by Wimberly Wilson
Your Honor, I would like to present to the court a game which is being charged for the following: fantastic gameplay, wonderful characters, an intriguing plot, brilliant soundtrack, and for being the sole reason why I bought a 3DS nearly four years ago. The defense would like to expand upon each charge in order to sway the jury that Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney deserves to be played by every single member of the court and-
Okay, you know what? Every review for this game has already done this “court” bit. This premise for a review isn’t clever anymore! What is clever though, is the idea that a top hat wearing, puzzle solving, professor from Level 5 can join forces with the spikey haired, objection shouting lawyer from Capcom in a game, worthy enough to be considered one of the best in either franchise.
Without revealing too much of the story, PLvsPW:AA offers an intense plot without losing the charm of either series as Professor Layton and Luke team up with Phoenix Wright and Maya Fey to solve the mysteries of a town appearing to be set in the middle ages. They must work together to save a young woman from being burned to death as a result of false accusations of being a witch. The plot has become much darker than anything from either series.
Despite the more mature elements in this title, the game still manages to capture the most important gameplay elements of each series and blends them together like the Professor’s favorite cup of Earl Gray. Each chapter alternates between two gameplay styles. In one chapter you play as the good professor investigating the town and solving puzzles to progress, while in the next you’re standing in court as Phoenix using the clues picked up in previous chapters to defend your client. But these elements are not exactly the same as they are in previous titles. In fact, they put a spin on the standard style of both series by adding new and old elements that keeps the gameplay interesting.
One of the more enjoyable examples of this is the use of hint coins. They can be used to help the player solve a puzzle in court when you are stuck, such as trying to figure out a contradiction in a witness’ testimony. In a welcome addition that makes the courtroom drama less meticulous, you no longer have to hull through a testimony one witness at a time. Instead, all of the witnesses, up to ten, can be cross-examined all at once. Phoenix and Maya try to solve puzzles while Layton takes up the role as a co-defense attorney spicing up the standard gameplay enough to make it feel fresh, while still being familiar for old fans.
While the Phoenix Wright aspects of the game have gone through many changes to their core gameplay elements, the same can’t be said for the Layton side of things. Throughout the Professor Layton games, the focus has always been on the adventure, while tying it all together with an intriguing story and lots of brain-busting puzzles. While these elements are brilliant in the Layton games, they have gone through hardly any changes this time. This doesn’t detract from the experience, it’s just upsetting that the Layton side of the game doesn’t bring anything new to the table. In fact, the puzzles are immensely easier this time compared to its predecessors. Despite these nitpicks, the best of both series is represented fantastically well in this crossover.
While the Phoenix Wright aspects of the game have gone through many changes to their core gameplay elements, the same can’t be said for the Layton side of things. Throughout the Professor Layton games, the focus has always been on the adventure, while tying it all together with an intriguing story and lots of brain-busting puzzles. While these elements are brilliant in the Layton games, they have gone through hardly any changes this time. This doesn’t detract from the experience, it’s just upsetting that the Layton side of the game doesn’t bring anything new to the table. In fact, the puzzles are immensely easier this time compared to its predecessors. Despite these nitpicks, the best of both series is represented fantastically well in this crossover.
Even though the gameplay is a wonderfully executed blend of both series, it wouldn’t be enough for fans of either series if the characters weren’t enduring. I have always been a firm believer that stories and characters are the most important dynamics within all media, video game or otherwise. I have always found myself enjoying a game more if I can relate to the characters or can genuinely be intrigued by the story. Luckily, the Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright series have both always delivered in those regards. PLvsPW:AA brings forth an intense story and new characters that not only adjust well to the medieval setting, but most of them are well-rounded enough to hold their own compared to Layton and Phoenix. I say most because there is unfortunately one character that misses the mark.
The defendant Espella, who is arguably the driving character in the story, doesn’t have much going for her beyond her constant, negative view of the situation. On one hand this is understandable considering it’s her life that is on the line. But because of the constant attention on her in the story, Layton and Phoenix don’t get enough time to interact with each other in the lighthearted ways that are expected from them. It also doesn’t help that Espella’s voice actor can grate on your ears with her whiney nature.
But despite the darker tone and the excess attention put on a new character, the game has enough redeeming qualities to it. The heroes are put through some emotionally-charged situations and develop well as characters. These moments, sprinkled throughout the plot, and a lot of new, memorable characters, create a great experience.
From the moment you turn on the 3DS this game carries on with an amazing soundtrack that instantly stands out. Both Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright games are home to some of the best music in gaming, so you can rejoice knowing that PLvsPW:AA takes most of these glorious tracks and performs them with a full orchestra. This reimagining resonates well with the game’s original tracks that melt into the abundant moods of the game. This is a treat to fans of each series, or even those who have never played any of the previous games.
Professor Layton vs Phoenix Wright is a brilliant crossover that handles the intrigue of each series well while changing enough to allow it to stand out from its predecessors. Despite the more mature tone and setting, this game is a welcome addition to your 3DS catalog regardless if you’re a Layton fan, a Wright fan, or have never heard of either series. The defense rests this case with giving Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney an 8.5 out of 10.
