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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

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection shines with Miles Edgeworth’s sharp detective evolution, interconnected mysteries, and a fresh blend of suspense, humor, and noir-inspired storytelling. While minor pacing and structural issues linger, its gripping narrative, nostalgic yet original flair, and emotional depth make it a standout, must-play entry for fans of crime-driven drama.

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 Ace Attorney Investigations Collection received widespread acclaim for its compelling narrative, with critics highlighting its intricate character development, engaging mysteries, and fresh take on the series’ formula. Multiple reviewers praised Miles Edgeworth’s evolution as a detective, emphasizing his sharp wit and investigative prowess. GLHF and God is a Geek noted the depth of Edgeworth’s backstory and the brilliance of the second game’s narrative, while Siliconera and TierraGamer celebrated the interconnected cases that create a satisfying, cohesive story. The collection’s focus on crime scene exploration and dialogue-driven mysteries was lauded by Hooked Gamers and VGC, who appreciated the blend of suspense and humor. Critics like But Why Tho? and CGMagazine highlighted the series’ ability to balance nostalgic references with original storytelling, making it accessible for newcomers and rewarding for long-time fans. The overarching plots, including corrupt legal systems and master thieves, were described as “gripping” by God is a Geek, showcasing the collection’s ambition and narrative strength. Despite its strengths, some critics pointed to minor flaws, particularly in pacing and structural execution. Impulsegamer criticized the first game’s lengthy and padded testimonies, while XboxEra noted “pacing issues” that occasionally disrupted the flow. Nintendo Life acknowledged that the plot could be “hard to follow at times,” and Gaming Age mentioned that the balance between serious moments and the series’ signature humor required careful handling. Additionally, while the second game was universally praised for its improved storytelling, some felt the first entry lacked the same level of polish. These critiques, however, were often framed as minor drawbacks rather than deal-breakers, with many reviewers emphasizing that the collection’s narrative depth and character work overshadowed these issues. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the Story of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection being hailed as one of the franchise’s strongest entries. The majority of reviewers, including Siliconera, TierraGamer, and GamingBolt, emphasized its engaging, interconnected cases and the emotional resonance of Edgeworth’s journey. While some noted pacing or structural shortcomings, these were frequently offset by the game’s clever writing, memorable characters, and innovative shift from courtroom drama to detective work. Critics like TheSixthAxis and Vooks praised the “zany and well-written” narrative, while GameSpew and GAMINGbible highlighted the balance between whimsy and darker themes. The collection’s ability to expand the Ace Attorney universe while delivering a unique, character-driven experience solidified its place as a standout entry in the series, with many calling it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection dazzles with bold, investigation-driven gameplay—Mind Chess, logic puzzles, and point-and-click exploration—that breathes new life into the franchise. Critics praise its creativity and evolution, calling it a fresh, engaging take. Yet, elements like the Deduce ability and convoluted Mind Chess are flagged as confusing or imbalanced, with pacing hiccups and illogical puzzles dragging the experience. While it’s a daring modernization, refining its ambitious mechanics could better align with the series’ classic charm.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection receives widespread praise for its innovative mechanics and fresh approach to the series. Critics highlight the introduction of investigation-focused elements like Mind Chess, Logic systems, and point-and-click exploration, which diverge from the traditional courtroom battles of the mainline Ace Attorney games. For instance, GLHF on Sports Illustrated and God is a Geek commend Mind Chess as a standout feature that adds depth to interrogations, while SomosXbox and XboxEra emphasize the shift to crime scene investigation, clue-gathering, and puzzle-solving. The series’ signature logic-based deduction is also praised, with Siliconera and CGMagazine noting how these mechanics enhance storytelling and player engagement. TheSixthAxis and Vooks appreciate the blend of exploration, rebuttals, and logic deductions, framing the gameplay as a clever evolution that expands the franchise’s appeal beyond its visual novel roots. Overall, the positives center on creativity, variety, and the successful integration of investigative elements into the Ace Attorney formula. However, some critics point to flaws in execution and design. Nintendo Life and GameOver.gr criticize the Deduce ability and Mind Chess for being confusing or overly complex, with the latter described as “convoluted and annoying.” Cubed3 and Digital Chumps note pacing issues, pixel-hunting, and puzzles that require “illogical leaps,” while Gaming Age mentions that some areas feel underdeveloped. Movies Games and Tech and Push Square acknowledge that while the gameplay is engaging, certain mechanics lack clarity or balance. These critiques suggest that while the new systems are ambitious, they occasionally hinder the experience, particularly for players seeking seamless integration with the series’ established rhythm. The mixed reception of specific features like Mind Chess and the Logic system underscores a tension between innovation and accessibility. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Ace Attorney Investigations Collection successfully modernizes the series with its investigative gameplay, offering a compelling alternative to courtroom drama. While Nintendo Life and GameOver.gr express reservations, many reviewers, including Siliconera, CGMagazine, and GAMINGbible, view the shift as a necessary and welcome evolution. The blend of point-and-click exploration, logic puzzles, and courtroom confrontations is seen as a strength, even if some mechanics require refinement. Impulsegamer and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the freshness of the approach, while VGC and Vooks praise the depth and interactivity. Ultimately, the collection is celebrated for its creativity and ambition, even if it occasionally falters in balancing innovation with the series’ core appeal.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Ace Attorney Investigations Collection's stellar visual overhaul—blending sleek HD chibi art, nostalgic 16-bit pixels, and refined animations—while balancing modern polish with the series’ signature charm. Though minor glitches and uneven animations popped up, the dual art styles, polished UI, and thoughtful nods to nostalgia solidified it as a triumphant upgrade, delighting fans and newcomers alike.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

76%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection for its successful modernization while respecting its original charm. Reviewers like SomosXbox and But Why Tho? highlighted the availability of both high-resolution "HD chibi" and nostalgic 16-bit pixel art styles, catering to diverse player preferences and enhancing accessibility for new audiences. God is a Geek and Siliconera commended the "gorgeous updated art" and "impressive animations," noting that the remastered visuals maintain the game’s signature aesthetic while offering sharper details and dynamic character expressions. Impulsegamer and Movies Games and Tech emphasized the refined UI and the inclusion of galleries with concept art, character sprites, and animations, which added value for fans. The transition to hand-drawn art and widescreen adaptations, as mentioned by COGconnected and GameSpew, was seen as a thoughtful evolution that preserved the series’ identity while elevating its presentation. However, some critics pointed out minor flaws in the visual overhaul. Nintendo Life noted that while the chibi-style characters and animations were "smooth and lively," certain animations "struggled and hung," and TheSixthAxis mentioned that "some side characters have animations or facial expressions that may not look right." Checkpoint Gaming observed that the remastered visuals "lack extra graphical flourishes or effects," suggesting a focus on functionality over spectacle. Additionally, XboxEra and Push Square critiqued some rearranged or remixed music tracks as "not as good" as the originals, though this was more about audio than visuals. These issues, while present, were generally framed as small trade-offs rather than major drawbacks, with many acknowledging that the core art style and character designs remained strong. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the remastered visuals being a standout feature. The ability to toggle between HD and pixel art styles, as highlighted by GamingBolt and GGRecon, was seen as a thoughtful nod to nostalgia without compromising modern appeal. While a few reviews mentioned technical hiccups or inconsistencies in animation quality, these were overshadowed by the praise for the "clean HD visuals" (CGMagazine), "distinctive character designs" (Push Square), and the "cohesive visual experience" (Cubed3). The collection’s visual upgrades were widely regarded as a success, balancing modern polish with the charm of its original 2D sprite work, ensuring it resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics laud Ace Attorney Investigations Collection's sound design and music as a masterpiece, blending iconic themes with modernized arrangements to heighten immersion and emotional depth—though a few (like XboxEra) prefer the original score, calling out "busier" remixes. The OST player, concept art, and faithful retro touches cement its appeal as a must-have for fans, with praise far outweighing minor critiques. 🎶✨

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

13%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection as a standout element that significantly enhances the gameplay experience. Reviewers like SomosXbox highlighted the improved sound quality and how the soundtrack effectively immerses players in the investigative atmosphere, particularly when assuming the role of Miles Edgeworth. CGMagazine and TheSixthAxis lauded the "incredible" and "iconic" soundtrack, noting that classic and updated arrangements, such as the "Pursuit - Chase Down the Truth" theme, perfectly complement the game’s tone. TierraGamer and Vooks emphasized the balance between original tracks and new arrangements, with the latter appreciating the "orchestrated versions" and "complete soundtrack" that add depth to the narrative. Additionally, features like the OST player (mentioned by GamingBolt and COGconnected) and bonus content such as concept art and character profiles were seen as enriching the overall experience, showcasing the collection’s dedication to preserving the series’ musical legacy while offering modernized enhancements. While the majority of reviews were overwhelmingly positive, a few critics noted minor criticisms about the music. XboxEra expressed a preference for the original score over the rearranged tracks, arguing that the latter felt "busier" and disrupted the audio mixing. This suggests that while the remastered and expanded soundtracks were generally well-received, some fans felt the new arrangements occasionally overshadowed the original compositions. However, these critiques were relatively isolated, with most reviewers focusing on the strengths of the soundtrack rather than its flaws. Other mentions of sound design, such as Push Square’s comment on "limited voice acting with soundbites like 'Objection!'" and Impulsegamer’s note on "faithful soundtracks" with "MIDI instruments and compressed synths" mirroring the original DS releases, indicate that the audio elements were largely consistent with the series’ established style, even if some aspects were seen as restrained or nostalgic rather than innovative. Overall, the consensus among critics was that the Sound Design and Music in Ace Attorney Investigations Collection were a major strength, with praise for their ability to elevate the game’s atmosphere and emotional depth. The inclusion of both original and remixed tracks, alongside features like the OST player and galleries, was widely appreciated as a thoughtful addition for fans. While XboxEra’s critique of the rearranged music stood out as a minority opinion, the overwhelming majority—such as CGMagazine, TheSixthAxis, and Impulsegamer—celebrated the soundtrack’s quality, variety, and fidelity to the series’ identity. The collection’s audio elements were seen as a key factor in maintaining the franchise’s charm and engaging players, reinforcing its appeal as a must-have for both newcomers and long-time fans.

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

Ace Attorney Investigations runs smoothly on PC and PS4 with great ports and remasters, while the Switch version is mostly solid but has some performance hiccups and animation issues. Overall, a technically strong release with minor quirks, especially on Nintendo's platform.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

45%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth and Ace Attorney Investigations: Trials and Tribulations has been generally well-received across platforms, with several critics highlighting its smooth operation and quality-of-life improvements. On the Xbox One, XboxEra noted the game’s convenient save system, which allows players to save almost anywhere and at any time, a feature that enhances accessibility. For PC users, GLHF praised the game’s quality-of-life upgrades, such as the ability to skip text, which streamlines gameplay, while Siliconera commended the "fantastic port" that maintains visual and functional integrity, even with the option to toggle between original and remastered sprites. The Nintendo Switch also saw positive feedback, with Movies Games and Tech stating the collection runs "smoothly on modern hardware" and But Why Tho? noting that the games "run incredibly well" despite minor lag in the first title when played in docked mode. Meanwhile, the PS4 version, as reviewed by Cubed3, was lauded for its remaster, which "smooths many rough edges" from the original games, indicating strong technical execution. However, some platform-specific technical issues were reported. On the Nintendo Switch, Checkpoint Gaming and Pure Nintendo pointed out "occasional performance issues" like frame rate drops, stuttering animations, and stilted cutscenes, with Pure Nintendo specifically calling out "bizarre framerate drops that shouldn’t have been present." Nintendo Life also mentioned "grammar errors" and animation struggles, though these were framed more as content flaws than technical failures. On PC, while most reviews were positive, God is a Geek noted that the game’s "logic is a bit questionable," which, though not a technical problem, could hint at design inconsistencies. The Xbox One and PS4 versions had fewer technical complaints, with XboxEra and Cubed3 both emphasizing the absence of major issues, though the Switch’s performance hiccups were more frequent and varied, creating a mixed experience for some players. Overall, the critical consensus leans toward a positive assessment of the collection’s technical performance, with the PC and PS4 versions being the most praised for their polished ports and remasters. The Nintendo Switch received a more divided response, as some critics (e.g., Movies Games and Tech) highlighted its smoothness, while others (e.g., Checkpoint Gaming, Pure Nintendo) pointed to specific performance flaws. Despite these minor issues, the collection’s ability to "hold up well" (as noted by Hooked Gamers) and the "solid localization" (Siliconera) suggest that the technical challenges are largely manageable, especially for a game with a 14-year-old origin. The lack of major stability problems on most platforms, combined with the portability of the Switch, indicates that the collection is a technically sound release, even if it isn’t without its quirks.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection: 10 cases, 50-60 hours, and remastered extras like art galleries and music boost replay value, but short core games and Story Mode’s unlockable restrictions split opinions—still a solid, fan-friendly package.

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 Ace Attorney Investigations Collection receives generally positive feedback regarding its replay value, with many critics highlighting the game's various features that encourage multiple playthroughs. SomosXbox notes that the game offers up to 10 different cases, providing 50-60 hours of gameplay, and emphasizes the ability to select specific chapters and a complete gallery of artwork as key factors in enhancing replayability. Similarly, GLHF on Sports Illustrated praises the remastered collection for its additional content such as galleries, character profiles, music selection, and achievements, calling it a worthy entry in the series of remasters. VGC also commends the high replay value, pointing out the two lengthy games and multiple cases, along with optional customization features. TierraGamer and Nintendo Life both appreciate the interconnected cases and the inclusion of extras like animation galleries, concept art, and orchestrated music, which appeal to fans of the franchise and visual novels. However, some critics express concerns about the game's replay value, particularly noting that the core games can be completed relatively quickly. Pure Nintendo points out that while the collection includes bonus materials and achievements, the games themselves may be finished too fast, which could limit the incentive for replaying. Vooks also mentions that the Story Mode, while convenient for narrative-focused players, restricts the ability to unlock content, potentially reducing the depth of replayability. Additionally, some reviewers, like GameCritics, note that while the Story Mode offers a more guided experience for newcomers, it may not be as rewarding for those seeking to unlock all achievements. These critiques suggest that while the collection has elements that support replay, the actual length and depth of the core gameplay might not be sufficient for all players. Despite these mixed perspectives, the overall consensus among critics is that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection has a solid replay value, especially for fans of the franchise. The inclusion of features like Chapter Select, Story Mode, unlockable content, and bonus materials across multiple platforms—Xbox One, PC, and PlayStation 4—adds layers of engagement and accessibility. While some argue that the games may be too short for repeated play, the variety of extras and the appeal to both returning fans and newcomers make it a compelling package. Critics like Push Square and Gaming Age also highlight the emotional engagement and narrative depth, reinforcing the idea that the collection is more than just a simple repackaging of older games, but a celebration of the series with added value for those who want to revisit it.

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 Ace Attorney Investigations Collection received overwhelmingly positive reception from critics, with many praising its engaging storytelling, gameplay innovations, and visual enhancements. Reviewers like SomosXbox highlighted the fresh experience offered by Miles Edgeworth as the protagonist, emphasizing the "innovative gameplay mechanics" and "improved visuals" that elevate the series. GLHF on Sports Illustrated and God is a Geek commended the collection as the best way to experience the games, noting how the remasters "enhance the experience significantly" while retaining the original charm. Hooked Gamers and Siliconera lauded the blend of "strong storytelling" and "bizarre wackiness," calling it a worthwhile experience for both newcomers and returning players. The inclusion of bonus features, such as Story Mode and Gallery content, was frequently cited as a standout addition, with TheSixthAxis praising the "coherent narrative" and "incredible soundtrack." Overall, the collection was seen as a compelling revival of the spin-off titles, with Impulsegamer and Movies Games and Tech emphasizing its accessibility and replay value, even for those unfamiliar with the mainline series. While the consensus was largely positive, some critics pointed out minor flaws that slightly tempered their enthusiasm. XboxEra and Checkpoint Gaming noted "pacing issues" that didn’t detract significantly from the experience but were still worth mentioning. GameOver.gr and GAMINGbible criticized occasional performance hiccups and the "limited number of games included," respectively, suggesting that the collection might feel sparse for some. COGconnected and Digital Chumps observed that the gameplay mechanics, while innovative, retained similarities to the main series, which could feel repetitive to veterans. Additionally, Vooks mentioned that "the right answer may not always be obvious," hinting at occasional ambiguity in puzzle-solving. However, these critiques were often framed as minor drawbacks rather than deal-breakers, with many reviewers acknowledging that the positives far outweighed these issues. The overall consensus among critics was that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a highly recommended and satisfying package for fans of the franchise. Gaming Age called it a "love letter to fans," while Nintendo Life and GGRecon emphasized its role as a "definitive way to experience these games" with "stellar writing" and "unique set pieces." Despite varied platforms—ranging from PC to PS4 and Nintendo Switch—the collection was universally praised for its accessibility and ability to attract newcomers, as highlighted by CGMagazine and GameSpew. While some critiques about pacing, performance, or limited content were raised, the majority of reviewers, including VGC and But Why Tho?, agreed that the collection successfully revitalized the Investigations titles, offering a memorable blend of mystery, humor, and courtroom intrigue. The praise for Miles Edgeworth’s character and the series’ signature charm solidified its status as a must-play for enthusiasts, with many expressing hope for future installments.

TL;DR

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection shines with stellar storytelling, innovative gameplay, and visual upgrades, hailed as a must-play for fans and newcomers. Critics praise its mystery, humor, and Miles Edgeworth’s charm, though minor pacing hiccups, limited content, and repetitive mechanics linger. Bonus features and accessibility triumph, making it a compelling revival—yet hopes for more in future installments remain.

MONSTER

Reviews

108 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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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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.

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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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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