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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

PlatformPC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

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 earns high praise for its engaging narratives and character depth, especially with Miles Edgeworth at the forefront. Critics laud its complex, interconnected cases and humor, making it accessible for all players. However, some note pacing issues and narrative coherence as drawbacks. Overall, it’s a strong addition to the franchise, blending mystery and character development effectively, despite minor flaws.

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 many critics praising its engaging narratives and character development. Reviewers such as SomosXbox and God is a Geek highlight the complexity of the characters, particularly Miles Edgeworth, whose role as a detective is central to the plot. Critics like TierraGamer and VGC emphasize the interconnectedness of the cases, which contribute to a satisfying overarching narrative. The humor and light-hearted tone, as noted by CGMagazine and COGconnected, add to the charm of the game, making it accessible and enjoyable for both newcomers and long-time fans. The intricate plots filled with twists and mysteries, as mentioned by Hooked Gamers and Checkpoint Gaming, further enhance the overall experience. Despite the positive feedback, some reviewers pointed out pacing issues and narrative coherence as areas for improvement. XboxEra noted that while the stories are feel-good, they suffer from pacing problems, and Nintendo Life mentioned that the plot can be difficult to follow at times. Impulsegamer criticized the final testimonies in the first game for being overly long and padded, which detracted from the overall pacing. These critiques suggest that while the story is engaging, it may not always maintain a consistent flow, potentially impacting the player's immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection features a compelling and well-crafted narrative that successfully expands on the lore of the franchise. Most reviewers, including Gaming Age and Movies Games and Tech, agree that the character development, particularly of Miles Edgeworth, is a standout aspect of the collection. The blend of humor, mystery, and character-driven storytelling has resonated well with players, making it a noteworthy entry in the series. While there are some criticisms regarding pacing and coherence, the majority of critics affirm that the story is a significant strength of the collection, solidifying its appeal to fans and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is praised for its innovative gameplay, notably the Mind Chess mechanic and a shift to a hands-on investigative style. Critics highlight the engaging new elements, but some raise concerns over clarity and execution, with certain features feeling convoluted or underwhelming. Overall, the collection is seen as a strong evolution of the series, focusing on deduction and exploration over traditional courtroom battles, though it’s not without its flaws.

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 the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting its innovative mechanics and fresh approach to the series. Reviewers such as SomosXbox and XboxEra commend the introduction of new gameplay elements like the Mind Chess mechanic, which adds depth to interrogations and enhances the overall experience. Critics like GLHF and God is a Geek appreciate the engaging logic mechanics and the shift from the traditional courtroom setting to a more explorative investigative style. This change allows players to gather clues and piece together evidence in a hands-on manner, as noted by Hooked Gamers and CGMagazine, who celebrate the blend of point-and-click mechanics with a richer narrative experience. However, not all feedback is entirely positive, as some critics have pointed out issues with certain gameplay elements. For instance, Nintendo Life mentions that aspects like the Deduce ability can be unclear, and Mind Chess has been criticized for being convoluted and frustrating. GameOver.gr also notes narrative and gameplay issues in the first game, suggesting that while the mechanics are innovative, they may not always be executed flawlessly. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Gaming Age, express that certain areas feel too open with little to do, which could detract from the overall immersion and engagement of the gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection successfully evolves the series by introducing new mechanics and a more interactive approach to gameplay. The majority of reviewers, including Impulsegamer and Digital Chumps, appreciate the shift away from courtroom battles and the focus on investigation and deduction, which provides a fresh perspective on the franchise. While there are some criticisms regarding clarity and execution of certain features, the innovative gameplay elements, particularly the Logic system and Mind Chess, have been generally well-received, indicating a strong step forward for the series.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is hailed for its stunning remastered visuals that expertly balance nostalgia and modern design, with critics praising HD artwork and character sprite options. However, some shortcomings like awkward animations and lack of graphical embellishments were noted. Overall, it’s a celebrated remaster that appeals to both new players and longtime fans.

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 overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising the remastered visuals. Reviewers like God is a Geek and Hooked Gamers highlight the impressive HD artwork and animations, noting that the collection effectively modernizes the game while retaining its charm. Critics such as But Why Tho? and CGMagazine commend the detailed and picturesque visuals, with the option to switch between remastered and original character sprites, catering to both new players and nostalgic fans alike. The inclusion of features like a gallery filled with concept art and music, as mentioned by Impulsegamer, further enhances the visual experience, making the collection feel complete and well-crafted. Despite the largely favorable reviews, some critics pointed out certain shortcomings. Checkpoint Gaming noted that while the remastered visuals are enjoyable, they lack extra graphical flourishes or effects that could have further enhanced the experience. Nintendo Life mentioned that while the chibi character designs add a dynamic and cute feel, some animations struggle or appear awkward, which can detract from the overall polish of the game. Additionally, while many critics appreciated the option to switch between HD and pixelated graphics, there were mentions of inconsistencies in the quality of animations for side characters, as highlighted by TheSixthAxis. In summary, the consensus among critics is that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection delivers a visually appealing remaster that successfully balances nostalgia with modern aesthetics. Most reviewers, including SomosXbox and GamingBolt, agree that the high-resolution artwork and character designs breathe new life into the series, while still offering options for fans of the original pixel art style. Overall, the collection is seen as a brilliant remaster that not only respects its roots but also embraces contemporary visual standards, making it accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection features highly praised sound design and music, enhancing the gameplay experience with improved audio quality and a mix of original and rearranged tracks that heighten drama and suspense. Critics celebrate the nostalgic elements and the added bonus content, though some note that the rearranged tracks can be busier and detract from audio clarity. Overall, the sentiment remains largely positive, with the soundtrack effectively enriching the investigative atmosphere despite some divides on the new arrangements.

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 overall sentiment regarding the sound design and music of the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the enhancements made to the audio experience. Critics like SomosXbox and CGMagazine highlight the improved sound quality and the effectiveness of the soundtrack in enhancing the investigative atmosphere, particularly during critical gameplay moments. The inclusion of both original and rearranged tracks has been well-received, with many reviewers, such as TierraGamer and Movies Games and Tech, noting how the music adds drama and suspense, enriching the overall gaming experience. The presence of a fully-loaded music player and bonus content, including galleries and character profiles, as mentioned by GLHF on Sports Illustrated and COGconnected, further contributes to the appreciation of the game's sound design. However, there are some criticisms regarding the rearranged music tracks. XboxEra points out that these tracks can sound busier and detract from the overall audio mixing, suggesting that the original score is preferable. While most critics enjoyed the remastered music, there seems to be a divide between those who favor the new arrangements and those who believe the originals hold more charm and clarity. Impulsegamer also mentions that while the DLC track re-arrangements are praised, the MIDI instruments and compressed synths may not resonate as well with all players, hinting at a potential inconsistency in audio quality. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection are largely successful, with a strong emphasis on the nostalgic and immersive qualities of the soundtrack. Most reviewers, including Vooks and Gaming Age, agree that the music significantly enhances the gameplay experience, particularly during intense moments. While there are some concerns about the rearranged tracks and their impact on audio mixing, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the combination of classic and updated music arrangements that stay true to the spirit of the 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 performs well overall, but platform experiences vary. Xbox One excels with a user-friendly save system, while the PC version is praised for quality-of-life improvements. However, the Nintendo Switch suffers from significant performance issues, including lag and frame rate drops, which detract from gameplay. Critics appreciate the collection's charm but highlight the Switch's technical shortcomings as a major concern.

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 platform showcasing its own strengths. On the Xbox One, XboxEra commends the game for its convenient save system, allowing players to save almost anywhere and at any time, which enhances the overall user experience. The PC version also receives praise, with multiple critics highlighting quality-of-life features that improve gameplay pace, such as the ability to skip through text without needing to complete the game first (GLHF on Sports Illustrated). Additionally, Hooked Gamers notes that the game holds up remarkably well despite its age, indicating effective optimization for modern hardware. Siliconera further emphasizes the fantastic port quality, stating that the game looks and plays beautifully on modern consoles, enhancing its appeal to a wider audience. However, the technical performance on each platform is not without its issues. On the Nintendo Switch, several critics report performance problems, including minor lagging during gameplay (But Why Tho?) and more significant concerns like frame rate drops, stuttering animations, and stilted cutscenes (Checkpoint Gaming). Pure Nintendo also mentions bizarre framerate drops that detract from the overall experience. While Movies Games and Tech asserts that the collection plays smoothly on modern hardware, the consensus is marred by the varying reports of technical inconsistencies across different reviews. On PC, while no major technical issues are highlighted, God is a Geek notes some questionable game logic, which, while not strictly a technical issue, may affect the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a mixed but generally favorable reception regarding the technical performance of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection across platforms. The Xbox One version stands out for its seamless saving features and absence of major issues, while the PC version is lauded for its quality-of-life improvements, though some critics acknowledge minor flaws. In contrast, the Nintendo Switch version faces more scrutiny due to reported performance issues, which could hinder the enjoyment for some players. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Pure Nintendo highlight these concerns, indicating that while the collection has been well-received, the technical performance on the Switch leaves room for improvement.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a hit with critics, boasting 50-60 hours of gameplay across 10 cases and features like chapter selection and a rich gallery. While praised for its extensive content and replay value, some point out quick completion times and limitations in the 'Story Mode' that could hinder replay appeal. Overall, it's a solid choice for fans and newcomers, offering plenty to explore despite some drawbacks.

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 largely positive among critics. Many reviewers appreciate the extensive content available, with SomosXbox highlighting that the game offers up to 10 different cases, providing approximately 50-60 hours of gameplay. The inclusion of features like chapter selection and a gallery of artwork is praised by multiple critics, including GameSpew and GGRecon, as it allows players to revisit specific parts of the game and enjoy the additional content. Critics like GLHF and CGMagazine also commend the remastered collection for its extra content, such as character profiles and music selection, which enhance the overall experience and encourage players to engage with the material repeatedly. However, some reviewers point out certain limitations that may affect the replay value. Pure Nintendo notes that while the collection includes bonus materials, the games can be completed relatively quickly, potentially diminishing the incentive for players to replay them. Additionally, the 'Story Mode' feature, mentioned by XboxEra and Vooks, allows players to enjoy the narrative without engaging in puzzles, but it restricts the unlocking of achievements, which could deter some players from fully experiencing the game. Critics like Movies Games and Tech also mention that while the collection does include achievements and unlockable content, the specifics of replay value are not deeply explored, leaving some ambiguity about how much replayability is genuinely offered. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection provides a commendable amount of replay value, particularly for fans of the franchise and visual novels. Many reviewers, including TierraGamer and VGC, emphasize the interconnected cases and engaging gameplay mechanics that cater to both returning fans and newcomers. While some limitations exist, such as the potential for quick completion and the constraints of Story Mode, the abundance of unlockable content and the ability to revisit specific cases create a rich environment for exploration and enjoyment. The collection is generally seen as a worthy addition to the series, celebrating the beloved characters and narratives that have captivated players over the years.

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 many critics praising its engaging storytelling, innovative gameplay mechanics, and enhanced visuals. Critics like GLHF on Sports Illustrated and Hooked Gamers highlighted the collection as the best way to experience the games, emphasizing the significant enhancements while retaining the charm of the originals. The narrative and character development, particularly of Miles Edgeworth, were frequently mentioned as standout elements, with reviewers like Gaming Age calling it a "love letter to fans." The quality-of-life improvements and additional features, such as the Story Mode and Gallery content, were also well-received, making the collection accessible to both newcomers and long-time fans alike. However, some critics noted certain shortcomings that detracted from the overall experience. Issues such as pacing problems and minor gameplay logic flaws were mentioned by reviewers like God is a Geek and Checkpoint Gaming, who acknowledged that while the collection is enjoyable, these aspects could hinder the immersion for some players. Additionally, a few critics pointed out that the limited number of games included in the collection might disappoint those expecting a more extensive offering, as noted by GAMINGbible and Digital Chumps. These criticisms, while valid, did not overshadow the overall enjoyment of the games. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a highly recommended title for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. The collection successfully delivers a unique and enjoyable experience, with many praising its engaging narratives and character work, as seen in the reviews from CGMagazine and VGC. Despite some minor flaws, the majority of reviewers agree that the collection is a worthwhile addition to the Ace Attorney series, offering a fresh perspective through Miles Edgeworth's eyes and a satisfying detective experience that resonates well with its audience.

TL;DR

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its engaging storytelling, innovative gameplay, and enhanced visuals, making it the best way to experience the series. Critics applaud character development, particularly of Miles Edgeworth, and quality-of-life improvements that appeal to both new and returning fans. However, minor issues like pacing problems and a limited game selection were noted. Overall, the collection is a highly recommended addition to the franchise, delivering a fresh detective experience despite some flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

107 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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