User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 374 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 12 out of 374
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  1. JarrodH.
    Feb 16, 2006
    10
    Without a doubt one of the best, most addictive games I have played in a long time. Everytime I finish a chapter, I cannot help feel like I have really been a part of something. I hope so so much a sequel is announced, as I do not want this to end. If you enjoyed the old style point and click games for the PC, you need to get this. I cannot rate this game any higher.
  2. Patrick
    Feb 28, 2007
    10
    Story is everything in this game, because at heart it's an adventure game. But the writing is exceptional, especially in a game; puzzles make you think, and you can seriously feel the tension with the addition of some Turnabout Tunes during trials to freak you out, calm you down, or whatever is appropriate. Only one way through the story, but then wouldn't almost all games get a Story is everything in this game, because at heart it's an adventure game. But the writing is exceptional, especially in a game; puzzles make you think, and you can seriously feel the tension with the addition of some Turnabout Tunes during trials to freak you out, calm you down, or whatever is appropriate. Only one way through the story, but then wouldn't almost all games get a 4? A lot of Deus Ex Macina, though, be wary of those things. Expand
  3. Bob
    Nov 10, 2009
    10
    Not the game for those who want action, but if you can appreciate an amazing story when you see one, you have one helluva game here.
  4. ZyraT.
    Jun 3, 2009
    10
    I love this game!
  5. AlexP.
    Jan 19, 2006
    10
    Ok. So It is a bit lacking in Graphics. But Graphics are only the Mustard of the game. The Cases in creativness of the game are awesome. This is definitly worth a sequal.
  6. ZyraT.
    Sep 20, 2006
    10
    I love this game!
  7. J.K.
    Apr 16, 2007
    10
    Phoenix Wright is bringing sexy back.
  8. Mitch
    May 30, 2007
    10
    One of the best adventure / story games. Put this in the ranks with Monkey Island and even Myth. Although the feel is very cartoony, which most people will appreciate.
  9. EricM
    Nov 3, 2009
    10
    Oh, what the hell. This is the best game I've played in my whole life, and I'm not just a "casual" gamer. It combines writing, humour, gameplay and graphics (2D, yes) in one game.
  10. KariP
    Jul 13, 2009
    10
    A combination of excellent music, very memorable characters and offering fun plots thrown in with the rest of the features. I have rarely enjoyed a game as much as following Phoenix and his friends on their misadventures.
  11. lemonator
    Mar 16, 2006
    10
    The best game ever.
  12. Dec 9, 2010
    10
    I'm going to be honest. This game is a masterpiece. I don't care if the game does half of the thinking for you, but the fact that with increasing difficulty and requirements to be able to think beyond a simple contradiction to shove some evidence up the prosecutor's throat makes the game beyond fun. This game just won't let me shut the DS off, of course until I get to a save point.
  13. Dec 30, 2012
    10
    The series of Phoenix Wright, even if with few additions and almost no upgrades, always shows new cases and new ways to think out of the box for resolving the cases (not a lot, but still helps). Of course, the series ia also fun to play and great to follow, with a roster of unforgettable characters...and villains too. The game plays as a mix of an adventure game and...sort of quiz game...IThe series of Phoenix Wright, even if with few additions and almost no upgrades, always shows new cases and new ways to think out of the box for resolving the cases (not a lot, but still helps). Of course, the series ia also fun to play and great to follow, with a roster of unforgettable characters...and villains too. The game plays as a mix of an adventure game and...sort of quiz game...I think. I have no proper words but the point is that both parts mix very well and they are both fun to play, especially since the story (or stories) behind the game are well thought and will make you think of how to solve the cases. Honestly, my big complains is that out of 5 missions, 2 are rather short and very simple, almost kid-friendly (the first case is literally a tutorial case, while the second is almost impossible to lose). From case 3, the game ramps up in difficulty and become a lot more enjoyable, and the last 2 cases are probably THE single best cases of the entire series (Trial and Tribulation cases are close...but only these are remarkable at their best). Graphics are simple and clean (and oldish, since I heard it was from a Gameboy Advance game), but funcional, and...I really have nothing else to mention, because the flaws are almost non-existants. Maybe the game should have had more endings, and maybe the game should have been more open (you won't go forward until you trigger the right event, which is either the discover of an item, talking to a person, or showing items to a person). Except these, I have almost no complains at all, since it's also very long to play (I think it's gonna last you at least 10 hours, but there's no counter). One of the strongest adventure game on the DS, and possibly one of the best games of the console: must at least try once but if you love adventure game, it' s an instant purchase. Expand
  14. Apr 24, 2015
    10
    Great characters and fun stories carry you through the stages of this game. Sometimes the logic is flawed, and naturally you will sometimes figure something out but be unable to pursue that thought until later in the game due to the linear nature of progress, but this is forgivable with such a genuinely enjoyable experience overall.

    It helps to pay attention to everything that is said
    Great characters and fun stories carry you through the stages of this game. Sometimes the logic is flawed, and naturally you will sometimes figure something out but be unable to pursue that thought until later in the game due to the linear nature of progress, but this is forgivable with such a genuinely enjoyable experience overall.

    It helps to pay attention to everything that is said (which is an awful lot - you will need some patience to get through all the text here.

    As the first of a series this lacks some of the gameplay additions of later games, but that doesn't make this a game lacking in good times.

    More of an interactive story, with fixed outcomes, this won't appeal to everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed it on each of my 3 play-throughs.
    Expand
  15. Nov 29, 2011
    10
    I bought this game on a whim and instantly fell in love with the series. I was familiar with Capcom from their games on the NES and SNES, but had not played much else by them at that point. I really enjoyed the refreshing anime style for the story, characters, and humor of the game. The game combines puzzle solving into the investigations and courtroom battles of the stories in a smooth,I bought this game on a whim and instantly fell in love with the series. I was familiar with Capcom from their games on the NES and SNES, but had not played much else by them at that point. I really enjoyed the refreshing anime style for the story, characters, and humor of the game. The game combines puzzle solving into the investigations and courtroom battles of the stories in a smooth, accessible way. Case 1 was a great tutorial to the game-play. Instead of an endless progression of textboxes explaining what to do, the game teaches you how to play through having you press and present in the courtroom for the playerâ Expand
  16. May 18, 2012
    10
    Masterful writing, great scoring, unforgettable characters, one-of-a-kind gameplay. Yes, those are the words echoing through my mind after I finished the last case.
  17. Sep 19, 2012
    10
    While at its heart Phoenix Wright may be a simple game, it is simply the most addicting and tense experience ever achieved with such little action. It is a considerable art to be able to reproduce significant catharsis using only the notions of script writing and musical tunes. Usually taking hours upon hours to complete a case, there is not one moment where you will become bored orWhile at its heart Phoenix Wright may be a simple game, it is simply the most addicting and tense experience ever achieved with such little action. It is a considerable art to be able to reproduce significant catharsis using only the notions of script writing and musical tunes. Usually taking hours upon hours to complete a case, there is not one moment where you will become bored or fatigued. There are unforeseeable twists around every corner. In brief, Phoenix Wright is easily one of history's most unique and emotional experiences, and should not be missed by anyone. Oh, and also, it is the only game that can convince a player to become a defence attorney :D Expand
  18. Sep 20, 2012
    10
    Every game in this saga is EPIC and PERFECT. The story is great and the characters are memorable. The OST is just delicious. Every case is very original, and there is a plot full of secrets and twists that you discover through every game.
  19. Jul 20, 2013
    10
    This game will be loved by people of all ages, if they have the patience and the intelligence of thinking of the possibility and putting pieces together or finding out that things do not fit, that's all i am going to get into on this amazing game its a must buy
  20. May 4, 2015
    10
    If you're a fan of visual novel games, this is a must have. While the concept of being a lawyer may not sound appealing, you have to pick the game up yourself to experience it. The cases are over-the-top as are the characters but that's what makes this game so interesting. One other point which is neglected in the reviews is the music. Seriously. Fantastic.
  21. Feb 28, 2014
    10
    Fantastic cases and inspired out-of-the-box story lines that thread the entire series together starting here at Phoenix's humble beginning.

    A most puzzling and intriguing set of characters who will stay with you for much longer after the final case. This game exhibits standards of a typical Crime Fiction/Audio Novel game but with the unexpected twists in every case that makes this title
    Fantastic cases and inspired out-of-the-box story lines that thread the entire series together starting here at Phoenix's humble beginning.

    A most puzzling and intriguing set of characters who will stay with you for much longer after the final case. This game exhibits standards of a typical Crime Fiction/Audio Novel game but with the unexpected twists in every case that makes this title a major stand out from the norm.

    Music that is perfectly atmospheric and excitement inducing. You will be left longing for much more as these characters and storyline serenade you to the next game in store for this series. I have never regret playing this series (in fact I play it more than any other series). With this humour, excitement and wit, you'd be very well damned to find any other game that is able to weave a very fine tapestry of such traits into one game let alone a series!
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  22. Jun 11, 2014
    10
    The Ace Attorney -series has one of the BEST stories in video game history, and it's just impossible to pick a favorite. The music in the series is so good, that if I made a list of my favorite video game songs, the Ace Attorney -series would dominate it. The game is so goddamn addicting once you get into it, which is weird for a visual novel. Pointing out lies in someone's statement canThe Ace Attorney -series has one of the BEST stories in video game history, and it's just impossible to pick a favorite. The music in the series is so good, that if I made a list of my favorite video game songs, the Ace Attorney -series would dominate it. The game is so goddamn addicting once you get into it, which is weird for a visual novel. Pointing out lies in someone's statement can be satisfying in real life, but oh boy, nothing does it better than this game. This game literally made me laugh until it started to hurt, and made me cry for minutes. This is just phenomenal. Expand
  23. Jul 6, 2014
    10
    If you're not into reading dialogue and laughing, then this game isn't for you. Hilarious situations and characters make this game (and series) one of my top 5 as a serious gamer.
  24. Mar 16, 2015
    10
    Das beste Kriminalspiel ever ! Die fünf Fälle konnten mich alle überzeugen und der letzte wird für immer legendär bleiben ! Die Charaktere konnten mich auch wie in den anderen Spielen überzeugen und Polizeichef Dámon Gant bleibt immer in meiner Erinnerung , da er mich mit seiner Überlegenheit und Epicness einfach überzeugen konnte . Grandiose Arbeit , Capcom !
  25. Nov 23, 2020
    10
    this game makes you feel like a god damn genius after you play it for like 3 minutes
  26. Mar 2, 2017
    10
    This game is one of the absolute best I have ever played. Once you start, it's hard to stop playing. I would definitely recommend emulating in on PC though so that way you can save whenever you want. This entire series is definitely one of the best in gaming history and is extremely memorable. If you haven't played this title yet DO SO NOW!
  27. Mar 8, 2020
    10
    It's the best in its genre. Even tho I had never played a visual novel before, this one was very addictive for me. The cases are amazing, and there is a huge pleasant feeling when you actually feel like you solve the cases and not the game for you. The story is great, thrilling cases, awesome characters(Especially Phoenix Wright and Edgeworth), amazing soundtrack and a lot of humoristicIt's the best in its genre. Even tho I had never played a visual novel before, this one was very addictive for me. The cases are amazing, and there is a huge pleasant feeling when you actually feel like you solve the cases and not the game for you. The story is great, thrilling cases, awesome characters(Especially Phoenix Wright and Edgeworth), amazing soundtrack and a lot of humoristic moments where they are actually very funny and make the game even better (not that it isn't already but who doesn't like jokes?). I recommended for sure. I believe it's the best game out there that has to do with murder cases. Must play. Expand
  28. Aug 30, 2020
    10
    Literally the BEST visual novel I've ever played! It's just so fun! I haven't had this much fun since the first time I played Viewtiful Joe!
    I definitely reccomend this to anyone who likes to read or likes to think! :)
  29. May 4, 2020
    10
    There are two types of people in this world.

    1. Who don't know about Ace Attorney even though it's such a popular series 2. Those who love ace attorney Then there are people who don't like it because they are too dumb or too impatient to play this kind of games. Im not a casual gamer, trust me. I've played a lot of games, but there are too many people who thinks a good game
    There are two types of people in this world.

    1. Who don't know about Ace Attorney even though it's such a popular series

    2. Those who love ace attorney

    Then there are people who don't like it because they are too dumb or too impatient to play this kind of games.

    Im not a casual gamer, trust me. I've played a lot of games, but there are too many people who thinks a good game need to have good graphics or rpg elements and such. Real gamers appreciate a good story and twists in a game even if it's a visual novel.
    Expand
  30. Jun 23, 2020
    10
    Amazing and interesting I Finished all ace attorney series in NDS. The story is interesting and it required your brain to think.

Awards & Rankings

15
3
#3 Most Discussed DS Game of 2005
5
#5 Most Shared DS Game of 2005
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 53 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 53
  2. Negative: 0 out of 53
  1. Nintendo Power
    80
    Keeps its legal-eagle fantasy flying much of the time - it's a welcome DS addition. [Nov 2005, p.109]
  2. Play Magazine
    85
    I can only hope this game does well enough for Capcom to bring the other games in this series to the U.S. [Oct 2005]
  3. The unique cast of characters and entertaining story makes Phoenix Wright worth playing, once. After you've seen all the plot turns and twists the game loses its appeal. [JPN Import]