Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All

 DS
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release Date: Jan 16, 2007
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 51 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 51
  3. Negative: 0 out of 51
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  1. Cheat Code Central
    74
    This game is not very difficult but it's not so easy either. If I could describe it in one word, I'd say it's engaging.
  2. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    72
    Perfect for Phoenix fans who want more cases, but with only four stories you'll be left wanting. It still offers great gameplay, it just doesn't last very long. [Apr 2007, p.82]
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  3. Electric Playground
    70
    If you liked the original Phoenix Wright and can get past the fact that not much has changed (or improved), you should enjoy yourself.
  5. games(TM)
    70
    Those who scoffed at Phoenix Wright’s endless text conversations and backwards-looking point-and-click mechanics will find nothing to love second time out, but Justice For All wasn’t made for them; it was clearly put together with fans of the previous game in mind. [Jan 2007, p.91]
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  6. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    70
    The first Phoenix Wright game was a little bit better, a little more fulfilling, but DS owners looking to tackle another caseload will get a kick out of this. [Feb. 2007, p.96]
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  7. Yahoo!
    70
    Despite Justice For All's flaws, the game really does offer a rather goofy series of brain-bending challenges. There's a wonderful sense of accomplishment to be had when, during the courtroom scenes, the stupid psyche-lock system is abandoned and players, using only their wits, tear the heart out of a witnesses' testimony.
  8. GameSpy
    70
    You'll easily clear all four cases in a weekend play session, but the suspend-anywhere save system allows you to easily play it in bits and pieces during commutes, on lunch breaks or while waiting for the previews to finish at your local theater.
  9. WHAM! Gaming
    70
    Justice For All will entertain you with engaging characters and interesting storylines. If you’re good at detective work, you’ll be hooked; if you’re not, you may be putting this game down sooner than later.
  10. netjak
    68
    A partially fun, partially frustrating escapade for Phoenix. Once again, the puzzle construction is likely to send you running for a FAQ when, if it was done right it should have you yelling "Take THAT!" at your digital legal foe right along with Phoenix.
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  11. The A.V. Club
    67
    A solid first sequel. As long as the stories stay cheesy and Wright's head stays spiky, there's no end in sight for this franchise.
  12. Gaming Age
    67
    While I am somewhat underwhelmed with the final product, I do recommend the title to anyone who enjoyed the first - as it does help to further the storylines of the quirky cast of Capcom's courtroom challenge.
  13. Edge Magazine
    60
    Wins you over with its charm rather than its virtue. [JPN Import; Jan 2007, p.84]
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  14. 1UP
    60
    The whole thing skates dangerously close to the "edutainment" realm by building its core mechanic around reading comprehension and deductive reasoning, but then again, DS gamers weaned on Brain Age will likely welcome the cerebral stimulation.
  15. Game Revolution
    50
    You can’t forgive the absurd health meter, the retarded save system, the completely rehashed gameplay, or the misleading “clues”, but you’ll never forget the charming characters, witty dialog, and bizarre sexual conundrums.
  16. Detroit Free Press
    50
    Characters encountered along the way are memorable and as charming as in the original. But the amount of text that must be plowed through makes it feel more like a modern rehash of the popular "Choose Your Own Adventure" book series than an adventure most will stick with for hours.

Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best DS Game of 2007
7
#7 Most Discussed DS Game of 2007
78
#78 Most Shared DS Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 192 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 157 out of 192
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 192
  3. Negative: 3 out of 192
  1. toysjoe
    Nov 30, 2010
    6
    First of all, I loved the first Phoenix Wright, however, I cannot bring myself to like this game. The first game was based entirely on logicFirst of all, I loved the first Phoenix Wright, however, I cannot bring myself to like this game. The first game was based entirely on logic and finding contradictions. This game prevents you doing that by way of making contradictions MUCH less obvious. When you DO find a contradiction, the game wouldn't let you succeed because it wants you to play the game ITS way. For example, one witness testified she heard one gunshot, but if you present the gun with the description "two shots were fired" the game fails to recognize the contradiction. This, among other failings in presenting evidence, boils this game to a trial-and-error system which is really disappointing because somehow the first game avoided this problem. I've played the first game entirely and was only stumped once or twice. On this game, I'm not halfway through the second case and am already extremely frustrated with the game. Clearly, something is wrong here.… Full Review »
  2. BROstoise
    Jun 3, 2014
    7
    My least favorite in the trilogy. However, it still is a truly brilliant game. The only outstanding trial was Farewell, my Turnabout. The LostMy least favorite in the trilogy. However, it still is a truly brilliant game. The only outstanding trial was Farewell, my Turnabout. The Lost and Turnabout Big Top were rather weak. Franziska von Karma is the only prosecutor of the 3 original games that doesn't change at the end. However, the courtroom battles are still amazing, and this game introduced the psych-locks, which added a great gameplay mechanic to the series.… Full Review »
  3. theshonen8899
    May 11, 2011
    7
    Not my favorite from the series but the mere fact that you need to play the cases to understand Trials and Tribulations (one of my favoriteNot my favorite from the series but the mere fact that you need to play the cases to understand Trials and Tribulations (one of my favorite games of all time) makes this easily worth the playthrough. If you're having a hard time getting through this one then take comfort in the fact that Trials and Tribulations will be amazing.… Full Review »
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