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Ace Attorney Investigations Collection

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
Item: Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Crime, Side View Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Visual Novel, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableSep 6, 2024

PlatformXbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4

DeveloperCapcom

Overview

EUREKA! Miles Edgeworth moves beyond the courtroom and straight to the crime scene in Ace Attorney Investigations Collection with revamped graphics, new language options, bonus features, and more! Featuring two remastered titles - Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth and the Western debut of Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor's Gambit - it's a perfect package.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a hit, praised for its engaging narrative and character depth, especially that of Miles Edgeworth. Critics love the intricate plots and humor, making it a captivating experience. However, some note pacing issues and narrative coherence as drawbacks. Overall, it’s celebrated for blending serious themes with light-hearted moments, solidifying its place as one of the franchise's best.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment regarding the story of the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its engaging narrative and character development. Critics such as SomosXbox and TierraGamer highlight the complexity and depth of the characters, particularly Miles Edgeworth, whose investigative role is central to the plot. The narrative is described as filled with twists and mysteries, reminiscent of a visual novel, which keeps players engaged throughout their experience. Reviewers like God is a Geek and GLHF on Sports Illustrated commend the overarching plots involving corrupt legal systems and master thieves, suggesting that these elements contribute to a gripping storyline that captivates players from start to finish. Additionally, the humor and quirky character interactions, noted by Vooks and CGMagazine, add a light-hearted touch to the otherwise serious themes, making the game enjoyable for a broad audience. Despite the overall acclaim, some critics pointed out pacing issues and narrative coherence as areas for improvement. XboxEra mentioned that while the stories are feel-good and reference past events, they suffer from pacing problems that can detract from the overall experience. Impulsegamer echoed this sentiment by criticizing the final testimonies in the first game for being overly long and padded, which could lead to moments of disengagement. Additionally, Nintendo Life noted that the plot can be difficult to follow at times, although it acknowledged that Investigations 2 improves on this aspect. These critiques suggest that while the story is compelling, certain structural elements may hinder its flow and clarity. In summary, the consensus among critics is that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a rich and engaging narrative experience that stands out within the franchise. The majority of reviewers, including GameOver.gr and Push Square, appreciate the character development and the intricate plots that connect various cases, making it one of the best stories in the series. While some pacing issues and narrative coherence concerns were raised, they do not overshadow the overall enjoyment and satisfaction derived from the game's storytelling. The collection is celebrated for its ability to blend humor with serious themes, ultimately delivering a captivating experience that resonates with players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a hit with critics for its fresh gameplay that shifts from courtroom drama to immersive investigations with innovative mechanics like 'Mind Chess.' While praised for engaging exploration and logic-based puzzles, some features can be confusing, and certain areas may lack engagement. Overall, it’s a celebrated evolution of the franchise, striking a balance between innovation and familiarity, appealing to both veterans and newcomers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting its innovative mechanics and engaging exploration elements. Reviewers like SomosXbox and XboxEra commend the shift from traditional courtroom settings to hands-on investigations, where players control Miles Edgeworth to gather clues and challenge witnesses. The introduction of new gameplay features, particularly the 'Mind Chess' mechanic, has been praised for adding depth to interrogations and puzzle-solving, as noted by GLHF and God is a Geek. Critics also appreciate the mix of point-and-click exploration and logic-based deduction, which enhances the interactive experience, as pointed out by Hooked Gamers and VGC. Overall, the gameplay is seen as a refreshing evolution within the Ace Attorney franchise, allowing for a more immersive experience. However, there are some criticisms regarding certain aspects of the gameplay. While many reviewers, such as Nintendo Life and GameOver.gr, acknowledge the innovative mechanics, they also point out that some features, like the 'Deduce' ability and 'Mind Chess,' can be convoluted or unclear, potentially leading to frustration. Additionally, some critics, including Gaming Age and Checkpoint Gaming, mention that certain areas may feel too open or lack sufficient engagement, which can detract from the overall experience. This mix of innovative and occasionally frustrating mechanics indicates that while the gameplay is generally well-received, it is not without its flaws. In conclusion, the overall consensus among critics is that Ace Attorney Investigations Collection successfully introduces new gameplay mechanics that enhance the investigative experience, making it a notable entry in the series. Critics like CGMagazine and GAMINGbible highlight the evolution of gameplay from traditional courtroom battles to a more explorative approach, which many find refreshing. Despite some criticisms regarding clarity and engagement in certain mechanics, the collection is celebrated for its creativity and ability to offer a unique perspective on the Ace Attorney universe. Overall, the game strikes a balance between innovation and familiarity, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection boasts stunning remastered visuals and animations, earning rave reviews for its quality and accessibility. Critics love the HD artwork and the option to switch between remastered and original styles, enhancing appeal for both new and nostalgic players. However, some noted minor animation inconsistencies and a lack of extra graphical effects. Overall, the collection successfully modernizes the visuals while keeping the original charm, making it a hit among fans and newcomers alike.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is largely positive, with many critics praising the remastered visuals for their quality and appeal. Reviewers such as God is a Geek highlighted the "gorgeous updated art" and "impressive animations," while Hooked Gamers noted that the new HD artwork makes the game visually appealing and accessible to a wider audience. Critics like But Why Tho? and CGMagazine commended the detailed and picturesque visuals, emphasizing the option to switch between remastered and original pixel art styles, which caters to both new players and nostalgic fans. The inclusion of a gallery featuring concept art and character sprites was also appreciated, with Impulsegamer pointing out the quality of life features that enhance the overall experience. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics did point out areas for improvement. Checkpoint Gaming mentioned a lack of extra graphical flourishes or effects that could have enhanced the visual experience further. Nintendo Life noted that while the animations were generally smooth and lively, some animations struggled or appeared awkward. TheSixthAxis also pointed out that while the core cast looked great in the updated style, some side characters' animations and facial expressions were less convincing. These critiques suggest that while the remaster is visually impressive, there are minor inconsistencies that could detract from the overall experience. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the graphics and visual design of the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection are very good, with many praising the high-resolution artwork and the option to toggle between styles. Critics like GGRecon and GameCritics emphasized the remastered visuals as a significant improvement over the original Nintendo DS sprites, while also appreciating the nostalgic pixelated option. Overall, the remaster successfully modernizes the visual presentation while retaining the charm of the original, making it a well-received collection among both new players and long-time fans of the series.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics are raving about the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection's sound design and music, praising its improved quality and engaging soundtrack that enhances the gameplay. While most reviews celebrate the nostalgic and immersive audio experience, a few note issues with the mixing of rearranged tracks. Overall, the collection successfully honors the franchise while adding fresh elements, making it a must-play for fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The overall sentiment regarding the sound design and music of the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is overwhelmingly positive among critics. Many reviewers praised the improved sound quality and the engaging soundtrack that enhances the investigative atmosphere of the game. SomosXbox noted that the music significantly contributes to the overall experience of solving crimes as Miles Edgeworth, while CGMagazine highlighted the incredible soundtrack, which includes both classic and updated arrangements that perfectly complement the gameplay. Critics like Impulsegamer and Vooks appreciated the faithful reproduction of soundtracks from previous games, with Impulsegamer specifically mentioning the inclusion of additional tracks and the nostalgic feel of the MIDI instruments. Overall, the music and sound design are seen as integral to the immersive experience of the game. However, there were some criticisms regarding the audio experience. XboxEra pointed out that while the original score is highly recommended, the rearranged music tracks could sound busier and negatively impact the overall audio mixing. This sentiment suggests that not all changes made to the soundtrack were universally appreciated. While the majority of critics celebrated the sound design, a few expressed concerns about the balance and mixing of certain tracks, indicating that there may be room for improvement in how the music integrates with the gameplay. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection are largely successful and enhance the gaming experience. Most reviewers, including GLHF and Gaming Age, emphasized the fun extras and the nostalgic elements that the soundtrack brings to the table. While some critiques regarding specific arrangements exist, they do not overshadow the overall acclaim for the game's audio design. The collection is recognized for its ability to maintain the spirit of the franchise while introducing new elements, making it a worthy addition to the Ace Attorney series.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection shines on Xbox One and PC, offering solid performance and quality-of-life features like save-anywhere and text-skipping. However, the Nintendo Switch version struggles with lag, frame rate drops, and minor glitches, making it the least favorable option. Platform choice is crucial, as performance heavily influences gameplay enjoyment.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection varies across platforms, with each having its strengths. On the Xbox One, XboxEra highlights the convenience of being able to save almost anywhere at any time, which enhances the overall gameplay experience. On PC, reviewers such as GLHF and God is a Geek appreciate quality-of-life features, including the ability to skip text, which improves pacing. Additionally, Hooked Gamers notes that the game holds up remarkably well despite its age, appealing to a broader audience, while Siliconera praises the port's visual quality and solid localization, emphasizing its beautiful performance on modern consoles. However, the Nintendo Switch version presents a more mixed bag of experiences. While But Why Tho? acknowledges that the games run well overall, they report minor lagging in the first game when docked. In contrast, Checkpoint Gaming points out more significant performance issues, such as frame rate drops and stuttering animations, which detract from the experience. Nintendo Life mentions grammar errors and some animations struggling, but does not delve deeply into technical performance. Pure Nintendo further emphasizes the bizarre framerate drops, indicating a more pronounced impact on gameplay enjoyment. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while the Xbox One and PC versions of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection perform well with minimal technical issues, the Nintendo Switch version suffers from noticeable performance problems. Critics like XboxEra and GLHF commend the Xbox and PC experiences for their quality-of-life improvements and solid performance, while the Switch's performance issues, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and Pure Nintendo, indicate that it may not be the optimal platform for this collection. This divergence highlights the importance of platform choice for potential players, as the technical performance can significantly influence the enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a hit with critics for its strong replay value, boasting 50-60 hours of gameplay across ten cases, chapter select features, and rich unlockable content. However, concerns arise over quick completion times and limitations of the 'Story Mode' that may deter achievement hunters. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a must-play for fans and newcomers, offering plenty of reasons to dive back in.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is largely positive among critics, highlighting various features that enhance the experience for players. Many reviewers, such as SomosXbox and VGC, emphasize the extensive gameplay offered through the ten different cases, amounting to approximately 50-60 hours of content. The inclusion of a chapter select feature, as noted by GameCritics and GGRecon, allows players to revisit specific segments of the game, which is a significant factor in boosting replayability. Additionally, the remastered collection includes a wealth of unlockable content, such as artwork, music tracks, and achievements, which critics like CGMagazine and TierraGamer appreciate as a way to engage both new players and long-time fans of the franchise. However, some critics point out potential drawbacks that could affect replay value. For instance, Pure Nintendo mentions that while the inclusion of bonus materials is commendable, the games can be completed quickly, which may limit the incentive for players to return after finishing the main storyline. The 'Story Mode' feature, highlighted by XboxEra and Vooks, allows players to experience the narrative without engaging in puzzles, but it restricts the unlocking of achievements, which may deter completionists from replaying the game. This dichotomy between casual enjoyment and achievement hunting presents a mixed bag for those seeking depth in replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a robust replay value, particularly for fans of the series. While some concerns exist regarding the pacing and the limitations of the Story Mode, the abundance of additional content and the ability to revisit chapters provide a compelling reason for players to engage with the game multiple times. Critics like Nintendo Life and GamingBolt reinforce this sentiment by noting the enjoyable extras and the structured case layout that encourages players to dive back into the world of Ace Attorney. Ultimately, the collection is seen as a worthy addition to the franchise, appealing to both returning players and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding the "Ace Attorney Investigations Collection" is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its engaging storytelling, innovative gameplay mechanics, and enhanced visuals. Critics like SomosXbox and GLHF highlight the fresh experience of playing as Miles Edgeworth, emphasizing that the collection maintains the charm of the originals while delivering a satisfying detective experience. The inclusion of quality-of-life improvements, as noted by XboxEra and Impulsegamer, further enhances the gameplay, making it accessible for both newcomers and long-time fans. The remastered visuals and additional features, such as Story Mode and Gallery content, have been particularly well-received, with TheSixthAxis and Checkpoint Gaming noting the game's ability to provide an enjoyable experience that reflects the essence of the franchise. Despite the accolades, some critics pointed out certain flaws that detract from the overall experience. Pacing issues were mentioned by XboxEra and Checkpoint Gaming, indicating that while the narrative is engaging, it can sometimes feel uneven. Additionally, minor issues with game logic and storytelling were noted by critics like God is a Geek, suggesting that not all aspects of the game are flawless. Critics also expressed concerns about the limited number of games included in the collection, as highlighted by GAMINGbible and COGconnected, which may leave some players wanting more content. In summary, the consensus among critics is that the "Ace Attorney Investigations Collection" is a highly recommended title, particularly for fans of the series. Critics like Gaming Age and VGC affirm that it serves as a love letter to the franchise, providing a definitive way to experience the spin-offs with engaging narratives and memorable characters. While some pacing and logic issues were noted, they do not significantly overshadow the overall enjoyment of the game. The collection is seen as a successful remaster that honors the original titles while inviting a new audience to explore the quirky and intriguing world of Ace Attorney.

TL;DR

The "Ace Attorney Investigations Collection" is a critically acclaimed remaster that delivers engaging storytelling, innovative gameplay, and enhanced visuals. Critics praise its charm and quality-of-life improvements, making it appealing to both newcomers and long-time fans. However, some mention pacing issues and limited content, but these flaws don’t overshadow the overall enjoyment. It’s a must-play for series fans, serving as a love letter to the franchise while inviting new players into its quirky world.

MONSTER

Reviews

104 reviews found

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 4

Sep 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is praised for bringing a new style of gameplay, featuring two great games with traditional difficulty, and enhancing the series' gameplay experience.

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GGRecon

PlayStation 4

Sep 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Miles Edgeworth Collection is praised as a stellar product with some of the series' best writing, varied gameplay, and unique set pieces, making it one of the best ways to experience these games.

Hooked Gamers

Sep 26, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is highly praised for its gameplay innovations, engaging story, and updated visuals, making it a worthwhile experience for both new and returning players.

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Vooks

Nintendo Switch

Sep 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is highly recommended, with a wonderfully bizarre narrative, fun gameplay as a prosecutor, and a lot of love and care put into the extras. Occasionally, the right answer may not be obvious, but the overall experience is positive.

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GLHF on Sports Illustrated

Sep 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is praised for being the best way to play the games, enhancing the experience significantly while maintaining the charm of the originals. The second game is highlighted as one of the best in the series.

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CGMagazine

Nintendo Switch

Sep 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Highly recommended for fans of the Phoenix Wright series and newcomers alike, offering a digestible way to experience the soul of the franchise.

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Impulsegamer

Nintendo Switch

Sep 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is praised as the definitive way to experience the spin-offs, offering a faithful re-release bundle with quality of life additions that can be enjoyed even without prior experience of the mainline games.

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TheSixthAxis

Nintendo Switch

Sep 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is praised for its coherent narrative, great character work, enjoyable gameplay mechanics, remastered visuals, incredible soundtrack, and additional features like Story Mode and Gallery content. It offers a satisfying experience for fans of the Ace Attorney series.

Gaming Age

Nintendo Switch

Oct 8, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a love letter to fans, providing a fantastic remastering of the games with engaging gameplay, iconic soundtrack, and replay value, making it a must-play for Ace Attorney enthusiasts.

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God is a Geek

Sep 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A wonderful bundle of two of the best Ace Attorney games with a fantastic protagonist, great characters, new visuals, and bonus features, despite some issues with Story Mode and game logic.

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