played remastered version on PC
An utter delight. It boggles my mind how something that's so frequently about the corruption and ineptitude found within the legal system has been such a comfort to me in the weeks it's taken me to get through it. It's just so charming, filled with all sorts of memorable characters (Edgeworth my beloved), not to mention that it's quite easily the funniest game I've played. Objectively speaking, I probably wouldn't rate this so high - it seems to sacrifice a bit to appeal to a younger audience, as the tone feels ever so slightly childish despite the somewhat gory murders, plus the archaic investigation sequences are a little bit tedious every now and then. The progression can be slightly unintuitive as well, as the investigation sequences are a bit convoluted while their courtroom counterparts have an annoyingly strict method of progression that will sometimes actively punish you for figuring out the mystery out of sequence. Regardless, it's really endearing, and the mysteries/characters are genuinely quite well-constructed. Also, as I'm likely liable to forget as I progress through the franchise, might as well summarize my thoughts on the individual cases as well.
Case 1-1: 6/10
Admirably succinct and functional as a tutorial, and the mechanics instantly hooked me although the case doesn't have much meat to it.
Case 1-2: 7/10
Feels like this one sort of exists to ease the players into the general structure and characters, plus it introduces a bit of emotional substance (though it often feels bizarrely light for what the subject matter is? I suppose the gradually introduced supernatural elements do make it carry a bit less weight). With all that considered, it is a pretty simple case, but also a lot of fun in its own regard.
Case 1-3: 6.5/10
The investigation portion struck me as a bit tedious here, which is a bit weird as it kinda feels like filler. Nonetheless, it is satisfying once the details click into place, and the game's absurd sense of humour is finally given a chance to breathe.
Case 1-4: 9/10
Hands-down some of the most fun I've had playing any game. Excellent mystery, incredible character development, and it was surprisingly evocative - a bit of a surprise when contrasted with the madcap puzzles of the preceding case, but a wholly welcome one.
Case 1-5: 8/10
Took me a solid ~6 hours to get through, almost as long as the other cases combined, and I don't think the length is entirely warranted. It's extended by stupid puzzles and some over-written segments, as well as the sheer excess of evidence to keep track of. The pacing is a bit rough to start with, but it improves once the mystery really gets going - and it's spectacular once it does. The latter segments entirely compensate for the uneven quality of what precedes them, and the ending is simply lovely.
Anyways I'll stop yapping now, far from a perfect game but I love it with all my heart anyways. Can't wait to play the sequels!
An utter delight. It boggles my mind how something that's so frequently about the corruption and ineptitude found within the legal system has been such a comfort to me in the weeks it's taken me to get through it. It's just so charming, filled with all sorts of memorable characters (Edgeworth my beloved), not to mention that it's quite easily the funniest game I've played. Objectively speaking, I probably wouldn't rate this so high - it seems to sacrifice a bit to appeal to a younger audience, as the tone feels ever so slightly childish despite the somewhat gory murders, plus the archaic investigation sequences are a little bit tedious every now and then. The progression can be slightly unintuitive as well, as the investigation sequences are a bit convoluted while their courtroom counterparts have an annoyingly strict method of progression that will sometimes actively punish you for figuring out the mystery out of sequence. Regardless, it's really endearing, and the mysteries/characters are genuinely quite well-constructed. Also, as I'm likely liable to forget as I progress through the franchise, might as well summarize my thoughts on the individual cases as well.
Case 1-1: 6/10
Admirably succinct and functional as a tutorial, and the mechanics instantly hooked me although the case doesn't have much meat to it.
Case 1-2: 7/10
Feels like this one sort of exists to ease the players into the general structure and characters, plus it introduces a bit of emotional substance (though it often feels bizarrely light for what the subject matter is? I suppose the gradually introduced supernatural elements do make it carry a bit less weight). With all that considered, it is a pretty simple case, but also a lot of fun in its own regard.
Case 1-3: 6.5/10
The investigation portion struck me as a bit tedious here, which is a bit weird as it kinda feels like filler. Nonetheless, it is satisfying once the details click into place, and the game's absurd sense of humour is finally given a chance to breathe.
Case 1-4: 9/10
Hands-down some of the most fun I've had playing any game. Excellent mystery, incredible character development, and it was surprisingly evocative - a bit of a surprise when contrasted with the madcap puzzles of the preceding case, but a wholly welcome one.
Case 1-5: 8/10
Took me a solid ~6 hours to get through, almost as long as the other cases combined, and I don't think the length is entirely warranted. It's extended by stupid puzzles and some over-written segments, as well as the sheer excess of evidence to keep track of. The pacing is a bit rough to start with, but it improves once the mystery really gets going - and it's spectacular once it does. The latter segments entirely compensate for the uneven quality of what precedes them, and the ending is simply lovely.
Anyways I'll stop yapping now, far from a perfect game but I love it with all my heart anyways. Can't wait to play the sequels!