


Dual Destinies proves that vanquishing foes with truth and justice can be just as exciting as using a gun or a sword, and that even the most unusual subject matter can lead to fun, compelling entertainment. On the whole, the writing is superb, with great characterization and several genuinely funny laugh-out-loud moments, but nothing breaks the immersion faster than a glaring typo, even if such things seem unavoidable in a game with so much verbiage.īut don’t let that stop you from enjoying this otherwise polished graphic-text adventure. Even more unfortunate is the number of typos that have crept into the text. It’s too bad, however, that Dual Destinies lacks some of the cool play mechanics from past Ace Attorney games-specifically touch-screen fingerprint analysis and the ability to examine evidence in 3D at will the former is especially odd because fingerprinting becomes a focal point on a couple of occasions. "Dual Destinies lacks some of the cool play mechanics from past Ace Attorney game." The game also does a great job executing important aspects that players often take for granted, such as an intuitively designed user interface that accommodates both traditional and touch-screen controls. Dual Destinies is the series’ most user-friendly entry yet, offering conveniences such as a conversation log (so you can look for dialogue details you may have missed), a consultation feature (which offers optional hints if you make too many mistakes during trials), and a chapter select that allows you to easily replay completed scenes. If you’re not already a fan, though, you have nothing to worry about. But for most Ace Attorney enthusiasts, the real treat will be getting reacquainted with returning supporting characters, including rockin’ prosecutor Klavier Gavin, an almost-all-grown-up Pearl Fey, and Phoenix’s always-suave rival Miles Edgeworth. Brash new lead detective Bobby Fulbright entertains as well, although he pales in comparison to previous investigators Dick Gumshoe and Ema Skye. The cast is fleshed out with an engaging, quirky group of would-be suspects, ranging from a student journalist who hides in a cardboard box (cue the Metal Gear Solid references) to a pro-wrestling mayor (a la Mike Haggar) to a delusional director of a space-exploration program. The Dual Destinies subtitle is actually rather misleading all three main characters have their own story arcs and chances to shine, as does the contradictory new villain, prosecutor-turned-murderer Simon Blackquill. Her role as a playable character-rather than an assistant like Maya and Trucy were in previous games-is also appreciated. Newcomer Athena Cykes is a stellar addition to the main cast, and her charming mix of inexperience and youthful determination make her a welcome presence in any scene. An older, wiser Phoenix Wright fills the role of mentor/seasoned veteran perfectly, and the returning Apollo Justice is a much more mature and sympathetic character this time around. "Navigation is easier, point-and-click exploration is limited to a few specific areas, and a new “notes” feature ensures that you’ll never be stumped by what to do next."Īs for the characters themselves, the creators have delivered another memorable group of truth-seekers and rogues. Similarly, the fun Psyche-Lock and Perceive systems from past games have returned, and while their inclusion is appreciated, limited presence leaves them severely underutilized. Identifying contradictory emotions adds some nice diversity to the proceedings, but because you can only use the ability at predetermined spots and you’re not penalized for wrong guesses, it ultimately feels more like a plot device than an essential gameplay tool. More importantly, though, this time there’s more to the fast-paced, text-driven, back-and-forth courtroom battles than physical evidence you also get to psychoanalyze characters with the new Mood Matrix. Like in previous Ace Attorney games, some of the logic is debatable, but such instances are rare, and nearly every victory feels earned. "He’s brought with him all the drama, humor, excitement, and almost intangible sense of satisfaction that has made the Ace Attorney franchise a beloved cult sensation."Īs always, the main gameplay hook-listening to witness testimonies, identifying contradictions, and revealing lies by presenting evidence-is incredibly fulfilling, especially when you opt to do so by yelling “Objection!” into the 3DS’s microphone.
