The second entry of the series is not bad per se. It is just relatively forgettable compared to the one before and after it.

This game continues to do what the previous game does well. The characters are still well established and all the animations and dialogues are super great. If you enjoyed the first game and bought the trilogy, chances are you will most likely continue to enjoy the second game.

Personally, I just don't find the second game's story to be as memorable as the first game. Don't get me wrong, the stories here aren't terrible at all. However I do find myself able to recall each case of the previous game crystal clear yet hardly able to remember any of the cases in the subsequent game. I do remember, however, not hating any of the stories. The problem is I didn't really like any of them particularly either.

This is an ok entry for the series and definitely was able to ride the tide established by the first game. I am sure there are a lot of people out there who enjoy the second game more so than the first one and I can definitely see why. The thing about narratively focused games is that many things are more personal, and I personally don't like the second game as much.

Ace Attorney 2 (AA2) is a fascinating follow-up that both surpasses and falls short of AA1. The addition of the psyche lock mechanic during these investigations enhances player agency and provides subtle guidance for you without having to hold your hand. The pacing has been significantly improved from AA1, resolving the previous problem of some drawn-out investigations or cases and making them more digestible without compromising quality. Furthermore, the underrated soundtrack effectively heightens AA2's higher stakes or tone, and I adore how varied it is.

The soundtrack of this game may not surpass the iconic soundtrack of AA1, but it certainly holds its own and elevates some of my favorite cases in the series, such as case 2+4. These cases were truly engaging from beginning to end thanks to these improvements, unique music, and overall Ace Attorney goodness or charm. However, the low points of this game are more apparent compared to AA1, particularly due to the tedious tutorial case and case 3 being the contender for the worst case in the trilogy, as it was simply unbearable and I found myself disliking every moment of it.

That case unfortunately gives this sequel such a stain that I find it impossible to ignore. It's frustrating because, in my opinion, AA2 comes very close to matching the amazing experience of its predecessor. However, it stumbles enough times to fall short. But I still believe that AA2 is a meaningful and worthwhile sequel, and I don't want to sound overly negative about it. The fact that the likely weakest one in the trilogy is still really solid speaks volumes.

Here is my ranking for every case in this entry:

1. Farewell, My Turnabout
2. Reunion, And Turnabout
3. The Lost Turnabout
.
.
.
.
.
4. Turnabout Big Top

You can read my Ace Attorney 1 review here

there’s not much that I can say about this that other reviews/reviewers haven’t in that half of the game feels kinda filler-y and a significant step down from the other part of the game. I will say that I had quite a bit of fun with case three even if it kinda fell apart at the seams towards the second half.

def not a comment on the game itself, but I forgot how much fun it is to play games on a ds like its just so convenient and nice to just take out and play on the couch or the patio for a little bit which def made me skew more positively when rating this game