Source: Capcom
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection breaks away from the series’ usual courtroom antics with its investigative approach.
I’ve always been a big fan of games that have you play detective – deducing possibilities, looking for evidence, connecting situations, disproving alibis, and sniffing out the perpetrator amidst the cacophony of intrigue, lies, and fictional murder.
I mean, don’t get me wrong, the kooky courtroom shenanigans that Ace Attorney is known for is pretty fun, but Ace Attorney Investigations Collection takes the thrill up a notch and makes the gameplay formula even better.
The collection includes updated versions of Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth, and Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Gambit, the latter suffering a lack of English release due to the former’s lack of sales.
In this updated collection, you will play as the intimidating and talented prosecutor, Miles Edgeworth, who is embroiled in what at first seemed to be unconnected incidents that later on prove to be part of one whole conspiracy. Edgeworth is paired with the slow yet earnest Detective Dick Gumshoe, and later on joined by the self-proclaimed “Great Thief” Kay Faraday.
With his intellect as his greatest asset, Edgeworth is not only out to prove his might as one of the greatest prosecutors in Ace Attorney’s universe, but that he’s also a paragon of truth and justice!
Look for clues, connect the dots— Eureka!
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection’s best feature is a new mechanic that allows players get up close and personal with crime scene investigation. With an option to go from the original pixelated look to a more streamlined and HD environment, we get to experience an elevated crime scene investigation that boasts as much detail as possible for the eyes to see.
And now, thanks to the updated visuals, players can now take a closer look at specific items of interest that pop up during investigation.
Getting up close and personal can truly lead to an immersive experience when a seemingly normal object, like a suitcase, can actually be the key to solving the mystery, but only if you can deduce what to look out for.
Source: Capcom
Ace Attorney Investigations Collections doesn’t hold your hand or make solving crime easier for players. The challenge relies completely on your observational and critical thinking skills– which also reflects the characteristics of the protagonist Edgeworth. A major mechanic you employ throughout your investigation is Logic, which allows you to find a connection between two situations or pieces of evidence that can further your hypothesis, bringing you ever closer to the truth.
Source: Capcom
But it doesn’t just focus on your investigative capability, the game also engages you in mind battles. You can rebut testimonies, question alibis, and even get new information out of your witnesses and suspects if you present relevant pieces of evidence or information.
The mechanic Mind Chess will also allow Edgeworth to gain information from uncooperative witnesses. In simpler terms, Edgeworth will use both his intellect and intimidating presence to read his opponent's reactions and behaviour to gain the upper hand.
It’s still a visual novel
Source: Capcom
Although there’s some bonus interactivity, Ace Attorney Investigations Collections is still a visual novel, so a major factor to take into consideration is how the plot comes together in the end.
The game follows a non-chronological telling of events, and although it does up the ante on the overall atmosphere of mystery, it does have some pacing issues that can get you less invested in the drama as time goes on. A real shame since the plot is both compelling and intriguing enough to keep you at the edge of your seat.
Source: Capcom
Indeed, there are some points in the game where the dialogue of interrogating or investigating alibis can become asinine to do. Although I can chalk it up to individual characterisation, it does affect the experience in the long run when you’re just eager to find out the next piece of the puzzle but the one who has the key is complaining about something or the other all the time.
But besides this nitpick, there’s not much to complain about when the story finally starts to come together. You’re definitely in for a wild ride when the going gets tough!
Verdict
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection has given the series’ weakest titles the best glow-up yet. Although it does suffer from hiccups here and there, the interactivity, mind exercise, and compelling story is something you definitely don’t want to miss out on if you’re a fan of investigative work.
