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Ace Attorney Investigations Collection

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
Item: Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
Author: MonsterCritic 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 garners widespread acclaim for its engaging storytelling and character depth, especially that of Miles Edgeworth. Critics praise the interconnected cases, humor, and improved plot in the second entry, making it a standout for both new players and veterans. However, some point out pacing and clarity issues that slightly mar the experience. Overall, it’s a must-play for fans, solidifying its place in the franchise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

100%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (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 critics praising its engaging narrative and character development. Reviewers like SomosXbox and God is a Geek highlight the complex and intriguing characters, particularly Miles Edgeworth, whose role as a detective allows for a deep exploration of his backstory and investigative skills. Critics such as TierraGamer and VGC emphasize the interconnected nature of the cases, which contributes to a satisfying overarching narrative. The humor and wit embedded within the dialogue, noted by CGMagazine and TheSixthAxis, add a layer of enjoyment, making the experience both entertaining and thought-provoking. Additionally, the second entry in the collection is frequently cited as an improvement, with critics like GamingBolt and Siliconera noting its stronger plot and character dynamics. Despite the many strengths, some criticisms do arise, particularly regarding pacing and clarity. XboxEra mentions pacing issues that detract from the overall flow of the story, while Nintendo Life points out that the plot can occasionally be hard to follow. Impulsegamer also notes that certain segments, especially the final testimonies in the first game, feel overly long and padded, which can disrupt the narrative tension. These critiques suggest that while the story is compelling, it may not always maintain a consistent pace or clarity, which could affect the experience for some players. In summary, the consensus among critics is that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection delivers a strong and engaging narrative experience, with many praising the character development of Miles Edgeworth and the intricate plotlines. Critics like Movies Games and Tech and Gaming Age underscore the collection's ability to appeal to both newcomers and long-time fans, showcasing a blend of humor and serious themes. While there are some pacing and clarity issues noted by a few reviewers, the majority view the story as one of the highlights of the franchise, solidifying its place as a must-play for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection reinvents the series with immersive exploration and clever mechanics, like 'Mind Chess,' praised for enhancing gameplay. Critics commend its shift from court to crime scene, but note some convoluted mechanics and pacing issues that detract from the experience. Overall, it’s a strong addition to the franchise, balancing innovation with room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

67%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection has garnered praise from numerous critics for its innovative mechanics and engaging exploration elements. Reviewers such as SomosXbox and XboxEra highlight the shift from traditional courtroom settings to a more immersive investigative experience, allowing players to explore crime scenes and gather clues. The introduction of new gameplay mechanics, particularly the 'Mind Chess' feature, has been noted by critics like GLHF and God is a Geek as a significant enhancement, adding depth to interrogations and logic puzzles. The ability to control Miles Edgeworth and engage in hands-on investigations has been appreciated, with critics like Hooked Gamers and CGMagazine commending the blend of point-and-click mechanics with logic-based deduction, which diversifies the gameplay and provides a refreshing change from the series' established formula. However, there are criticisms regarding certain gameplay aspects that detract from the overall experience. Some reviewers, such as Nintendo Life and GameOver.gr, pointed out that certain mechanics, like the 'Deduce' ability and 'Mind Chess,' can be convoluted or require illogical leaps, leading to frustration. Additionally, while the exploration elements are generally well-received, critics like Gaming Age noted that some areas feel too open and lack engaging content, which can disrupt the flow of the game. Furthermore, there are mentions of narrative issues in the first game, as highlighted by GameOver.gr, suggesting that not all gameplay elements were executed flawlessly. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Ace Attorney Investigations Collection successfully evolves the series by introducing new gameplay mechanics and a focus on investigation rather than courtroom battles. Reviewers like GAMINGbible and GGRecon emphasize the positive shift towards a more interactive and explorative gameplay style, while acknowledging that some mechanics may need refinement. The combination of logic puzzles, character interactions, and new features like 'Mind Chess' has generally been well-received, making the collection a noteworthy addition to the Ace Attorney franchise, despite some criticisms regarding complexity and pacing.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection shines with stunning remastered visuals, praised for high-resolution artwork and charming animations. Critics celebrate its vibrant aesthetics and customizable options, blending nostalgia with modern flair. However, some note a lack of graphical enhancements and occasional awkward animations. Overall, it’s a commendable remaster that retains the franchise's essence while elevating the visual experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

75%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

25%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection have garnered a largely positive reception from critics across various platforms. Many reviewers praised the remastered collection for its high-resolution artwork that is suitable for modern displays, with options to choose between HD chibi styles and nostalgic pixel art, as noted by SomosXbox. Critics like God is a Geek and Hooked Gamers highlighted the impressive animations and the overall visual appeal of the updated art, which effectively captures the essence of the characters and scenes. The inclusion of a gallery featuring art and music, as mentioned by God is a Geek, further enhances the experience for fans, providing a comprehensive visual and auditory showcase. Additionally, the remastered visuals were described as clean and polished, with critics like Gaming Age and CGMagazine emphasizing the unique and picturesque aesthetics that contribute to the game's charm. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the graphics and visual design. For instance, Checkpoint Gaming noted a lack of extra graphical flourishes or effects, which could have elevated the overall visual experience. Similarly, Nintendo Life mentioned that while the chibi character designs add dynamism, some animations may struggle or appear awkward, particularly for side characters, as highlighted by TheSixthAxis. This suggests that while the remaster has made significant strides in visual quality, there are still areas where the execution could be improved, particularly in terms of animation fluidity and character expressions. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection successfully modernizes the visual presentation while retaining the charm of the original games. The majority of reviewers, including those from CGMagazine and GameCritics, appreciated the option to switch between remastered HD graphics and original pixel art, catering to both new players and nostalgic fans. The remastered visuals have been described as gorgeous and vibrant, with many critics agreeing that the collection is a brilliant remaster that enhances the overall experience without losing the essence of the beloved franchise. With the combination of high-quality artwork, customizable visual options, and a focus on character personality, the collection stands out as a commendable achievement in visual design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection boasts praised sound design and music, enhancing gameplay and immersion with a mix of nostalgic and new arrangements. Critics commend the improved soundtrack, though some note that certain rearrangements can feel overly busy and detract from the experience. Limited voice acting also leaves room for improvement. Overall, the sound is a major strength, elevating the game while maintaining franchise charm.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

87%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

13%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection have garnered a largely positive reception from critics across various platforms. Many reviewers praised the improved sound quality and the overall enhancement of the musical experience. For instance, SomosXbox highlighted how the soundtrack enriches the investigative atmosphere, making the process of solving crimes as Miles Edgeworth more immersive. Critics like CGMagazine and Movies Games and Tech lauded the incredible soundtrack, noting that both classic and updated music arrangements dramatically enhance gameplay, especially during intense moments. The inclusion of a complete soundtrack, as mentioned by Vooks and Impulsegamer, allows players to enjoy the music fully, further contributing to the game's overall appeal. However, there are some criticisms regarding the music. XboxEra pointed out that while the original score is commendable, the rearranged tracks can sound busier and detract from the audio mixing, potentially impacting the overall experience. This sentiment is echoed by some critics who feel that while the remastered music is generally well-received, certain arrangements may not resonate as strongly with fans of the original compositions. Additionally, while many reviewers enjoyed the new tracks and orchestral arrangements, there were mentions of limited voice acting, as noted by Push Square, which could leave some players wanting more in terms of audio variety. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection excels in its sound design and music, with the majority finding it to be a significant strength of the game. The combination of nostalgic tracks and new arrangements has been well-received, enhancing the gameplay experience and maintaining the spirit of the franchise. Critics like TierraGamer and COGconnected emphasized the effective localization and whimsical sound that contribute to the game's charm. While there are minor critiques regarding specific musical arrangements and voice acting, the overwhelming sentiment is that the sound design and music significantly elevate the overall experience of the game, 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 with solid performance and quality-of-life improvements, but the Nintendo Switch version struggles with significant frame rate drops, stuttering animations, and increased errors. Buyers on Switch should be cautious due to these inconsistencies, as opinions on its performance vary widely.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection varies across platforms, with each receiving a mix of praise and criticism. Starting with the Xbox One, XboxEra noted the convenience of the save system, allowing players to save almost anywhere and anytime, which enhances the overall gameplay experience. On PC, critics like GLHF highlighted quality-of-life improvements, such as the ability to skip through text, which helps maintain a brisk pace. God is a Geek and Hooked Gamers both commended the game for its impressive preservation of quality, despite being nearly 14 years old, indicating that the collection successfully reaches a wider audience. Siliconera praised the port's visual fidelity and solid localization, further emphasizing the game's enjoyable performance on modern hardware. However, the Nintendo Switch version faced more scrutiny, with Checkpoint Gaming reporting occasional performance issues, including frame rate drops and stuttering animations. Pure Nintendo echoed these concerns, mentioning bizarre frame rate drops that detracted from the overall experience. But Why Tho? also noted minor lagging during docked play, suggesting that the Switch version may not be as stable as its counterparts. Nintendo Life pointed out an increase in grammatical errors and some struggling animations, although they did not delve deeply into technical performance specifics. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while the Xbox One and PC versions of the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection perform well, with few technical issues reported, the Nintendo Switch version appears to suffer from various performance inconsistencies. Critics like Movies Games and Tech found the Switch version to play smoothly, but contrasting opinions highlight that some players experienced significant performance drops. This divergence suggests that while the collection is a strong offering overall, potential buyers on the Nintendo Switch might want to be aware of these performance concerns before diving in.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is largely praised for its rich replay value, featuring 10 cases and 50-60 hours of gameplay. Critics appreciate the chapter selection, unlockable content, and emotional engagement it offers to fans and newcomers alike. However, concerns arise about the speed of completion and the 'Story Mode' feature, which may limit replayability for some. Overall, it’s a solid collection that balances nostalgia with new experiences, appealing to a wide audience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (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 predominantly positive among critics. Many reviewers, such as SomosXbox and VGC, highlight the extensive content available, including up to 10 different cases that provide around 50-60 hours of gameplay. The ability to select specific chapters, as noted by critics like GameCritics and GGRecon, enhances the experience by allowing players to revisit favorite moments or explore different paths. Additionally, the inclusion of unlockable content such as artwork, music tracks, and achievements, praised by GLHF and CGMagazine, adds significant value for both returning fans and newcomers to the franchise. Critics like Nintendo Life and Gaming Age emphasize the emotional engagement and interaction fostered by these extras, making the collection feel like a celebration of the series. However, there are some concerns regarding the replay value that critics have pointed out. For instance, Pure Nintendo mentions that while the game includes bonus materials, the speed at which it can be completed may limit its replayability. Similarly, XboxEra and Vooks discuss the 'Story Mode' feature that allows the game to play itself, which, while convenient for narrative-focused players, restricts the unlocking of achievements and may detract from the overall experience for those seeking to fully engage with the game. This sentiment is echoed by critics like TheSixthAxis, who note that while the Story Mode offers a guided experience, it may not appeal to those looking for a more interactive challenge. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a robust replay value primarily due to its extensive content and additional features. While there are valid concerns about the potential limitations imposed by certain modes and the speed of completion, the majority of reviewers agree that the collection provides a wealth of material that caters to both long-time fans and newcomers. Critics like TierraGamer and GamingBolt affirm that the interconnected cases and customization options contribute positively to the replay experience, suggesting that the collection successfully balances nostalgia with fresh content for players.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

91%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its engaging storytelling, innovative gameplay mechanics, and improved visuals. Reviewers like GLHF and Hooked Gamers highlighted the collection as a significant enhancement over the original titles, noting that it provides a fresh experience with Miles Edgeworth as the protagonist. Many critics, including Gaming Age and CGMagazine, emphasized the collection as a love letter to fans, celebrating its compelling narratives, memorable characters, and quality-of-life improvements that make the gameplay more accessible. The remastered visuals and additional features, such as the Story Mode and Gallery content, were also noted as significant enhancements that elevate the overall experience. However, there are some criticisms that emerged from the reviews. A few critics pointed out pacing issues and minor gameplay flaws that detracted from the overall experience, as noted by XboxEra and Checkpoint Gaming. Critics like God is a Geek mentioned concerns with the Story Mode and game logic, which could occasionally disrupt immersion. Additionally, some reviewers expressed disappointment over the limited number of games included in the collection, as highlighted by GAMINGbible and Digital Chumps. These issues, while present, did not significantly overshadow the overall enjoyment of the collection. The consensus among critics is that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a must-play for both fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. The majority of reviewers, including SomosXbox and GamingBolt, recommended the collection for its engaging narrative and the unique perspective it offers on the prosecutorial side of the courtroom drama. With its blend of strong storytelling, innovative gameplay, and enhanced visuals, the collection is seen as a definitive way to experience these beloved titles on modern platforms. Overall, the positive reception underscores the enduring appeal of the Ace Attorney series and its ability to captivate audiences with its quirky charm and intricate mysteries.

TL;DR

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a hit, praised for its engaging storytelling, innovative gameplay, and enhanced visuals, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike. Critics celebrate its compelling narratives and quality-of-life improvements, though some note pacing issues and limited game selection. Overall, it’s a definitive remaster that revitalizes the beloved franchise, blending charm with intricate mystery.

MONSTER

Reviews

105 reviews found

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 4

Sep 11, 2024