Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice For All Member Review for the DS

I had the pleasure to play Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney- Justice for All, while waiting on a line to get the Nintendo Wii back in November. Man, it's been that long already....

Considering I started playing it at around 10 PM, and finished the game at 3 AM, (Good thing I borrowed it from someone on the line) it is either designed to be a short one, or I just got lucky with my cross examinations. Either way, the game was easily a fun one, if not fustrating and short.

Graphics-

The slick anime style of Phoenix Wright is part of the presentation. The characters are all well drawn, the enviorments are pretty decent, and there is little to complain about in that sense.

Final Score- B-

Gameplay-

For a DS game, the gameplay here was pretty good. You have to go through crime scenes, finding clues that will pertain to your cases later in the courtroom. This segment of the game is the weakest, as you may overlook a clue or two, or just give up on the pick and view gameplay that is presented, kind of like Myst or Deja Vu. Another downside is the lack of using the DS controls. You point, click, and can use the controls for simple menu work, and zooming in on clues, but thats about it. Nothing fancy, but I wouldn't of minded to see more. I also didn't like the unlocking the heart minigame, as it takes it out of any realism, well, besides the psychic 9 year old girls and ghost chanting at least.

Fourtanatly, the excellent writing makes up for this mostly. The game has a funny script, despite being linear. Talking to rich spoiled bastards, circus clowns, psychics, and a dectective who is as dumb as Homer Simpson. Yeah, some of the characters are a bit silly, but the game is perfect in terms of how to present them. And I will be the first to admit that the courtroom scenes could be boring one moment, as you try to figure out what to present, but exciting when your on a roll. Courtroom drama at it's best that way, always a good thing to watch. I just wish the game was longer, as that is Justice For All's major downfall. 4 cases, I think we could of hade 5-6 in this game. But, what can you do.

Final Score- C+

Sound-

The background music is toned down, and kind of dissapointing. The courtroom music, however, adds to the drama of the cases. Also everyone has a custom theme, which is a nice touch, and that to, enhances the mood.

Final Score- C

Overall-

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney- Justice for All is a funny, linear and short adventure that is more of a sequal cash then a good game. If this was combined with the first installment, then the game would of been an even bigger success than it was I think. What I want to see is 8-10 more cases by our star attorney on the Wii or DS in the future, that way we can keep this innovative and new franchise alive. Until then, stick to renting this unless your a die-hard fan of Phoenix Wright.

Final Score- C+

Overall Score- C+