Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations

 DS
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release Date: Oct 23, 2007
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 237 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 216 out of 237
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 237
  3. Negative: 12 out of 237
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  1. Cynthia
    May 10, 2009
    10
    All three games were wonderful, but Trails and Tribulations is simply the best game in the series. The music was good, the cases were interesting, and the characters were like always entertaiming. I really enjoyed it! I almost cried at the end because it was the last game of Phoenix Wright. I really did. Almost. But...! You really have to play 1 & 2 first, or you don't get the whole All three games were wonderful, but Trails and Tribulations is simply the best game in the series. The music was good, the cases were interesting, and the characters were like always entertaiming. I really enjoyed it! I almost cried at the end because it was the last game of Phoenix Wright. I really did. Almost. But...! You really have to play 1 & 2 first, or you don't get the whole story! It's a perfect end of the series, thanks, Capcom! Court is adjourned!… Expand
  2. MrSonicFan
    May 7, 2013
    10
    The original Phoenix Wright trilogy is amazing. this game is by far the best in the trilogy, Hell it's the best in the whole series. The story is amazing. The characters are all memorable and hilarious. And while the soundtrack is weak compared to the first 2 games soundtracks it is still a really good soundtrack. And the writing is amazingly done. Just like the first 2 games it won'tThe original Phoenix Wright trilogy is amazing. this game is by far the best in the trilogy, Hell it's the best in the whole series. The story is amazing. The characters are all memorable and hilarious. And while the soundtrack is weak compared to the first 2 games soundtracks it is still a really good soundtrack. And the writing is amazingly done. Just like the first 2 games it won't appeal to everyone but for the people who want a amazing story i would really recommend it.… Expand
  3. AngealHewley
    Mar 13, 2014
    10
    What everybody said below is true. This game is FAN TASTIC!
    So many moments that will bewilder you, touch you, make you smile and enroll you!
    Trials and tribulations is perhaps the greatest game I've ever played in the series. It's the 3rd in the series so playing the previous games REALLY adds to this one. Just like any saga, but Phoenix Wright is just something more. I highly    What everybody said below is true. This game is FAN TASTIC!
    So many moments that will bewilder you, touch you, make you smile and enroll you!
    Trials and tribulations is perhaps the greatest game I've ever played in the series.
    It's the 3rd in the series so playing the previous games REALLY adds to this one. Just like any saga, but Phoenix Wright is just something more. I highly recommend this series as one of my quickly to be, personal favourites.    … Expand
  4. coatman1
    Feb 17, 2014
    10
    Music especially was well done, All the cases had interesting twists. Case #5 makes this game. If you like Phoenix's other two games you will love this one for sure, as the story-lines tie up nicely in one case. I don't cry often but this game hit great areas with strong emotions all though-out this game. Must Buy.
  5. Steeldude
    Apr 8, 2015
    9
    Having played AA, JfA, TT, AJ, AAI and now playing DD, I have to say that this game, Trials and Tribulations, is so far the best game in the whole series.

    There are 5 cases like in the first game that are, however, surprisingly consistently interesting, familiar characters return, this game presents one of the best villains in the whole series, the new prosecutor is pretty good and the    Having played AA, JfA, TT, AJ, AAI and now playing DD, I have to say that this game, Trials and Tribulations, is so far the best game in the whole series.

    There are 5 cases like in the first game that are, however, surprisingly consistently interesting, familiar characters return, this game presents one of the best villains in the whole series, the new prosecutor is pretty good and the final case is a blast.

    An ideal conclusion to the original trilogy and the best overall Ace Attorney game.
    I might change my mind after I finish DD (even though that seems highly unlikely, as so far I find that game a lot worse), PLVSAA or AAI2, but so far, I have enjoyed this game the most.    … Expand
  6. Samasz
    Mar 15, 2015
    10
    One of the best, if not the best story in video games. The last trial of this game is unforgettable. It closes the first and the second Ace Attorney parts and it's a must play
  7. AttackZach
    Mar 14, 2012
    8
    "Trials and Tribulations" is the best of the Phoenix Wright trilogy. You play as the titular "ace attorney" Phoenix Wright who, with help from his psychic friends, unearths the secrets of the cases and clients he defends in court. The riveting drama is creative and unforgettable, much more so than the prior games. There are two types of gameplay: investigation & court. Investigation is the"Trials and Tribulations" is the best of the Phoenix Wright trilogy. You play as the titular "ace attorney" Phoenix Wright who, with help from his psychic friends, unearths the secrets of the cases and clients he defends in court. The riveting drama is creative and unforgettable, much more so than the prior games. There are two types of gameplay: investigation & court. Investigation is the weakest of the two, often confusing and drab. But after gathering all the necessary evidence, you are thrown into a thrilling battle royale of wits and logic. Presenting evidence and cross examining witnesses is always fun, and the reward is never short of exceptional. If you're a fan of story driven games, and don't find some of the more dull moments in investigation, this game is for you.… Expand
  8. OnlyLegends
    Mar 2, 2017
    10
    Amazing ending to an amazing trilogy of games. This game was a perfect way to end the PW:AA Trilogy and that last case man was it good. You just want to keep playing to see the end! Very hard to put down, played late into the night. IF YOU WANT TO KEEP A NORMAL LIFE DON'T PLAY THIS GAME
  9. andrew9
    Nov 16, 2021
    9
    ace attorney .
  10. ChrisA.
    Dec 26, 2007
    10
    I have played all three Phoenix Wright games to the end, and I have to say that if this one is indeed the very last, it will be a sad time. A really great storyline that ties all three games together neatly, and it's just plain fun! Not many games have caught my attention so well like these have, and I'm not even fond of lawyer style games.
  11. theshonen8899
    May 11, 2011
    10
    Best of the trilogy. It's got fun, awesome cases and the end is a seriously intense rollercoaster. If you liked the first games be prepared to be blown away by this one!
  12. ThomasP.
    Dec 3, 2007
    9
    Trials and Tribulations is so good you'll miss it when it's over.
  13. LC
    Oct 20, 2007
    9
    One of the better games out for the ds, although it can sometimes be a bit too easy.
  14. rubin
    Jun 18, 2012
    8
    Before I start, I'd like to say I don't get the whole Godot craze. His character seemed forced and superficial and he was incredibly annoying throughout the whole game. Now, for the game - PW:T&T is the standard Phoenix Wright we all got to know (and love) from the previous two instalments. Unfortunately, it introduces even less gameplay changes than JFA (taking control of differentBefore I start, I'd like to say I don't get the whole Godot craze. His character seemed forced and superficial and he was incredibly annoying throughout the whole game. Now, for the game - PW:T&T is the standard Phoenix Wright we all got to know (and love) from the previous two instalments. Unfortunately, it introduces even less gameplay changes than JFA (taking control of different attorneys [i.e. other than Phoenix] was a pretty interesting experience though). While it is a nice conclusion to a brilliant trilogy, the plot of T&T doesn't have nearly the same kick as the previous two - the creators put too much emphasis on "drama", and not enough on "comedy", making the story feel really dark at times (whether you consider that a pro or a con is completely up to you of course). Putting my whiny nitpicking aside, PW is still PW, and playing through the whole series should be REQUIRED for all DS owners.… Expand
  15. BROstoise
    Jun 3, 2014
    10
    The best Ace Attorney game to date. None of the trials had me bored, besides Turnabout beginnings, which was a backstory, so it gets a pass. Other than that i fully enjoyed all other trials. Bridge to the Turnabout and Recipe for Turnabout were masterpieces. Aside from that you can play as people other than Phoenix, which is enjoyable. The main antagonist, Godot, is the first in the seriesThe best Ace Attorney game to date. None of the trials had me bored, besides Turnabout beginnings, which was a backstory, so it gets a pass. Other than that i fully enjoyed all other trials. Bridge to the Turnabout and Recipe for Turnabout were masterpieces. Aside from that you can play as people other than Phoenix, which is enjoyable. The main antagonist, Godot, is the first in the series who wasn't irritating, yet was very interesting. 10/10, an essential for any DS owner. Buy it now, or I'll see you in court, criminal scum!… Expand
  16. Cosmozerk
    Jul 8, 2016
    9
    Finally, i've completed the original Phoenix Wright trilogy. It was a fun ride and now i'm going to jump to Apollo once i finish this, but for now i can safely say, without a doubt in my mind, that Trials and Tribulations, for what i've played so far, is the BEST Ace Attorney game that there is.

    STORY: Trials and Tribulations does something pretty creative and it actually has both an    Finally, i've completed the original Phoenix Wright trilogy. It was a fun ride and now i'm going to jump to Apollo once i finish this, but for now i can safely say, without a doubt in my mind, that Trials and Tribulations, for what i've played so far, is the BEST Ace Attorney game that there is.

    STORY: Trials and Tribulations does something pretty creative and it actually has both an overarching plot and mini-stories through the cases. BUT! ,unlike that crossover with Layton, the game understand that having both of them at the same time is not a good idea at all, so instead of that, the overarching plot gets mentioned here and there thought out the game (specially in case 1 & 4), but it doesn't distract from the mini-stories of each case, now THAT'S how you do it. The game presents 5 different cases which go from great to great great to genius to LEGENDARY!. Honestly while i prefer case 4 from Justice for All over many of these cases, i would be lying if i said that this game is now incredibly consistent with it's case quality and to be honest even though i feel Justice for All is underrated, i do feel like the consistency there was good, but not the level of these game.

    Now in terms of the characters introduced i have to say that Godot is awesome, he competes with Edgeworth in terms of which one is my favorite. His motives, backstory, attitude and dialog is incredible and fleshed out, not to mention that his character design looks super cool and the fact that he's a coffee addict...and that he throws it at Phoenix for a number of occasions is just the icing on the cake. Aside from him we also get returning Maya Fey and Pearl, which are just as good as before, the characters of every case are once again wacky and great to interact with...for the most part. Oh and i almost forgot to mention that this game introduced one of the most evil villains i've seen in awhile, i won't say who it is, but you will immediately know as soon as you complete case 1.

    PRESENTATION: Trials and Tribulations is apparently 3.3 times bigger than the original Ace Attorney, but the graphics are still the same. Aside from the new sprites, animations, backgrounds and voice clips it's pretty much the same. There is one new sprite for Phoenix that i won't spoil, but those who have finished the game know what i'm talking about. We actually get to play as Mia Fey in this game and her sprite work is very well made. Overall there's really nothing new here in terms of the graphics, but the music is another story. Once again we have some kick-*** tunes that fit the moments very well. Caught, Telling the Truth 2004 and Pleeeeease Listen! are among my favorites, but then we have Godot's theme: The Fragrance of Black Coffee...which is just pure magic and of course the amazing, downright EPIC! return of... Cornered!, which in this game actually got a pretty good remix and it plays just at the right moment of the game to make the scene so...LEGENDARY!

    GAMEPLAY: Trials and Tribulation in this department is no different from Justice for All, so i won't spend any time on going into the game mechanics all over again. All you have to know is that the formula is back and it still good. Go see my Justice for All review if you want more detail.

    Well then this one was a short one, but you can only comment so much about something that's just like previus thing with minimum differences for so long without getting redundant. But anyway Trials and Tribulations is a game that definitely focuses on the story, the part that is the most important one in a visual novel and it does an amazing job. Now i can definitely call this my favorite in the trilogy and the best Ace Attorney game i played so far. Please give it chance if you have the opportunity, it will be worth it.

    I'll give it a 9/10.    … Expand
  17. SrPepe
    Apr 24, 2020
    9
    El mejor de la trilogía, todos los casos son buenos pero el quinto es simplemente increíble, el mejor de la saga, me atrapó muchísimo, todos los personajes crecen y los nuevos involucrados son mejores que nunca.
  18. DannyP.
    Nov 22, 2007
    10
    I have never, in my 14 years of gaming, been so engrossed in a game like I have with this. I played during school, during work, during the night until 3 in the morning, nonstop. This game is a beautiful end to a perfect series. The stories are all tied together over the last few games, and it all culminates to the greatest final case ever. I highly doubt that I will ever find a game to I have never, in my 14 years of gaming, been so engrossed in a game like I have with this. I played during school, during work, during the night until 3 in the morning, nonstop. This game is a beautiful end to a perfect series. The stories are all tied together over the last few games, and it all culminates to the greatest final case ever. I highly doubt that I will ever find a game to fill the hole that will be left by this game. If you own a DS, you owe it to yourself to go out and buy this game (After playing the first two, of course).… Expand
  19. KevinR.
    Nov 2, 2007
    8
    More of the same great Phoenix Wright. And while there is nothing new or innovative this time around, the story throughout the game is better than last time, and some of the cases are arguably the best in the series (I still believe the best was the fifth case of the first game)..
  20. Pekka
    Sep 7, 2007
    10
    The best of the series. All 5 cases were interesting (unlike the cases in last two games), and plenty of more surprises in storyline. Excellent experience, I say!
  21. Komino
    Feb 25, 2009
    7
    As this is the 3rd game in the series most players will have a strong connection to the characters and the genre. The game is much of the same from the previous games but without hitting the highs of the first. A must for a fan but check out the first game for anyone who's yet to experience Phoenix Wright.
  22. JonS.
    Nov 24, 2007
    8
    Much better than "Justice For All", but sadly lacking in the extra interactivity of the fifth case of the first in the series, definitely the high-water mark so far. It's a delight to come back to more well-drawn characters and questionable humour though!
  23. vahn
    Dec 31, 2012
    10
    The biggest of the series in both cases and story twists, Trials and Tribulations is a masterpiece in adventure gaming and story telling...if you have followed the previous two. The game is almost untouched and, except for few music tracks, it's still the same game with just new amazing cases and amazing characters (your opponent, Godot, it's probably one of the best opponents of theThe biggest of the series in both cases and story twists, Trials and Tribulations is a masterpiece in adventure gaming and story telling...if you have followed the previous two. The game is almost untouched and, except for few music tracks, it's still the same game with just new amazing cases and amazing characters (your opponent, Godot, it's probably one of the best opponents of the series, probably even better than Edgeworth). Again, what makes this game greater than the previous is the character roster and the stories of the cases, all well written and all with amazing twists that will really impress the player until they reach the ending credits...with the requirements of having played both of the previous games at least once. If you take this game for the first time, you might be confused of some events and some characters that come back from previous games. If you didn't, well you'll still get a very solid adventure game with really nothing wrong, but since the series is heavily tied and the stories have links, it's best played if you have the previous games. The only reason to not buy this game, if it's you really hate adventure games or, of course, never liked it in the first place (I don't like Super Mario games. It's tastes afterall!). Must buy if you want to finish this "trilogy". If you don't have the others...try it then and discover the series yourself. Will be worth the time.… Expand
  24. Gwyndolin
    Mar 25, 2016
    10
    I agree with all the reviews that claims this is the best of the trilogy.
    I do want to point out that part of its beauty is because it flows so well plot-wise from the prior games and utilizes returning characters to their fullest potential.
    It had the best pacing, just when you are kind of exhausted from 2 rather long (but fun, with extremely fun and charming characters) cases, you get    I agree with all the reviews that claims this is the best of the trilogy.
    I do want to point out that part of its beauty is because it flows so well plot-wise from the prior games and utilizes returning characters to their fullest potential.
    It had the best pacing, just when you are kind of exhausted from 2 rather long (but fun, with extremely fun and charming characters) cases, you get a breather chapter that sets you up for the finale, and once you reach the finale the game masterfully weaves all main plot threads together and lays out the most beautiful case in the series.
    Gameplay is the same as game 2, psyche-locks are still in. The game just had a slightly better logic flow than prior games, although some people may interpret that as the game getting 'easier'.
    Some of the music are remixed and changed, and to me I think they're the best of the trilogy. It just feels really awesome in the court room when I find a big contradiction and that satisfying tune starts playing...    … Expand
  25. elaux
    Aug 17, 2013
    10
    The best of the trilogy, and it's worth playing through them just for this.
    It pains me when I realize there won't be another Ace Attorney game as good as this one.
  26. VidyaBum
    Apr 16, 2014
    10
    AA:PW was great, AA:JFA was quite inferior but still good.

    AA:TAT is just as superior to AA:PW as AA:JFA was inferior to it. A glorious story with possibly the least wrong plot devices I've ever seen, immense plot twists and surprises, emotional characters of all kinds, a gameplay easily as good as the first one if not even better, and just about every single last thing you would've    AA:PW was great, AA:JFA was quite inferior but still good.

    AA:TAT is just as superior to AA:PW as AA:JFA was inferior to it. A glorious story with possibly the least wrong plot devices I've ever seen, immense plot twists and surprises, emotional characters of all kinds, a gameplay easily as good as the first one if not even better, and just about every single last thing you would've expected from an Ace Attorney game.

    Sure the replayability is still pretty much null, and although there has been a bit of progress from the past AA games in terms of diverse pathways to use(sometimes you can use different items for the same question and it does lead to a tiny bit of a different response from the prosecutor or judge), you still go through the same story. And in this story just like the last one, Maya is a Damsel in Distress and I just don't see her as the type of character to fit that role. But these minor quibbles don't even harm Trials and Tribulations, as this game constantly amazes with every plot twist and every story thread coming together to create this intricate and beautiful tapestry of drama, fun, sadness, comedy, and thinking that does its mix just about perfectly. I'd give it 95/100 but I can't so it'll be 10.

    By far the one that gave me the most feelings and memories of the whole series, with a complexity that still stuns me with how every plot twist worked, was surprising, and just gave another layer of depth to everything...    … Expand
  27. Twirkkhu
    Jun 11, 2014
    10
    Out of the first three games, this one has the best story of all of them. It made me cry, it made me laugh, and it made me proud that I decided to play these games, and heck, games in general.
  28. NintendoPlayer1
    Apr 11, 2016
    10
    I'm a really big fan of the Phoenix Wright series and I think this is the best game. It has a nice story which is sometimes really sad, a very good soundtrack and some good jokes. I really like the game!
  29. Kingbode
    Feb 9, 2016
    9
    The best Ace Attorney of the trilogy.It's a pretty solid addition to the series.This time the game will show you new perspectives of certain characters and this totally changes how do you feel the game.
  30. Videogamelov3r
    Aug 2, 2015
    10
    All the seven games were amazing, but this one... IS JUST INCREDIBLE I mean.. You just have to see the back-story of the characters, (Godot, Mia, Phoenix, Maya...) And you feel sad about completing the game
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best DS Game of 2007
5
#5 Most Discussed DS Game of 2007
58
#58 Most Shared DS Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 45
  3. Negative: 0 out of 45
  1. Gamestyle
    80
    A classic case of it "if it isn't broke, don't fix it", Trials and Tribulations carries on the series' high quality and is a fitting end to the trilogy, but it won't convert anyone waiting for the series to break out of its somewhat rigid menu-driven process of elimination.
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  2. Thunderbolt
    80
    The premise may seem downright ridiculous and this is reinforced by the witty, pun-filled dialogue bursting with enough memorable and laugh-out-loud quotes to inflame one's haemorrhoids. The actual cases themselves can, however, be quite sombre and very touching at times – sure, you will laugh, but you may also shed a tear.
    Read full review
  3. Eurogamer
    80
    It's a 9-flavoured 8, but again the mechanics of the court sequences are often so stupidly frustrating that it would be wrong to mark any higher.
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