I find it hilarious that although most people consider me as “The Sports Gamer”, my favorite game series is a Law Simulation game that is closer to a visual novel than a true game. Whether it is the story, the gameplay, the music, or anything else, I love the series with a burning passion. Never before have I found a series that has caused me to think so much about a “who dunnit?” while still enjoy every facet of it.
However, the best thing about the games are the cases, and each one has its own charm and draw that make it memorable. This list will cover what I personally feel are the ten best cases of the series.
There are a few rules to this list that cut it down a bit. First off, this is completely my own opinion and how I feel about these cases (This will need to be remembered in part two). Next, I am only including main series games, no spin-offs. This means nothing from the Investigations games or the Ace Attorney vs. Professor Layton spin-off. Next, I will not include anything from the newest game, Spirit of Justice, as it is still fairly new and I want to let it sit for a bit before really dissecting it. Oh, and this should come without saying, but there will be some spoilers every now and then. I will try to keep them at a minimum, but some will still probably leak out.
With all the rules out of the way, let’s get right into the list. Put on your attorney’s badge and practice yelling “OBJECTION!” because here we go.
10. Rise from the Ashes: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
The first case on the list is a DLC case that can barely be considered cannon…ok. It is still a pretty solid case overall.
The story aspect of having two murders happen at the exact same time and both murdering the same victim from the start is very interesting. At the start of the case, the player will not be able to guess how the case is going to go in any sense.
However, what makes this case so memorable, is the characters. While the bailiff/cop is extremely annoying, Damon Gant is one of my favorite characters in the entire series. He is so jovial at every moment and, at first, seems like the guy you would want to have a beer with. However, that changes as the case progresses. What his job as the Chief of Police lets him do is astounding and makes him extremely hard to figure out in the courtroom.
Overall, while this isn’t the best case, it definitely holds its own and is very enjoyable.
9. Turnabout Beginnings: Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations
This case is very interesting because it falls into the category of cases I want to call “bridge cases” where it leads into another case (usually the final case) in order to give more backstory and another perspective before the grand finale.
Why does this one make the list? The mix of story, characters and plot twists make it very fun to play and very important to the overall story of the game, let alone the final case of the game.
The player takes control of Mia Fey on her first trial, which is extremely interesting considering that the first case of the game takes place during Mia’s 2nd trial.
What really takes the cake for this trial is the villain of it which I won’t say for spoiler reasons. However, I will say that it really surprised me to see that person take the stand and it made everything make a lot more sense. Especially, since it ties up loose ends from another case in the series.
The ending is also important and tragic which explains why the first case of the game was Mia’s second.
This case is short but very necessary to the plot of the game and to make the game that much better.
8. Turnabout Serenade: Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney
I think I am in the minority that actually enjoyed the Apollo Justice game. This case, and a few others, really piqued my interest.
Turnabout Serenade takes place during Prosecutor Gavin’s concert and the entire case is very music themed.
However, the real reason why I really like this case is that it introduces the idea of trying to convict criminals without using decisive evidence. One of the bigger overarching story plot lines of this game is that a lot of criminals don’t leave behind decisive evidence, so the player has to convict them using unconventional methods.
Pinning the crime on the guilty party, in this case, is pretty close to impossible, but with enough pressing and logic, the truth is eventually found.
7. Turnabout Goodbyes: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
The final case of the first game is pretty surreal. Phoenix has spent that past few cases going against his rival Miles Edgeworth in the courtroom. Instead, Edgeworth is accused of murder and Phoenix decides to defend him. This shows a complete role reversal for Edgeworth and leads into a lot of story between Phoenix and Edgeworth.
So who is the prosecutor for this case? None other than Manfred Von Karma. He was Edgeworth’s mentor and a legend amongst prosecutors who has never lost a case in his 40-year career. He is ruthless in the courtroom and leaves no survivors in his path.
Speaking of story, the story of this case is amazing. It gives so much backstory for all the main characters and the case itself is truly nail biting. The twist at the end of the case changes everything and really helps the overall ending of the case.
This case was a great “ending” to the first game until the fifth case got tacked on to the end of the first game.
6. Turnabout Trump: Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney
The fact that an opening case made the cut definitely means something. This, in my opinion, is the best opening case that Ace Attorney has ever done.
It starts off by meeting the new protagonist Apollo Justice, his boss Kristoph Gavin, and the defendant who is found to be the old protagonist Phoenix Wright.
Why does this case make the list?
It shows an overarching theme for the game and also hints at what is going to happen during the rest of the game. It also, very subtly, hints at the true villain of the series.
Turnabout Trump is a very good case and probably the best opening of the series, which is kind of funny because of how low the game was originally received.
