Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy Review and Walkthrough 2024

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney is a cool detective game series. It was from 2007 for the Nintendo DS in Japan. Recently, they added a new series called Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy. It includes three games: Apollo Justice, Dual Destinies, and Spirit of Justice.

It has brand-new stories and mysteries. You get to be Apollo, a smart lawyer who fights for justice in court.

It brings new characters, mysteries, and more courtroom drama. Each case in this game is different. For example, catching a magician who cheats or discovering who robbed a famous singer.

There are even special powers like reading people’s emotions! You can play in English, Spanish, French, or even Chinese. We played all three games (it took about 30 hours!) and here’s what we thought…

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy: Overview

A screenshot of Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy where Apollo is defensing.

The first Capcom’s Ace Attorney series debuted on the Game Boy Advance in Japan. They named it “Gyakuten Saiban.” Now, 20 years later, The Ace Attorney has become an international hit.

Recently the Ace Attorney added a Trilogy collection. It is the Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy. The trilogy collection includes “Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney” (2007), “Dual Destinies” (2013), and “Spirit of Justice” (2016).

You will find the DLC Costumes and the special episodes in the Nintendo Switch Roms. Unfortunately, you can only see digital copies of these series in the West. It’s because Nintendo shut down its 3DS eShop.

The whole Apollo Justice series is about courtroom drama. Each game has different stories with new mysteries and missions. You will be Apollo, the main character and protagonist. He is thirsty for justice. Many Ace Attorney fans can recognize Apollo from his past series.

One downside of Ace Attorney Trilogy is that there’s not much new content. However, the quality of graphics improved, and the visualization became modern.

we had some trouble while playing the Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy. The previous series had pixel art. But the Trilogy collection has modern graphics. It was difficult for us to adapt the modern graphics. But eventually, we got used to it.

The animations are exceptionally good. However, the real improvement comes in the latter two games in the Trilogy. It was initially released on the 3DS.

The first DLC was not as good as we expected. But we loved the second DLC. we saw some important connections that made it into the final collection.

The best part was the Museum Section in the Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy. They allow players to listen to music, rewatch cutscenes, and look at concept art.

Besides everything, the game is worth playing. We loved the background sounds and technical systems as well. The Ace Attorney is a faithful continuation of the original Trilogy.

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy: Storyline

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy game screenshot

The Trilogy happens several years after the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy. This time the Trilogy brings three games at once. Each game has a different storyline, different missions, and mysteries.

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney

This game has some flashbacks of its previous game, “Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney.” in that game, Phoenix lost his badge because of an accusation. They blamed him for murdering a famous movie star.

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Starts seven years after Phonenix lost his badge. Apollo is his new rookie assistant. This story is all about Apollo defencing Phoenix. During the defense, Apollo experiences a web of lies. Will he be able to solve this mystery? You have to find out by playing this game.

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney-Dual Destinies

This is another fascinating mystery we loved in this game. You will see an accident of a CEO of a powerful tech company. The accident might look simple but it turns out something bigger.

While trying to solve the accident, they came across more hidden secrets of the corporation. You will see Phoenix’s adopted daughter in this game. She will go through this maze to find the truth.

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney-Spirit of Justice

The creator introduced a musician and his story in this game. The story starts with everyone blaming the musician for murdering his rival. His rival’s final composition reveals a mystery. You have to find out the mystery by playing this game.

You will see other characters such as Trucy and Ema Skye. They are two cheerful young characters who help Apollo later in the game. They add a touch of music and magic to the Spirit of Justice.

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy: Characters

Apollo Justice

Apollo Justice

Apollo is a lawyer with a strong sense of justice. He can be a little inexperienced, but he is passionate. His sharp intellect and quick thinking made him the main protagonist of this trilogy.

His burning passion for truth and justice helped his defense journey. Apollo can experience Phoenix Wright’s legacy in himself after entering the Courtroom. He is the main character and the best one in this game.

He uses his bracelet to get the power to “perceive” to make people tiny movements. If someone is hiding something, his power can reveal their true form. We liked Apollo Justice’s backstory and his stakes.

CharacterStrengthsWeaknessesOther CharacteristicsRole
Apollo JusticeSharp wit and quick thinkingLack of experiencePassionate about truth and justiceMain protagonist and defense attorney

Trucy Wright

Trucy Wright

Trucy Wright is Phoenix’s adopted daughter. She adds a touch of magic and cheer to Apollo’s life. She can be clumsy and naive. But she’s a loyal character. Her beautiful laughter relieves us from the courtroom’s tension.

Trucy’s biological family heritage is in the Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney. Her biological family became the focal point of that game. We loved Trucy’s cheerful behavior, which kept us engaged. She is the best supporting role in this game.

CharacterStrengthsWeaknessesOther CharacteristicsRole
Trucy WrightSkilled magician and Apollo’s assistantClumsy and naiveLoyal and supportive friendApollo’s partner and source of comic relief

Klavier Gavin

Klavier Gavin

Klavier Gavin is a talented Musician and a complex character. He adds variety to the courtroom drama with his rockstar swag. Klavier steals the show in the Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy by adding tensions. You will also see some unexpected moments because of Gavin’s skills.

He has charismatic confidence with some arrogance. His guitar always hangs over his shoulder like a badge of honor. Overall, Gavin is a character that you must fall in love with.

CharacterStrengthsWeaknessesOther CharacteristicsRole
Klavier GavinTalented musician and prosecutorConfident to the point of arroganceUnderlying sense of justiceRival prosecutor and childhood friend of Apollo

Kristine “Phoenix” Wright

Kristine Phoenix Wright

Kristine Phoenix Wright is a legendary defense attorney. He is Apollo’s mentor. The only weakness Phoenix has is his amnesia. He can forget sometimes, but his insights remain sharp.

Phoenix guides Apollo through the challenges of the legal system. He also gives him valuable advice to win the cases. Phoenix is a character we also want as a mentor in our lives.

CharacterStrengthsWeaknessesOther CharacteristicsRole
Kristine “Phoenix” WrightLegendary defense attorney turned mentorStruggles with amnesiaRemains witty and insightfulGuides Apollo and offers advice

Aura Blackquill

Aura Blackquill

Aura Blackquill is a new Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy character. She is the cold and calculating prosecutor. No one knows her motives, which remains a mystery.

Aura Blackquill is the main formidable antagonist in Ace Attorney: Spirit of Justice. Her mysterious character was thrilling to see in the whole series.

CharacterStrengthsWeaknessesOther CharacteristicsRole
Aura BlackquillCold and calculating prosecutorHaunted by a dark pastPossesses a whip for dramatic flairMain antagonist of Ace Attorney: Spirit of Justice

Ray Shields

Ray Sheilds

You can say Ray Sheilds is an energetic and enthusiastic defense attorney. He adds more twists to the courtroom battle throughout the game. Ray can be overly eager and impulsive at times. However, his battle with Apollo adds another layer of excitement to the game.

CharacterStrengthsWeaknessesOther CharacteristicsRole
Ray ShieldsEnergetic and enthusiastic defense attorneyOverly eager and impulsiveBelieves in second chancesApollo’s rival and classmate

Nahyuta Sahdmadhi

Nahyuta Sahdmadhi

Nahyuta Sahdmadhi is a spirited and spiritual tribal leader. The leader possesses unique “Magatama” abilities that play a crucial role in the game. He can be a little bit Stubborn. But he finally cooperated with Apollo and impacted the game.

Nahyuta is a respected and well-traveled Khura’inese monk. He hates defense attorneys and insults them at every step. You will have a love-hate relationship with Nahyuta Sahdmadhi.

CharacterStrengthsWeaknessesOther CharacteristicsRole
Nahyuta SahdmadhiSpirited and spiritual tribal leaderCan be condescending and stubbornPossesses unique “magatama” abilitiesA prosecutor in Spirit of Justice later assists Apollo

Dhurke Sahdmadhi

Dhurke Sahdmadhi

Dhruke Sahdmadhi is a wise and respected chief justice. He carries the weight of past mistakes while living for a fair legal system. He is Nahyuta’s mentor. Later, Dhruke becomes a key witness in the Spirit of Justice.

CharacterStrengthsWeaknessesOther CharacteristicsRole
Dhurke SahdmadhiWise and respected Chief JusticeBurdened by past mistakesStrives for a fair legal system Mentor figure to Nahyuta and key witness in Spirit of Justice

Athena Cykes

Athena Cykes

Athena Cykes is a very important character in the Ace Attorney Trilogy. She has an ability called “Mood Matrix”. She can bring a fresh perspective to the courtroom with her ability.

You can see Athena in Dual Destinies, where she takes center stage. Her empathetic nature adds a new dimension to the team.

CharacterStrengthsWeaknessesOther CharacteristicsRole
Athena CykesEmpathetic and perceptive Struggles with emotional manipulationUses Mood Matrix technology to read emotionsDefense attorney and Apollo’s colleague in Dual Destinies and Spirit of Justice

Ema Skye

Ema SKye

Ema is a quirky forensic scientist of the Ace Attorney World. Ema always stands out with her bluntness and social awkwardness. She is dedicated to finding the truth. She loves talking straight to the point. And that’s what we loved about Ema.

She doesn’t love social meet-and-greet. You can call her an introvert with bluntness.

CharacterStrengthsWeaknessesOther CharacteristicsRole
Ema SkyeObservant and analytical forensic scientistSocially awkward and bluntDevoted to her workInvestigates crime scenes and assists Apollo

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy: Gameplay

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy a scene saying Objection.

You will get a blend of investigation, drama, and quirky humor in this game. Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy Gameplay will keep you glued to your screen with their mysteries. Each mystery brings new life to this game.

Investigation

  • Gather Information: You have to look through crime scenes for clues. Then talk to witnesses and collect physical evidence like fingerprints and photos.
  • Logic and dedication: You must use logic and dedication to solve these mysteries. Your skill will piece together the evidence and identify witness testimonies.
  • Psyche-Locks: In the second and third games, you will encounter psyche-locks. These are mental barriers blocking witnesses’s actual memories. You must use Apollo’s bracelet to analyze their emotions and unlock the barriers.

Courtroom Drama:

  • Present Your Case: You must present evidence and witness testimonies to build a strong case for your client.
  • Objection: If you spot any inconsistencies, you must shout “Objection!” to point them out and expose the truth.
  • Cross-examination: Grill the witness and prosecutor. Press them for answers and reveal their hidden motives.

Unique Mechanics

  • Perceive: Precieve bracelet is an important element in this game. Use this bracelet to unlock Psyche locks and hidden memories.
  • Trucy’s Magic: Trucy has a magic that she sometimes uses. Her magic adds more mystery to the courtroom.
  • Rhythm & Tap: In the Spirit of Justice, you must tap along to the rhythm of the victim’s final composition.

Bonus Features

  • Backlog System: You can rewind and review past dialogue and events in all three games.
  • Animation Studio: You can create custom scenes using character animations, background music, and voice lines.
  • Art Library: You will see character designs, artwork, and exclusive animated clips. The art library is full of creativity.
  • Orchestra Hall: You will experience 175 musical tracks, including original game music. The special orchestral arrangements from live concerts are top-notch in this game.

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy: Technical Overview

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy: Technical Overview

Graphics:

Trilogy Remaster:

  • Upscaled visuals for all three games. Aiming for 4K resolution on PS4 Pro, Xbox One X, and Switch (docked mode).
  • Textures revamped with higher resolution and detail.
  • 3D object manipulation from Apollo Justice enhanced with new geometry and no black outlines.
  • Background scenes are sometimes cropped to fit a 16:9 aspect ratio, though occasionally expanded with additional art.

Performance:

  • Generally, smooth gameplay across all platforms, targeting 60fps.
  • There are some minor frame drops on Switch, particularly in docked mode.

Audio:

  • Full voice acting in English, Japanese, and other languages (French, German, Korean, Simplified & Traditional Chinese).
  • All original soundtracks included, plus 14 orchestral concert tracks.
  • Music quality was different depending on the original game. They remastered and higher-fidelity tracks for Dual Destinies and Spirit of Justice.

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney vs. Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy: Which wins?

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney vs. Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy is a classic debate. First, we tried the Apollo Justice Ace Attorney then the Trilogy to find the differences.

First, Ace Attorney shows us a fresh new face with sharp skills. we are talking about the protagonist Apollo Justice. We loved his spiky looks with confidence. Another major character Trucy impacted the whole game.

The focus of Ace Attorney was on Apollo’s growth. We saw him stumble, shout, “Hold It!” and be mature. The first part was a real thrill for us. Phoenix playing mentor was pure gold. Trucy’s magic tricks also added fun to the courtroom chaos.

However, we didn’t like the graphics and gameplay of Ace Attorney. It felt like a throwback compared to the slickness of the later entries. There is a lack of features we know and love from later games. No perceived mechanic to crack those mental safes felt dry. There was no rhythm and tap battles either. overall it was a 7/10 for us.

Now, let’s talk about the Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy! The combination of three games kept us on the edge of our seats. Each story unfolds new twists. We loved the mysteries of the Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy.

The background music and technical system were top-notch in the Ace Attorney Trilogy. We loved the Art library, including the orchestra Hall. All of these features kept us engaged throughout the gameplay. They introduced new characters that were also exciting for us.

We loved it when the Turnabout Corner showed us Maya’s quirky friend. Other characters in this series were also fascinating.

The best part is you are getting three games for the price of one. And every game has a unique flavour. The Dual Destinies give a corporate tech conspiracy vibe. And the Spirit of Justice explores family secrets and the power of music. Overall, we loved everything about this game.

So in the Apollo Justice Ace Attorney vs. Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy battle, we choose the Ace Attorney Trilogy. This game’s visuals, backgrounds, storyline, and everything else were top-notch.

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy: Our Overall Experience

Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy game is a thrilling and rewarding experience. It has some minor flaws, but it is worth a shot. The engaging mysteries, memorable characters, and bonus features made us shout, “Hold it!.”

This is your time if you are an Ace Attorney fan looking for fresh new chapters and mysteries. We highly recommend the Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy for anyone who enjoys courtroom Dramas. If you are more into intellectual challenges, then it’s the perfect game for you.

Overall, we enjoyed playing Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy. We had a blast collecting the evidence and solving those mysteries. Just be prepared for the rollercoaster of emotions whenever you play this game.

What we liked

  • Apollo’s spiky confidence and growth from rookie to lawyer.
  • Diverse mysteries ranging from legal corruption to music-infused murders.
  • Innovative mechanics like Psyche-Locks and courtroom rhythm battles.
  • Bonus features like a music hall, art library, and custom scene creator.
  • Phoenix’s continued presence as a mentor and quirky charm dispenser.

What we didn’t like

  • Graphical inconsistencies between games released in different eras.
  • Pacing issues in Spirit of Justice with side characters taking the spotlight.
  • There is no option to purchase individual games if you only interested in the first Apollo Justice.

FAQs

Is Ace Attorney Apollo Justice worth playing?

Ace Attorney Apollo Justice is worth a shot. It has engaging cases, humorous writing, and unique new features. These features will keep you entertained for hours. The visuals are also appealing to the eyes. We think you should try this game.

How many hours is Apollo Justice?

Apollo Justice is a total of 21 hours. For a single player, the main story can take up to 24h 40m. So, if you try all playstyles, finishing this game will take up to 30 hours and 32 minutes.

Why is Ace Attorney so popular?

The gameplay mechanics of Ace Attorney are the reason for its popularity. In an interview, director Kazutaka Kodaka explained the reason. The reason is it distinguishes itself from most visual novels’ gameplay mechanics.

Which Ace Attorney do I play first?

If you want to learn the basic Mechanics, try the first Ace Attorney. It’s because the first part is very easy to play. Moreover, the gameplay mechanics are basic in the first part. so, it will be easy for you to adapt it.

Are all Ace Attorney games connected?

Every Ace Attorney game features self-contained storylines with individual cases and mysteries. So, technically they are not connected. However, you will see recurring characters and historical references that connect the games.

Final Thoughts

The Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy isn’t a perfect case, but a compelling one. You will love the sheer joy of Apollo’s Journey. The diverse mysteries and the innovative mechanics will make it a worthy game for you.

We had a satisfying verdict of the Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy review. If you are looking for a thrilling game with many mysteries, you should try this game.

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