Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Review | OBJECTION! This Game's Guilty of Greatness!

90
Story
10
Gameplay
8
Visuals
9
Audio
8
Value for Money
10
Price:
$ 40
Clear Time:
80 Hours
Reviewed on:
Switch
OBJECTION! Your honor, with all due respect, the online accusations that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is merely a cash grab are utterly baseless! In fact, the truth couldn’t be further from the claims! Allow me to present Exhibit A: This is no mere remaster—it’s an HD masterstroke! The visuals are so crisp, that the original DS versions practically confess to being outdated! And, may I direct the court’s attention to Exhibit B: Prosecutor's Gambit, the once elusive, Japan-exclusive sequel, is finally here! That’s right! Not just one, but two games bundled together, re-polished to perfection for your investigative pleasure! Now, if that doesn’t convince the court of its brilliance, then perhaps the only thing this collection is truly guilty of is being… Guilty of Being Amazing!

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection remasters the beloved duology starring everyone’s favorite prosecutor, Miles Edgeworth. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Review Overview

What is Ace Attorney Investigations Collection?

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection covers the investigations undertaken by world-famous prosecutor Miles Edgeworth during the original Ace Attorney Investigations games for the Nintendo DS. Leaving his rival Phoenix Wright and the courtroom behind, Edgeworth is determined to uncover the truth at the crime scene.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection features:
 ⚫︎ HD Remaster of Two Ace Attorney DS Games
 ⚫︎ Murder Mystery Story
 ⚫︎ All New Sprites
 ⚫︎ Additional Quality of Life Improvements
 ⚫︎ Visual Novel
 ⚫︎ Puzzle Elements
 ⚫︎ Bonus Features like Gallery Mode

For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Ace Attorney Investigations Collection's gameplay and story.


Digital Storefronts
Steam IconSteam Playstation IconPlaystation Xbox IconXbox Switch IconSwitch
Price $39.99

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Pros & Cons

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Pros Cons
Checkmark Japan-Exclusive Sequel Now Available Worldwide!
Checkmark Amazing Quality of Life Improvements and Bonuses
Checkmark Gorgeous New Sprites
Checkmark Deserves More Voice-Acting

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Overall Score - 90/100

OBJECTION! Your honor, with all due respect, the online accusations that the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is merely a cash grab are utterly baseless! In fact, the truth couldn’t be further from the claims! Allow me to present

Exhibit A: This is no mere remaster—it’s an HD masterstroke! The visuals are so crisp, that the original DS versions practically confess to being outdated!

And, may I direct the court’s attention to Exhibit B: Prosecutor's Gambit, the once elusive, Japan-exclusive sequel, is finally here! That’s right! Not just one, but two games bundled together, re-polished to perfection for your investigative pleasure!

Now, if that doesn’t convince the court of its brilliance, then perhaps the only thing this collection is truly guilty of is being…guilty of being amazing!

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Story - 10/10

The Investigations series puts you in the polished shoes of Miles Edgeworth, as you dive into some of the most captivating, crime-filled dramas that rival anything you'd see on TV! Each case is packed with twists and intrigue, but let's not forget the crown jewel—Prosecutor’s Gambit! This game delivers one of the most gripping and personal Ace Attorney stories ever told. You get both stories, brilliantly remastered! What’s not to love?

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Gameplay - 8/10

If you’ve played any Ace Attorney game before, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect—it's classic Ace Attorney with a few twists compared to Phoenix Wright’s saga. But if you’re new to the series, here’s the gist: it’s a visual novel packed with interactive investigations and high-stakes courtroom drama. In this game, though, it’s all about investigations and confrontations instead of trials, so you’ll need to stay sharp to piece everything together and reveal the truth!

Now, I get it—visual novels can seem daunting to dive into. But trust me, Ace Attorney does it better than anyone else, and it’s wildly entertaining from start to finish.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Visuals - 9/10

The HD Remaster has done an outstanding job of bringing the DS title to life, making it look better than ever. And the new sprites? Absolutely fantastic! They’re bursting with color and personality, giving the game a whole new vibrancy. Capcom has a knack for nailing their remasters and remakes, and this one is no exception—it’s a total treat.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Audio - 8/10

This game boasts one of my all-time favorite soundtracks in the Ace Attorney series. I mean, Pursuit is a timeless classic, and the remastered music sounds incredible. Plus, the tracks in the sequel are just as good. However, as a long-time fan, I do wish there was definitive voice acting.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Value for Money - 10/10

This game is the ultimate edition to own, bundling both Investigations titles into one amazing package. For fans, it’s a fantastic deal, especially since we finally get to experience the sequel that was once Japan-exclusive. The remaster is exceptional, and the $40 price tag is more than justified. It’s also perfect for newcomers—there’s no need to be familiar with the other games to enjoy this duology, as it stands strong on its own.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Review: OBJECTION! This Game's Guilty of Greatness!

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As a longtime fan of the Ace Attorney series, I’m thrilled to share that we can finally enjoy all the games on modern consoles! Capcom has brought us Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, and now Investigations. It's an incredible time for fans, and the series is getting the love it truly deserves.

The new collection is a real gem, especially with Prosecutor’s Gambit included—a game fans have been eager to play for ages. Without giving too much away, it’s a gripping and personal story that dives deeper into Miles Edgeworth’s character, making it a must-play. Edgeworth himself is such a fantastic protagonist. His confidence is captivating, and the first scene where he confronts the murderer with such determination is spine-tingling.

For those who aren’t familiar, the Ace Attorney games are visual novel adventure games from Capcom, crafted like legal dramas. The series usually follows Phoenix Wright, a defense attorney who heads the Wright Anything Agency. Unlike the sleazy lawyers you might know from TV shows like Breaking Bad or the Simpsons, Phoenix is more like Matt Murdock from Daredevil—calm, friendly, outgoing, and fiercely loyal.

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Now, we get to see a different side of the legal world with fan-favorite Miles Edgeworth taking the spotlight. While Phoenix is all about turning hopeless cases around with his outgoingness, Edgeworth is calm, collected, and a bit of a snob. Despite their rivalry, both are deeply dedicated to their work, and Edgeworth’s pursuit of truth is just as compelling. Trust me, you’re going to love his character just as much as Phoenix’s!

And what about the story? It’s classic Ace Attorney—an overarching tale that twists into a huge conspiracy with crime scenes popping up everywhere. It all kicks off right in Edgeworth’s own office, which becomes a crime scene after a gunshot rings out in the dead of night. You’ll be hooked from the start as you uncover the connection between his office and the crime.

The story is incredibly engaging, especially in the second game, which delves into more personal territory. I don’t want to spoil you too much but trust me, it’s a journey that will move you and might even bring a tear to your eye.

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So, how does the gameplay stack up? Unlike the other games, the trials take a bit of a backseat in this one. They’re still there just in another sense, but the main focus is on investigations. Instead of the usual first-person setup, you get to control Miles in an overworld as he hunts for clues. The general flow goes like this: when a crime occurs, you explore the scene, gather evidence, and use logic to piece together what happened. Afterward, you confront key suspects with the facts you’ve uncovered, so being thorough in your investigation is crucial.

You’ll need to pay close attention to every detail in the crime scene, talk to witnesses for key info, and present any evidence that contradicts what’s being said to push the investigation forward. This part of the game really makes you feel like a true investigator. The second game takes it up a notch with mind games that make interrogations even deeper and more rewarding.

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The classic courtroom testimonies and cross-examinations are still here, but with a twist—you’re not in a courtroom anymore. Instead, it’s all about confrontations, where you break down the other person’s arguments. During rebuttals, you can press each statement to dig for more information and uncover contradictions. When you find one, you hit them with the famous “OBJECTION!”

It gets more challenging as you go, and sometimes you’ll need to pause a confrontation to gather more evidence. One of the coolest tools for this is Kay’s “Little Thief,” a device that recreates the crime scene based on the info you have, allowing you to interact with the re-creation to uncover new clues.

I could go on forever about the gameplay, but the bottom line is—it’s incredibly rewarding and makes you feel like a genius. Now, does the game deserve an HD remaster? Absolutely!

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They did a fantastic job not only with the visuals but also by adding plenty of quality-of-life features like auto mode and adjustable text speed. The improved sprites and backgrounds make the scenes so much more engaging, breathing new life into the experience.

Pros of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection

Things Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Got Right
Checkmark Japan-Exclusive Sequel Now Available Worldwide
Checkmark Amazing Quality of Life Improvements and Bonuses
Checkmark Gorgeous New Sprites

Japan-Exclusive Sequel Now Available Worldwide

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Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor's Gambit is the second of Edgeworth's solo adventures, and fans have been waiting forever to play it outside of Japan. Now that it’s finally here, I can confidently say it’s one of the best Ace Attorney games ever. You’ll be hooked from start to finish.

The Mind Chess mechanic is a brilliant and engaging way to confront suspects, perfectly matching Miles' character. It’s like a more intense interrogation, where you have to make the right moves and choices under pressure while picking up on subtle cues from your opponent.

The game’s story is just as compelling. Without giving too much away, it’s about Edgeworth questioning whether he should stay a prosecutor or become a defense attorney after losing his right to investigate crimes. You’ll see familiar faces like Kay and Detective Gumshoe, but the new cast really makes this game shine. Oh, and Verity? She’s an awesome character you’ll definitely love!

Amazing Quality of Life Improvements and Bonuses

This remaster comes with some fantastic quality-of-life improvements that the original DS version didn’t have. One of the best features is the ability to select chapters, even if it’s your first playthrough. Whether you want to revisit your favorite scenes or try different dialogue options, it’s super convenient. Plus, there’s a Story Mode for those who just want to kick back and enjoy the crime drama—no input needed. It’s also perfect if you’re stuck on a section and just want to keep the story moving.

Another handy feature is the History option, which lets you reread character dialogue so you won’t miss any important details or clues. On top of that, the game now supports seven languages: Japanese, English, French, German, Korean, and both Traditional and Simplified Chinese. You can even mix and match the text and voice languages, thanks to the new dubs for each language.

And as a nice little bonus, the Gallery section lets you check out artwork and soundtracks from the game, which is such a cool touch for fans!

Gorgeous New Sprites

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I’m really loving the new sprites, and the option to choose between the updated sprites or the original pixelated ones for that nostalgic vibe is such a great touch. Both versions are fantastic, but the new sprites are especially impressive—they're so much more expressive. The backgrounds and character designs look amazing in HD, and the updates really breathe new life into the game.

Cons of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection

Things That Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Can Improve
Checkmark Deserves More Voice-Acting

Deserves More Voice-Acting

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I totally get why there’s a lack of voice acting in the Ace Attorney games—especially with their limited budget and the sheer amount of dialogue. Expecting the entire game to be fully voice-acted would be a bit much. So, this is just a small nitpick from me as a fan. Still, I do wish they’d added more voice acting in key moments, like intro scenes or big investigation reveals. It would really enhance the storytelling, especially for newcomers who might feel a bit hesitant about diving into a game with so much reading. I know people who have held off trying it for that very reason and adding more voice acting could help attract new players and keep things feeling fresh.

I’m not asking for full voice acting, but more than just the one-liners and sound effects would be great for the future. Having seen so many incredible fan dubs of Ace Attorney, I feel like it’s only a matter of time. I hope they consider it because, while I love reading, there are moments where it can drag a bit, and more voice acting could make those parts feel less slow.

Is Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Worth It?

The Court of Game8 Deems The Game Guilty…of Being a Must-Buy!

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I rest my case—Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is an absolute must-buy and totally worth the price tag. The only crime here is how long it took for us to finally play Prosecutor’s Gambit officially! Whether you’re a newcomer or a longtime fan, you won’t be disappointed, especially if you’ve been craving a top-tier crime mystery drama. Ace Attorney never lets us down.


Digital Storefronts
Steam IconSteam Playstation IconPlaystation Xbox IconXbox Switch IconSwitch
Price $39.99

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection FAQ

Can You Play Ace Attorney Investigations Collections Without Playing Any of the Ace Attorney Games?

You don’t need to play the other games to understand this one, as each game stands on its own. However, if you’re a fan, you’ll get even more out of it with all the references and callbacks.

Who are the Main Characters in Ace Attorney Invesitgation: Miles Edgeworth and Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor's Gambit?

 ⚫︎ Miles Edgeworth
 ⚫︎ Kay Faraday
 ⚫︎ Dick Gumshoe
 ⚫︎ Shi-Long Lang
 ⚫︎ Shin-na
 ⚫︎ Fraziska von Karma
 ⚫︎ Ema Sky

For Prosecutor's Gambit New Cast:
 ⚫︎ Eustace Winner
 ⚫︎ Verity Gavelle
 ⚫︎ Eddie Fender
 ⚫︎ Gregory Edgeworth

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Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Product Information

Ace Attorney Investigations Cover
Title ACE ATTORNEY INVESTIGATIONS COLLECTION
Release Date September 6, 2024
Developer CAPCOM
Publisher CAPCOM
Supported Platforms Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC (Steam, Windows)
Genre Adventure, Puzzle
Number of Players 1
ESRB Rating T (Teen)
Official Website Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Website

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