broken in two ways. First, some hints are only understandable by the one who wrote them. Second, with the wise accessibility of the Internet it is easy to get the solution to any puzzle.
Finally, the usual adventure elements are there. There are cases where Layton and Luke need to complete fetch quests to progress the game. And there is also the typical item hunt where the player gets to find and assemble the parts for a surprise.
Genre wise, the story behind The Curious Village is a British Mystery – specifically the style used by Agatha Christy. As Professor Layton conducts his search for the Golden Apple, he and Luke observe all other residents of Saint Mystere and based on their actions the Professor presents the final solution to the case after gathering everyone in a room.
However, structure alone does not make a good story. The player has to relate and actually take a liking to the characters. And Professor Layton is practically surrounded by well-rounded characters. Each character is unique, has his or her own dialect and one gets a feel for them as the game progresses. Surprisingly even the NPCs whose sole purpose is to provide optional puzzles have had the same attention to detail as those key to the story.
The only problem I found is with the delivery, specifically its pacing. There are instances in game where the player has to sit through long sessions of dialogue. This is sometimes made worse when a puzzle is presented after a long session of dialogue and it turns out to be a difficult one with minimal Picarats in return. The story would have flowed better had it be given in more comfortable portions.
Graphics and Sound
Despite being a game from Japan, there is no anime style influence to the visuals. Like the story, the visuals have a strong European style and all the backgrounds feel like water colour paintings. Furthermore, the characters are well designed, colourful and are even backed with actual voice tracks.
In some cases, the game story is also told via animated cut scenes with an almost Ghibli-like quality to them. In more complex scenes, CGI has also been used but the style is still consistent with the rest of the environments and the characters.
In terms of sound, it can only be described in word: perfect. All characters have superb voices that fit perfectly with the design of their characters. Besides the voices the game is also backed by a superb soundtrack. Despite only having a few areas, each major area has its own soundtrack and there are various themes each one attached to a required scene. As with the graphics and the story, the music itself has a very European style to it.
Overall
Despite the odd puzzle that only its designer could understand and the inconsistency between puzzle difficulty and rewarded Picarats, the Curious Village is a well-rounded adventure game for the modern day. A murder mystery with a European style in visuals and soundtrack, this game is another welcome breath of fresh air for today’s gaming.
Showing posts with label Nintendo DS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nintendo DS. Show all posts
Friday, March 4, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations
It has taken quite some time but at last I have finally turned my attention to Trials and Tribulations, the third game staring ace attorney Phoenix Wright. Again still using the same formula, this game still stands out as it ties up all the loose ends from Ace Attorney and Justice for All all the while providing colourful and unique characters with ever challenging puzzles.
Overview
Being the third game staring Phoenix, one can easily think that it is ‘just another day at the office’ for our spiky haired attorney. This could not be further from truth. Everything hinted at or left open in the first two games is brought into the open. As well as defending his clients, Phoenix also has to draw to a close past events.
Game Play
As I have said before, this third game still makes use of the same formula as the first two. Players still alternate between investigation (look for clues) and trial (defend and uncover the truth) modes, still use a point and click interface and still use a special item, the magatama, to further press characters for further clues to support the current case.
The only change is the difficult with the puzzles. For the most part, the puzzles are simplified thus the contradiction to a witness testimony is easily uncovered using an obvious piece of evidence. However, some are still outright annoying – especially where the contradiction is obvious but the player has disprove other contradictions before being able to use the obvious.
Despite this, the mechanic behind the game are still sound and they provide plenty of challenge without getting repetitious.
Story
Story wise, Trials and Tribulations has the largest and complex story of the three. Like the previous games, players proceed through a collection of episodes and all contribute to a larger story which is brought to a close in the final episode.
Unlike the previous games, Trials and Tribulations alternates between multiple characters. Beside Phoenix, the player also acts as Phoenix’s mentor, Mia Fey, and at one point plays as Miles Edgeworth as Phoenix recovers in a hospital. This can only be described as ironic comic relief. Miles is Phoenix’s opposite in the previous games – Phoenix defends clients while Miles tries to convict them.
Overall, the story is well rounded and deep, the characters are well detailed and there are moments when one simply has to sympathise with them as events unfold.
Graphics and Sound
Again, like the first two games, Trials and Tribulations is a port from a Japanese only release on the Gameboy Advance. As a result all graphics are 2D. Despite being a port, there has been plenty of attention to detail with all characters, new and old.
The sound is much the same as the preceding games – the effects are simple but the soundtrack is extensive. Every character presented in the game has his or her own theme, practically no two characters had the same theme.
Besides character themes, the game is also backed (as usual) with an extensive musical score. Each environment has its own theme. During times of peace and clam, the music is smooth and pleasant. During moments of action, the music is full of beat and brings forth a sense of urgency.
Overall
When I review each game, I try to evaluate individual and treat each game as standalone. When it comes to installments, it is not easy and the Ace Attorney series is no exception. The formula in terms of game mechanics has been pretty static with only a single addition in the second game. Despite this, each game has been a good experience and Trials and Tribulations proves that tried and true can still work.
Closure has been brought at last, all lose ends from all three games have been tied and everyone moves one. Colourful characters with their own nature, theme and style, an extensive soundtrack and mind challenging puzzles all blend together in what would have to be the best of the Ace Attorney series so far (including Apollo Justice).
The only problem is copies of this game are hard to come by. For those looking, the Japanese ‘best value/hits’ version has both a Japanese and English track.
Overview
Being the third game staring Phoenix, one can easily think that it is ‘just another day at the office’ for our spiky haired attorney. This could not be further from truth. Everything hinted at or left open in the first two games is brought into the open. As well as defending his clients, Phoenix also has to draw to a close past events.
Game Play
As I have said before, this third game still makes use of the same formula as the first two. Players still alternate between investigation (look for clues) and trial (defend and uncover the truth) modes, still use a point and click interface and still use a special item, the magatama, to further press characters for further clues to support the current case.
The only change is the difficult with the puzzles. For the most part, the puzzles are simplified thus the contradiction to a witness testimony is easily uncovered using an obvious piece of evidence. However, some are still outright annoying – especially where the contradiction is obvious but the player has disprove other contradictions before being able to use the obvious.
Despite this, the mechanic behind the game are still sound and they provide plenty of challenge without getting repetitious.
Story
Story wise, Trials and Tribulations has the largest and complex story of the three. Like the previous games, players proceed through a collection of episodes and all contribute to a larger story which is brought to a close in the final episode.
Unlike the previous games, Trials and Tribulations alternates between multiple characters. Beside Phoenix, the player also acts as Phoenix’s mentor, Mia Fey, and at one point plays as Miles Edgeworth as Phoenix recovers in a hospital. This can only be described as ironic comic relief. Miles is Phoenix’s opposite in the previous games – Phoenix defends clients while Miles tries to convict them.
Overall, the story is well rounded and deep, the characters are well detailed and there are moments when one simply has to sympathise with them as events unfold.
Graphics and Sound
Again, like the first two games, Trials and Tribulations is a port from a Japanese only release on the Gameboy Advance. As a result all graphics are 2D. Despite being a port, there has been plenty of attention to detail with all characters, new and old.
The sound is much the same as the preceding games – the effects are simple but the soundtrack is extensive. Every character presented in the game has his or her own theme, practically no two characters had the same theme.
Besides character themes, the game is also backed (as usual) with an extensive musical score. Each environment has its own theme. During times of peace and clam, the music is smooth and pleasant. During moments of action, the music is full of beat and brings forth a sense of urgency.
Overall
When I review each game, I try to evaluate individual and treat each game as standalone. When it comes to installments, it is not easy and the Ace Attorney series is no exception. The formula in terms of game mechanics has been pretty static with only a single addition in the second game. Despite this, each game has been a good experience and Trials and Tribulations proves that tried and true can still work.
Closure has been brought at last, all lose ends from all three games have been tied and everyone moves one. Colourful characters with their own nature, theme and style, an extensive soundtrack and mind challenging puzzles all blend together in what would have to be the best of the Ace Attorney series so far (including Apollo Justice).
The only problem is copies of this game are hard to come by. For those looking, the Japanese ‘best value/hits’ version has both a Japanese and English track.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Another Code: Two Memories
It has been quite some time since I have released a game review. While my last run was short lived, I was still pleased as I was still able to at least get three game reviews in a row out on time. As my last review went to the Web, I found out that game developer Cing had filed for bankruptcy (sources: Kotaku and Wikipedia).
To me, this is a rather sad moment. While I have only played two Cing games and I am working on a third, I still had a lot of fun. While I have other reviews in the pipeline, I am putting them on hold as I review the two Cing games I have finished.
First up is Another Code: Two Memories. This was the first game I ever got for my Nintendo DS. I was drawn to it because reviews and promotional material make it look like a modern version of Myst. This was exactly the case and without further ado, here is my review in my usual comprehensive manner.
Overview
In Another Code, the player is cast the role of Ashley. While most young girls are full of joy whenever their fourteenth birthday arrives, Ashley is full of emotional turmoil. Just a few days prior, a package arrived for her. Inside is a DS like device called a DAS and a letter from Ashley’s father. This is a shock to Ashley as she had believed that her father died along with her mother when Ashley was only three years old.
The game starts with Ashley on a boat with her aunt to the destination specified in the letter: Blood Edward Island. No sooner does Ashley arrive her aunt is kidnapped and Ashley sets out find her.
Shortly afterwards, Ashley finds a ghost named D, who has no memory of how he died thus cannot pass over and finally rest in peace. Together, Ashley and D search the environs of Blood Edward Island in an attempt learn what has happened on the Island and hopefully answers from Ashley’s father as to why he left her behind all those years ago.
Game Play
While it is obvious, I am reluctant to dub Another Code as a Myst clone. Then again, this task is quite difficult for any adventure game, considering the fact Myst practically took adventure gaming at the time and made itself (Myst) a textbook of the genre.
There are some similarities in Another Code to Myst: the player is in pre-rendered backgrounds and moving around changes the stills. When playing Myst the player finds puzzle hints at one location, and then solves a device/puzzle in another location to progress. While puzzle rich, the environments of Myst are almost devoid of characters.
Like Myst, the player only has Ashley and D and basically wonders about the game world finding and solving puzzles to progress the game and story. This is basically the formula behind the whole Myst series: moving about a detailed world solving one puzzle after another.
It is the design of the puzzles that quickly separate Another Code from Myst. Through the use of the touch screen, the player is able to manipulate objects and try to solve the presented puzzles. These interactions vary from simply putting torn paper together to brushing away dust or using charcoal to reveal clues to help progress the game.
There are even puzzles that require solving by tiling the upper screen of the DS and a few puzzles ever require the use of the DS microphone. My personal favourite is the use of an in-game camera to take pictures of my surroundings and then overlay them to find further clues to further progress.
Puzzles aside, Another Code also makes effective use of both DS screens. On the top screen, the player is presented with a pre-rendered image of the current environment at a fixed angle. The bottom screen provides the player with a real time 3D, top-down view of the current environment. It is also on the bottom screen the player is able to move Ashley about.
As Ashley moves, the still image on the top screen changes depending on where Ashley is positioned. While a still image, it helps add other angle to Ashley’s point of view and makes it easier to search the environment for clues.
In general, the game play of Another Code is simply moving about the game world from one puzzle to the next. Thanks to the challenge and variety of the puzzles, the player is still compelled to continue the game.
Story
If my past reviews are anything to go by (especially with my assessment of Avatar), I like a good story. It is the primary reason why I play some games: I like to play a part of an epic tale in a world that is long gone or in a world that can only exist in the imagination.
Story wise, Another Code is part adventure and part mystery. Adventure wise, Ashley is on Blood Edward Island, seeking answers about her father. Mystery wise, Ashley, along with D, slowly learn of the final events that took place on the Island and what became of D in his own final moments.
Overall, the story is well written, and there are touching and sad moments. All of which are supported by the detail of the games environment. I would love to detail more, but given the short length of the story, I refrain from doing so as to not spoil the game for readers of this blog.
Graphics and Sound
To most, it may seem harsh to judge a Nintendo DS game on its sound and graphics capabilities. It is understandable given that the hardware is quite low powered. However, I am of the opinion that if a game is made twice, once on a HD console and again on a retro, 8-bit console, the overall playability and enjoyment of the two games should be identical. Overall, hardware to me is just an enabler, not a solution to make a good game.
Despite the limitations of the Nintendo DS hardware, Another Code is still able to deliver. True, the level of detail on the 3D environment on the lower screen is low. However, the visuals are backed by a well chosen selection of sounds. With a minimal amount of imagination, one is able to add the extra resolution and the environment of Blood Edward Island soon comes to life.
Another Code also sports a magnificent soundtrack. Given that only a very few set of characters are encountered in this game, it was a wise move to give each character his or her own sound theme. As well as the characters, each environment also has its own theme that matches both the visual and atmospheric characteristics.
Overall
To tell a long story short, Another Code is a game that is guaranteed to give a tall order of enjoyment. A well written adventure/mystery story, coupled with intelligent use of the hardware controls, backed by well crafted and placed music all wrapped up in one single game. I admit, I would have liked the game to go a little longer, but that is just nit-picking. I bought this game years ago, and I still play it to this day. Personally, this is a must for anyone who owns a DS.
To me, this is a rather sad moment. While I have only played two Cing games and I am working on a third, I still had a lot of fun. While I have other reviews in the pipeline, I am putting them on hold as I review the two Cing games I have finished.
First up is Another Code: Two Memories. This was the first game I ever got for my Nintendo DS. I was drawn to it because reviews and promotional material make it look like a modern version of Myst. This was exactly the case and without further ado, here is my review in my usual comprehensive manner.
Overview
In Another Code, the player is cast the role of Ashley. While most young girls are full of joy whenever their fourteenth birthday arrives, Ashley is full of emotional turmoil. Just a few days prior, a package arrived for her. Inside is a DS like device called a DAS and a letter from Ashley’s father. This is a shock to Ashley as she had believed that her father died along with her mother when Ashley was only three years old.
The game starts with Ashley on a boat with her aunt to the destination specified in the letter: Blood Edward Island. No sooner does Ashley arrive her aunt is kidnapped and Ashley sets out find her.
Shortly afterwards, Ashley finds a ghost named D, who has no memory of how he died thus cannot pass over and finally rest in peace. Together, Ashley and D search the environs of Blood Edward Island in an attempt learn what has happened on the Island and hopefully answers from Ashley’s father as to why he left her behind all those years ago.
Game Play
While it is obvious, I am reluctant to dub Another Code as a Myst clone. Then again, this task is quite difficult for any adventure game, considering the fact Myst practically took adventure gaming at the time and made itself (Myst) a textbook of the genre.
There are some similarities in Another Code to Myst: the player is in pre-rendered backgrounds and moving around changes the stills. When playing Myst the player finds puzzle hints at one location, and then solves a device/puzzle in another location to progress. While puzzle rich, the environments of Myst are almost devoid of characters.
Like Myst, the player only has Ashley and D and basically wonders about the game world finding and solving puzzles to progress the game and story. This is basically the formula behind the whole Myst series: moving about a detailed world solving one puzzle after another.
It is the design of the puzzles that quickly separate Another Code from Myst. Through the use of the touch screen, the player is able to manipulate objects and try to solve the presented puzzles. These interactions vary from simply putting torn paper together to brushing away dust or using charcoal to reveal clues to help progress the game.
There are even puzzles that require solving by tiling the upper screen of the DS and a few puzzles ever require the use of the DS microphone. My personal favourite is the use of an in-game camera to take pictures of my surroundings and then overlay them to find further clues to further progress.
Puzzles aside, Another Code also makes effective use of both DS screens. On the top screen, the player is presented with a pre-rendered image of the current environment at a fixed angle. The bottom screen provides the player with a real time 3D, top-down view of the current environment. It is also on the bottom screen the player is able to move Ashley about.
As Ashley moves, the still image on the top screen changes depending on where Ashley is positioned. While a still image, it helps add other angle to Ashley’s point of view and makes it easier to search the environment for clues.
In general, the game play of Another Code is simply moving about the game world from one puzzle to the next. Thanks to the challenge and variety of the puzzles, the player is still compelled to continue the game.
Story
If my past reviews are anything to go by (especially with my assessment of Avatar), I like a good story. It is the primary reason why I play some games: I like to play a part of an epic tale in a world that is long gone or in a world that can only exist in the imagination.
Story wise, Another Code is part adventure and part mystery. Adventure wise, Ashley is on Blood Edward Island, seeking answers about her father. Mystery wise, Ashley, along with D, slowly learn of the final events that took place on the Island and what became of D in his own final moments.
Overall, the story is well written, and there are touching and sad moments. All of which are supported by the detail of the games environment. I would love to detail more, but given the short length of the story, I refrain from doing so as to not spoil the game for readers of this blog.
Graphics and Sound
To most, it may seem harsh to judge a Nintendo DS game on its sound and graphics capabilities. It is understandable given that the hardware is quite low powered. However, I am of the opinion that if a game is made twice, once on a HD console and again on a retro, 8-bit console, the overall playability and enjoyment of the two games should be identical. Overall, hardware to me is just an enabler, not a solution to make a good game.
Despite the limitations of the Nintendo DS hardware, Another Code is still able to deliver. True, the level of detail on the 3D environment on the lower screen is low. However, the visuals are backed by a well chosen selection of sounds. With a minimal amount of imagination, one is able to add the extra resolution and the environment of Blood Edward Island soon comes to life.
Another Code also sports a magnificent soundtrack. Given that only a very few set of characters are encountered in this game, it was a wise move to give each character his or her own sound theme. As well as the characters, each environment also has its own theme that matches both the visual and atmospheric characteristics.
Overall
To tell a long story short, Another Code is a game that is guaranteed to give a tall order of enjoyment. A well written adventure/mystery story, coupled with intelligent use of the hardware controls, backed by well crafted and placed music all wrapped up in one single game. I admit, I would have liked the game to go a little longer, but that is just nit-picking. I bought this game years ago, and I still play it to this day. Personally, this is a must for anyone who owns a DS.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney
Even though it is the fourth game in the Ace Attorney series, Apollo Justice is the third game in the series that has been released here in Australia. Absence of predecessor aside, Apollo Justice follows the same formula as the previous games but has some very unique differences.
Apollo Justice is the first game in the Ace Attorney series to have been developed natively on the Nintendo DS. The three previous games in the series were originally GameBoy Advanced games released only in Japan and later getting enhanced DS ports which were released in multiple regions.
Overview
It is a new game in the series and we are introduced into a new protagonist. Replacing veteran Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright, is rookie attorney, Apollo Justice. Before the events of the game, Phoenix has his attorney badge taken away from him and not finds himself as Apollo's first client in a murder trial. As the game progresses, Apollo not only helps others escape jail but also learns of the characters around him.
Gameplay
I have to be honest. If one has played one Ace Attorney game, one has played them all. Over time, new features, characters and story elements are added but at its belly, Apollo Justice follows the same formula.
Like the previous games, Apollo Justice works in two modes: investigation and trial. Cases and the crime scenes are introduced in investigation mode, and players have the chance to uncover clues and learn about other characters. This gives players the chance to build their cases before the game goes into trial mode. During trials, the player has to use the clues and interactions with other characters to uncover lies in witness testimonies.
While boiler plate, Apollo Justice introduces two new features: one for each mode. Unlike previous Ace Attorney games, all clues the player finds can be examined in three dimensions. This can has significant implications. A humble watch can give a subtle hint the completely voids a witnesses' testimony. During trials, Apollo also has a bracelet that lets him carefully examine the body language of witnesses. For example, Apollo is able to see when a witness has a nervous twitch whenever he or she is lying. This ability comes in handy for instances when there is no direct evidence to discount a witness.
Graphics and Sound
Being designed for the DS first, there is a noticeable difference in the graphics. While still two dimensional, the colour depth has been enhanced, characters have more detail, and even character movements have improved animations.
While still containing sounds from all the previous games, the musical track is just as catching as ever. With the new graphics, an updated score is present. In the previous games, the music often added more impact to a situation and Apollo Justice is no exception. When a witness was presses and the truth came closer, the music became fast paced. This both adds to the atmosphere and gives a clear indication the player is on the right track.
Overview
While following toe-to-toe with the previous games, Apollo Justice is not completely boiler plate. Apollo Justice adds new features and makes use of the Nintendo DS hardware. In all, this is a game for both Ace Attorney veterans and new comers alike.
Apollo Justice is the first game in the Ace Attorney series to have been developed natively on the Nintendo DS. The three previous games in the series were originally GameBoy Advanced games released only in Japan and later getting enhanced DS ports which were released in multiple regions.
Overview
It is a new game in the series and we are introduced into a new protagonist. Replacing veteran Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright, is rookie attorney, Apollo Justice. Before the events of the game, Phoenix has his attorney badge taken away from him and not finds himself as Apollo's first client in a murder trial. As the game progresses, Apollo not only helps others escape jail but also learns of the characters around him.
Gameplay
I have to be honest. If one has played one Ace Attorney game, one has played them all. Over time, new features, characters and story elements are added but at its belly, Apollo Justice follows the same formula.
Like the previous games, Apollo Justice works in two modes: investigation and trial. Cases and the crime scenes are introduced in investigation mode, and players have the chance to uncover clues and learn about other characters. This gives players the chance to build their cases before the game goes into trial mode. During trials, the player has to use the clues and interactions with other characters to uncover lies in witness testimonies.
While boiler plate, Apollo Justice introduces two new features: one for each mode. Unlike previous Ace Attorney games, all clues the player finds can be examined in three dimensions. This can has significant implications. A humble watch can give a subtle hint the completely voids a witnesses' testimony. During trials, Apollo also has a bracelet that lets him carefully examine the body language of witnesses. For example, Apollo is able to see when a witness has a nervous twitch whenever he or she is lying. This ability comes in handy for instances when there is no direct evidence to discount a witness.
Graphics and Sound
Being designed for the DS first, there is a noticeable difference in the graphics. While still two dimensional, the colour depth has been enhanced, characters have more detail, and even character movements have improved animations.
While still containing sounds from all the previous games, the musical track is just as catching as ever. With the new graphics, an updated score is present. In the previous games, the music often added more impact to a situation and Apollo Justice is no exception. When a witness was presses and the truth came closer, the music became fast paced. This both adds to the atmosphere and gives a clear indication the player is on the right track.
Overview
While following toe-to-toe with the previous games, Apollo Justice is not completely boiler plate. Apollo Justice adds new features and makes use of the Nintendo DS hardware. In all, this is a game for both Ace Attorney veterans and new comers alike.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Justice For All
A year later (game wise) and our favourite Defense Attorney, Phoenix Wright, is back. As well as facing new cases, Phoenix meets new people and has a few new possibilities in proving the innocence of his client.
Gameplay
This second game plays like the previous game. Again there are two modes, investigation and trial. In investigation mode, players are able to look at the crime scene and various locations for clues to use a evidence in the court trials.
Additions to the game mechanics are subtle, at best. As well as looking for clues and, Phoenix now has a new ability called Psylock. The characters in the game are guarding secrets they do not want known and it is only through the Psylock can these secrets be extracted.
In a nut shell, the Psylock basically bring Phoenix's trial abilities into the investigation mode where a series of questions and evidence is presented to get to the truth.
Additionally, as well as evidence, the player is able to present character profiles as evidence. While this expands the possibilities of solving a tough case, the expansion is still weak and overall the game play of this new game is just the same as the previous one.
Graphics and Music
This game was also once the GameBoy Advanced and was only released in Japan. Since being ported to the Nintendo DS, the graphics are still the same. Or I would say, as I never played the game in its original form.
The original game made better use of the Nintendo DS hardware by having an additional mode where evidence could be rotated and examined in three dimensional space. Unfortunately, this game does not have such an addition and apparently only has the same set of cases as its original GameBoy Advanced version.
Story
The real additions to the game are the new cases the player gets to solve. Like the previous game, each case is independent yet linked in some manner. As well as new cases, the player is presented with additional characters to the base cast.
Aside from a new prosecutor, there is also the addition of Pearls, Maya Fei's cousin. Through Pearls' interactions, the player is told a little more about Maya's family and its origins. Furthermore, one of the cases takes place in Maya's home village, where the bulk of Maya's past is learned.
Maya's family set aside, another story running in the game is Phoenix's inner thoughts as a defence laywer. Through this game, Phoenix ideas are put to the test, the toughest being in the final case where has to decide if he honestly can defend his client when all of the evidence proves beyond a doubt he is guilty.
Overall
While the game is lacking in new additions, the new story and cast still make the game worth playing. This is more of a game for the hard core Ace Attorney fans as there is not much for casual players of the Ace Attorney games. The game is worth a try, just to learn more of the characters and personally I feel this game is more immersive than the last, especially in the final case where Phoenix has to decide if he really can defend his client.
At the end of the day though, if I had to rank them, I would have to say Justice for All falls behind the first Phoenix Wright.
Gameplay
This second game plays like the previous game. Again there are two modes, investigation and trial. In investigation mode, players are able to look at the crime scene and various locations for clues to use a evidence in the court trials.
Additions to the game mechanics are subtle, at best. As well as looking for clues and, Phoenix now has a new ability called Psylock. The characters in the game are guarding secrets they do not want known and it is only through the Psylock can these secrets be extracted.
In a nut shell, the Psylock basically bring Phoenix's trial abilities into the investigation mode where a series of questions and evidence is presented to get to the truth.
Additionally, as well as evidence, the player is able to present character profiles as evidence. While this expands the possibilities of solving a tough case, the expansion is still weak and overall the game play of this new game is just the same as the previous one.
Graphics and Music
This game was also once the GameBoy Advanced and was only released in Japan. Since being ported to the Nintendo DS, the graphics are still the same. Or I would say, as I never played the game in its original form.
The original game made better use of the Nintendo DS hardware by having an additional mode where evidence could be rotated and examined in three dimensional space. Unfortunately, this game does not have such an addition and apparently only has the same set of cases as its original GameBoy Advanced version.
Story
The real additions to the game are the new cases the player gets to solve. Like the previous game, each case is independent yet linked in some manner. As well as new cases, the player is presented with additional characters to the base cast.
Aside from a new prosecutor, there is also the addition of Pearls, Maya Fei's cousin. Through Pearls' interactions, the player is told a little more about Maya's family and its origins. Furthermore, one of the cases takes place in Maya's home village, where the bulk of Maya's past is learned.
Maya's family set aside, another story running in the game is Phoenix's inner thoughts as a defence laywer. Through this game, Phoenix ideas are put to the test, the toughest being in the final case where has to decide if he honestly can defend his client when all of the evidence proves beyond a doubt he is guilty.
Overall
While the game is lacking in new additions, the new story and cast still make the game worth playing. This is more of a game for the hard core Ace Attorney fans as there is not much for casual players of the Ace Attorney games. The game is worth a try, just to learn more of the characters and personally I feel this game is more immersive than the last, especially in the final case where Phoenix has to decide if he really can defend his client.
At the end of the day though, if I had to rank them, I would have to say Justice for All falls behind the first Phoenix Wright.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
Ever wanted to be an Attorney? Ever wanted to defend the innocent? Do you love watching the bad guys sweat and break under the pressure?
If the answer is 'yes' to any of this, then you're in for a treat.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, is the first an the Ace Attorney series of Nintendo DS games where you play up and coming rookie Attorney, Phoenix Wright. The game itself is in essence a point and click adventure game only with less clues to find and more of the puzzles are oriented towards you using your own head.
Overview
The overall premise of the game is simple: you have to defend your client from a guilty verdict by finding clues that prove his or her innocence. The proof of innocence is made even harder by witnesses blatantly lying while in the witness stand and it is up to you to find evidence that unmasks their lies.
The Ace Attorney series of games actually started out as Japan only releases on the Nintendo Game Boy Advanced. In the case of the English versions of the games, they have been ported to the DS which has stronger graphics processing and larger EPROM storage. As well as being ported, an additional, DS exclusive chapter is added to the DS version. The additional chapter makes strong use of the DS's touch screen and 3D rendering capabilities.
In the original chapters, you could only look at still images of evidence where as the bonus chapter allows you to zoom in and even rotate evidence to find more clues. There is even a finger print feature that uses the screen to place powder and the microphone to blow it away.
The main feature of the game is you get to shout "OBJECTION" or "TAKE THAT" when you go to present evidence for find a contradiction in the testimony of a witness. This has been made possible either by touching the command on the touch screen or by shouting into the microphone.
However, as I haven't played the original series I cannot tell what the difference is. Thus the question on any audio and visual improvements is going to have to remain unanswered from me.
Game Play
While episodic, Phoenix Wright only has two game modes: investigation and trial. In investigation mode, you get to interview witnesses, see the crime scene and gather clues. It is in this mode that you get the chance to find physical evidence to help you prove that the witness is lying.
The other mode is trial mode, were the game plays out in the court room and you have to cross examine a series of witnesses. As well as the witnesses lying, proving your clients' innocence is made difficult by your in game opponent: the prosecution.
While you are there to defend your client, the prosecution is there to prove your client guilty. Some case, the prosecution will do anything to get a guilty verdict. Seriously, there is not stopping them.
Prosecutors set aside, you are able to find lies in the witness testimonies by presenting evidence whenever they say something they you believe is false. Failing that, the player has the option to 'press' the witness. This is where their current line of though is questioned harder to find any more contradictions. It is even possible to greatly discredit a witness just by pressing him or her.
Story
The basic formula for the story to the game is someone gets accused of a crime and it's up to you to run between the court room and the crime scene to find evidence to prove your client innocent.
While the game has one prologue (to teach the player how to play the game) and four stories, they are all both independent yet connected. At its most abstract, the player works through three seemingly independent cases but through out each case there are references to yet another unsolved case which finally is drawn to a close near the end of the game.
As the story progresses we learn more about the main protagonist, Phoenix, and though around him. Of interest to players is how Phoenix slowly reveals why he became an attorney in the first place, and why others have taken their own paths.
Graphics and Sound
Porting set aside, the graphics of Phoenix Wright are 2D all the way (except for the evidence and some scenes in the latter chapter). The characters are anime/manga styled and they are back set by almost water colour still scenery.
It is the sound and music to Phoenix Wright adds to the mood of the game. Each character and witness you meet has his or her own theme and the tone of the background music becomes more fast paced and high pitched as your draw near revelations or stress out your witness.
Overall
In short, Phoenix Wright is a game one can play in short bursts. Though that can be hard as the game has an appeal that keeps one playing long until the evening. There aren't many adventure games these days out there thus Phoenix Wright is easy to stand out thanks to the narrow pool of its genre.
That set aside, the game itself is fine piece of work. Deep thinking puzzles, strongly styled characters, atmospheric music. All of this in one little cartridge that doesn't require large time commitments.
If the answer is 'yes' to any of this, then you're in for a treat.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, is the first an the Ace Attorney series of Nintendo DS games where you play up and coming rookie Attorney, Phoenix Wright. The game itself is in essence a point and click adventure game only with less clues to find and more of the puzzles are oriented towards you using your own head.
Overview
The overall premise of the game is simple: you have to defend your client from a guilty verdict by finding clues that prove his or her innocence. The proof of innocence is made even harder by witnesses blatantly lying while in the witness stand and it is up to you to find evidence that unmasks their lies.
The Ace Attorney series of games actually started out as Japan only releases on the Nintendo Game Boy Advanced. In the case of the English versions of the games, they have been ported to the DS which has stronger graphics processing and larger EPROM storage. As well as being ported, an additional, DS exclusive chapter is added to the DS version. The additional chapter makes strong use of the DS's touch screen and 3D rendering capabilities.
In the original chapters, you could only look at still images of evidence where as the bonus chapter allows you to zoom in and even rotate evidence to find more clues. There is even a finger print feature that uses the screen to place powder and the microphone to blow it away.
The main feature of the game is you get to shout "OBJECTION" or "TAKE THAT" when you go to present evidence for find a contradiction in the testimony of a witness. This has been made possible either by touching the command on the touch screen or by shouting into the microphone.
However, as I haven't played the original series I cannot tell what the difference is. Thus the question on any audio and visual improvements is going to have to remain unanswered from me.
Game Play
While episodic, Phoenix Wright only has two game modes: investigation and trial. In investigation mode, you get to interview witnesses, see the crime scene and gather clues. It is in this mode that you get the chance to find physical evidence to help you prove that the witness is lying.
The other mode is trial mode, were the game plays out in the court room and you have to cross examine a series of witnesses. As well as the witnesses lying, proving your clients' innocence is made difficult by your in game opponent: the prosecution.
While you are there to defend your client, the prosecution is there to prove your client guilty. Some case, the prosecution will do anything to get a guilty verdict. Seriously, there is not stopping them.
Prosecutors set aside, you are able to find lies in the witness testimonies by presenting evidence whenever they say something they you believe is false. Failing that, the player has the option to 'press' the witness. This is where their current line of though is questioned harder to find any more contradictions. It is even possible to greatly discredit a witness just by pressing him or her.
Story
The basic formula for the story to the game is someone gets accused of a crime and it's up to you to run between the court room and the crime scene to find evidence to prove your client innocent.
While the game has one prologue (to teach the player how to play the game) and four stories, they are all both independent yet connected. At its most abstract, the player works through three seemingly independent cases but through out each case there are references to yet another unsolved case which finally is drawn to a close near the end of the game.
As the story progresses we learn more about the main protagonist, Phoenix, and though around him. Of interest to players is how Phoenix slowly reveals why he became an attorney in the first place, and why others have taken their own paths.
Graphics and Sound
Porting set aside, the graphics of Phoenix Wright are 2D all the way (except for the evidence and some scenes in the latter chapter). The characters are anime/manga styled and they are back set by almost water colour still scenery.
It is the sound and music to Phoenix Wright adds to the mood of the game. Each character and witness you meet has his or her own theme and the tone of the background music becomes more fast paced and high pitched as your draw near revelations or stress out your witness.
Overall
In short, Phoenix Wright is a game one can play in short bursts. Though that can be hard as the game has an appeal that keeps one playing long until the evening. There aren't many adventure games these days out there thus Phoenix Wright is easy to stand out thanks to the narrow pool of its genre.
That set aside, the game itself is fine piece of work. Deep thinking puzzles, strongly styled characters, atmospheric music. All of this in one little cartridge that doesn't require large time commitments.
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