The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection brings together two spin-offs of the mainline Ace Attorney series, focusing on the sharp-witted prosecutor Miles Edgeworth. Originally released on the Nintendo DS, these games ditch the courtroom drama in favor of crime scene investigations, and this remastered collection for the PlayStation 5 offers a fresh chance to experience the detective side of the Ace Attorney world. With updated visuals, new quality-of-life features, and all the charm that fans of the series expect, this collection delivers a solid, if not revolutionary, package.
One of the main draws of the Investigations games is the departure from the courtroom setting. As Edgeworth, players engage directly with the crime scenes, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and piecing together the puzzle through logic and deduction. This hands-on approach feels refreshingly different from the mainline series’ courtroom antics, allowing for more dynamic and hands-on interaction with the world. However, this shift doesn’t mean the games lose the sharp dialogue and compelling narrative twists that the series is known for. Edgeworth’s dry wit and no-nonsense demeanor add a unique flavor to the story, and the cases themselves are well-written, with the kind of larger-than-life characters the franchise is famous for. In that sense, these are very much Ace Attorney games.
The two games in the collection, Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth and its sequel, Ace Attorney Investigations 2, are both engaging, though the second game arguably offers the more polished experience. The sequel was originally a Japan-only release, making its inclusion here a significant highlight for the many Western fans who originally missed out. The cases in the second game are more intricate, and the narrative pacing feels smoother, making it a standout part of the collection. Both games, though, maintain the series’ high standard for logical deductions, though the occasional leap in logic might leave players scratching their heads.
The remastering work on Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is generally well-done, with both games receiving full HD treatment. The updated character designs look crisp and vibrant, and the environments benefit from the higher resolution as well. However, fans of the original pixel art style won’t be disappointed, as the collection includes an option to switch back to the classic visuals, which retain their nostalgic charm. However, the chibi character models, even in HD, can feel a bit out of place compared to the serious tone of certain moments.
The new quality-of-life improvements in this collection help smooth over some of the DS games’ rough edges. The Chapter Select feature is particularly welcome, making it easier to replay specific sections of the game without having to start from the beginning. The inclusion of Autoplay and Story Mode also caters to players who are more interested in the narrative than the puzzle-solving, allowing them to breeze through dialogues or even have the game solve puzzles for them. This makes the collection accessible to both veterans and newcomers, though it does feel as if Story Mode takes away the satisfaction of solving the cases on your own.
In terms of controls, the transition from the Nintendo DS to the PlayStation 5 is relatively smooth, though the lack of touchscreen functionality may be missed by those who played the originals. Navigating the crime scenes and menus with a controller works well enough, but it doesn’t quite replicate the tactile feel of tapping the screen to investigate clues. That said, the game performs smoothly, and the interface has been optimized to work seamlessly on a big screen.
Audio has always been a highlight of the Ace Attorney series, and the Investigations Collection doesn’t disappoint in this regard. The background music is as memorable as ever, with each track perfectly complementing the dramatic and often humorous tone of the games. The collection also includes a gallery section with bonus materials, including the ability to listen to the soundtrack and enjoy orchestral arrangements, which is a nice touch for longtime fans.
While the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a solid package for fans of the series, it’s not without its drawbacks. The games still suffer from occasional pacing issues, particularly during the lengthier dialogues or when the investigations become bogged down by redundant clues. Additionally, while the new quality-of-life improvements are a welcome addition, they can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword, making the experience too easy for players who prefer a challenge.
Ultimately, Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a must-play for fans of the Ace Attorney series, especially for those who missed out on the second game during its original release. The remastered visuals, along with the accessibility features, make this a great way to experience Miles Edgeworth’s adventures, even if it doesn’t radically reinvent the formula.
Score: 8.0/10
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