No objections here.
My interest in Phoenix Wright has experienced a resurgence of late due to my watching the Japanese live action Phoenix Wright motion picture, which is by far the best video game-based movie I've ever seen. The dramedy caught me completely off-guard, despite my knowing what happens in the first game in the series, which is perfect because I haven't cared about a Phoenix Wright title since Apollo Justice. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies aims to change that with the shine of a pointed finger.
This installment has Phoenix Wright return to the courtroom after a brief hiatus to defend a shy girl named Juniper Woods who, as the introductory scene shows, has been framed for a bombing in the very same courtroom that occurred but a week ago. Though he has been mocked as "Phoenix Van Wrinkle" by the prosecution and has what the judge calls an infamous reputation for "wild accusations and unabashed bluffing," Phoenix has the experience and the power of objections on his side. However, the prosecution has seemingly damning evidence on the defendant: The elephant stuffed animal that hid the bomb belongs to Ms. Woods and its tail found at the scene of the crime has her fingerprints.
With the seemingly clean testimony of the real criminal, TED DONATE, and the weak-willed testimony of Juniper Woods, Phoenix realizes that he doesn't have any openings to reveal the truth. Luckily, he's brought in his new assistant, Athena Cykes, a bright, over-competitive young lawyer who has the ability to use analytical psychology and discern Juniper's emotions. This allows Phoenix to pinpoint conflicting emotions in her words; in particular, her "happiness" when the rubble from the explosion began falling on her.
By pressing Juniper further with this newfound information, it's revealed that her joy stems from Apollo Justice being there to rescue her, which draws out additional testimony. Eventually, as Athena continues to provide insight, Phoenix uncovers that the stuffed animal Juniper owned, Bum Rap Rhiny, wasn't the same stuffed animal, Phong Phanty, that hid the bomb. This new development turns the entire case around.
Paired with this courtroom demo was an investigation demo showing several new features while searching for evidence in the field. Apollo Justice and Athena Cykes explore Nine-Tails Vale, a town within a forest valley known for "yokoi" demons, and race toward the hotel Phoenix is staying at when he mysteriously cuts off during a phone call. Visiting the room, they discover a table covered in blood, several feathers, and Phoenix's attorney badge behind the door. By rotating the scene around, other notes and evidence seems to indicate that he indeed captured by a yokoi demon, but Phoenix suddenly returns to the room and explains his disappearance: He was chasing a rampant giant turkey! (Geez…) Well, at least you won't be missing out on the game's kooky ridiculousness.
Capcom doesn't have much in its release schedule for this holiday schedule, so be sure to check out Phoenix Wright: Dual Destinies when it releases later this year exclusively for Nintendo 3DS.
