I've always heard of the Phoenix Wright games but never decided to pursue them due to their unorthodox format (I’ve also never really played a visual novel before). And I always thought the games were just really niche and just kind of obscure. But I'm so glad the 3DS eshop had this for $3!! I was introduced to one of the most charming story games I've ever played! This is based on the first four chapters but I'll play Rise from the Ashes soon. The trials themselves are an easy 5 out of 5! The pacing is incredible as you hear witness testimonies and cross-examine their stories. However, once you finish the trial and commence investigations around the town, it becomes a bit repetitive. Not all of it is bad though, specifically in Chapter 4 when a lot of the information you receive makes you want to keep searching and searching. But other moments throughout the game are just a fetch quest which becomes increasingly tedious. Still, I can't help but feel the positives nearly cancel out the negatives. The characters, specifically Maya and Edgeworth, are so memorable and endearing. And the ending is both insane and satisfying at the same time. I absolutely loved it! Can't wait for the rest of the trilogy. I might just buy it on PC so I can play it on my TV.

Edit: Just played Rise from the Ashes and I really liked it. I wish I knew how long it was gonna be though. Going into it not knowing made it feel ridiculously long. But the new methods of investigation (blowing the finger print dust, rebuilding the broken pot, writing names out in blood, etc.) really enhance the experience. I still really enjoyed Rise from the Ashes, but I’m not sure if I would play it again because of how long it ended up being. My feelings of the game as a whole are more in the 8 out of 10 range now, but I still absolutely loved getting to learn about this world and its characters. Can’t wait to continue playing the follow up games in the series.