Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice gets first review in Famitsu

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice won’t be launching in the west until September, but it did come out in Japan earlier this month. Some of you may be aware that the game received a review in Famitsu a couple of weeks back as expected. From four editors, it received scores of 8, 9, 9, and 8 for a total of 34 points out of 40.

We’ve now gone ahead and translated Famitsu’s review. Head past the break to read it in full.

Reviewer 1 – 8

The traditional feel of the series is going strong with things like characters with exaggerated personalities and surprising story developments. It’s good that there are diverse systems to expose contradictions in the courtroom, like “Divination Séance” and “pointing out multiangle video”. A popular character, spirit medium Maya, gets the focus in content, and when that is coupled with the main setting of kingdom of Khura’in, where defense lawyers are unnecessary, the occultist impression is strong. This seems to divide people based on their taste.

Reviewer 2 – 9

Even though playing back victim’s sights and feelings with Divination Séance in order to find oracle’s contradictions drifts away from reality, that reasoning element is fresh and interesting. I’m happy that older characters of the series are closely connected to the scenario. It’s fun to use the diverse game systems that have appeared previously to expose contradictions and struggle towards the truth. Turnabouts are also refreshing in the courtroom. This is a satisfactory culmination in the series.

Reviewer 3 – 9

Spirit mediums is one of the themes and there are some fantasy elements, so it feels fresh. It is fun to just watch the pleasant gestures of characters and the action exceeds expectations while knocking you out of your wits. I’m also happy of picturing character growth and change for characters that haven’t appeared in a while, such as Maya. Their dialogue is interesting and you’ll examine things unintentionally here and there. The subplot is spread into each story and the conclusion of the plot also surprises you in the end.

Reviewer 4 – 8

Logical thinking is as fun as always, but due to the setting there are also a bit forced developments and things that make you think “Huh!?”. Smooth 3D graphics are nice to look at, but when it comes to directing, it feels like the tempo crumbles at times. Even so, guiding the player is well done and the player won’t lose interest in the game. The story which goes back and forth is also charming, with things like intertwining the scenario and surprising subplot. There is a faint feeling of freshness, but there is also easiness of playing which comes from the stability of the series.

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