Computer Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Review

NA Release: September 6, 2024
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Genres: Puzzle, Visual Novel
Platform: Nintendo Switch


The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a much-anticipated release, completing the series' English localization. With upgraded visuals and some improvements, is it worth $40 for both games? In short, yes, but it's not without flaws.

Starring Miles Edgeworth, these games offer a slight departure from the main Ace Attorney series. Set between Trials and Tribulations and Apollo Justice, you follow Edgeworth as he solves cases outside the courtroom. You'll question suspects at crime scenes, a unique twist that sets these games apart, though the courtroom's absence is noticeable.

The gameplay is similar to other Ace Attorney titles. You'll search crime scenes for evidence, then use clues to identify the culprit. The Logic system is a new feature, allowing players to combine clues for stronger conclusions. Prosecutor's Path introduces Logic Chess, where you choose between aggressive or cautious questioning under time pressure. This addition makes the experience more dynamic, though the first game can feel repetitive.

While these games bring fresh elements to the series and boast visual upgrades, they still have some typical Ace Attorney issues. It's frustrating when you've solved the mystery, but the characters remain clueless. The game often requires a specific order of revelations, which can feel limiting. Some investigative parts can drag, as you must thoroughly search areas and exhaust all dialogue options to find key information. This detailed approach adds depth but can slow the pace.


Despite these minor drawbacks, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a unique and engaging experience. The games provide a fresh perspective on the Ace Attorney universe, allowing players to step into Edgeworth's shoes and solve cases from a different angle. The improved visuals enhance the already charming art style, making the game more appealing to both new and returning players.

The writing remains sharp and witty, with the clever wordplay and puns the series is known for. Characters are well-developed, with both familiar faces and new additions adding depth to the story. The cases are intricate and well-designed, offering satisfying conclusions that reward careful attention to detail.

For fans of the series, this collection is a must-have, filling in important story gaps and providing hours of engaging gameplay. Newcomers might find it a bit challenging to jump in without prior knowledge, but the games do a decent job of introducing key concepts and characters.

In conclusion, while not perfect, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is a worthy addition to any mystery fan's library. Its unique gameplay mechanics, improved visuals, and engaging stories make it a solid investment, especially for those who've been waiting for an official English release.

Despite some flaws, the Investigations games maintain their appeal through engaging storytelling and mystery-solving elements. The characters are fun to interact with, and the villains are satisfyingly frustrating. While you're not playing as Phoenix Wright, Miles Edgeworth proves to be a compelling lead. His cool, logical demeanor contrasts nicely with the often whimsical side characters, creating a fresh yet familiar protagonist who drives the story forward. The pacing can drag at times, especially in the first game, but the payoff usually justifies the journey.


Some new features make the games more accessible to newcomers. The story mode allows players to experience the narrative without the pressure of searching crime scenes for crucial evidence. The addition of chapter select is a small but significant improvement, eliminating the need for specific save points or complete restarts to replay sections.

If you're not into visual novels or seeking complex puzzles, these games might not be for you. The crime scene investigations can be lengthy, and some of Edgeworth's deductions might seem far-fetched when you finally piece things together. However, the series' unique charm often makes up for these shortcomings.

The story in Prosecutor's Path stands out with its tightly woven narrative, compelling twists, and character development. The IS-7 Incident case, where Edgeworth unravels a mystery from his father's past, is a prime example. It adds emotional depth to Edgeworth's character while balancing personal stakes with intense investigation.

The $40 price tag might seem steep for decade-old games, but there's plenty of content to justify it. Prosecutor's Path alone offers around 30 hours of gameplay, potentially more if you explore all dialogue options or get stuck frequently. The visual upgrades make this collection the better choice for experiencing these stories on a larger screen than the original DS. For series fans, it's a must-have.

The official English localization of Prosecutor's Path is a significant draw, finally allowing Western fans to experience this previously Japan-only title. The new quality of life improvements enhance the overall experience, making the games more accessible and enjoyable for both newcomers and returning players.

The Investigations games excel in their character development and intricate plot weaving. Each case builds upon the last, creating a cohesive narrative that keeps players engaged throughout. The supporting cast is well-rounded, with each character having their own motivations and quirks that add depth to the story.

The games' humor remains a strong point, with witty dialogue and clever wordplay that fans of the series have come to expect. The localization team has done an excellent job of preserving the original Japanese humor while adapting it for English-speaking audiences.

While the gameplay can sometimes feel repetitive, the satisfaction of solving a complex case makes up for it. The Logic and Logic Chess systems add a layer of strategy to the investigations, requiring players to think critically about the evidence they've gathered.

The visual novel format allows for a deep dive into the Ace Attorney world, exploring locations and characters in more detail than the courtroom-focused main series. This change of pace offers a fresh perspective on familiar characters and introduces new ones that fit seamlessly into the established universe.

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection offers a unique and engaging experience that stands out within the franchise. While not without its flaws, the compelling storytelling, character development, and improved visuals make it a worthwhile addition to any mystery fan's library. For those who've been waiting for an official English release of Prosecutor's Path, this collection is a long-awaited treat that doesn't disappoint.

• Extensive Gameplay Hours
• Distinctive Spin-off Experience
• Captivating Investigations
• Initial Game's Slow Progression
• Occasional Monotonous Gameplay
• Verbose Conversations
• Far-fetched Puzzles