In case either one of you is curious as to the recent dearth in articles posted may I present to the court exhibit A to the left of this sentence. I’m sorry, I just couldn’t resist the urge to speak in legalese. Phoenix Wright’s lawyer man powers are incontrovertible!

I haven’t had this much fun playing a video game since — well since Okami which dropped about a month ago and I’m not yet done with that anyway. That’s beside the point. Whether I had or had not played a fun game immediately prior in no way degrades the joy of Phoenix Wright.

Phoenix Wright might be called a “lawyer sim” though that’s only partually accurate. The game’s portrayal of law is tenuous at best and court proceedings are employed as plot points only when necessary. Phoenix Wright does not forge new ground but settles nicely into the established genre of adventure game, minus the maple-syrup-cat-hair-mustaches.

It feels fresh though. It’s a nice change of pace to play on the other side of a gun barrel, so to speak. Instead of shooting people you’re defending those accused of shooting people. Your only weapon is your steely cold logic.

The translation team deserves tremendous applause. As the court of law is primarily a spoken exercise it is crucial that this is done properly. The dialog is drop dead funny, and almost never feels stilted or awkward like many other fine games.

I don’t normally do this, but in this instance I will provide a rating. Not a numerical one, mind you, as those are still bullshit in my opinion. I rate Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney “steal it if you have to.” If you don’t have a DS, the same rating applies. You just need to play it.

If you’re already hooked like me you might enjoy this collection of game sprites and background as much as I did.

Now, if you’ll excuse me I have to clear Mile Edgeworth of murder.