The Phoenix Wright trilogy ties up the loose ends.
User Rating: 7.5 | Gyakuten Saiban 3 (Best Price!) DS
Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations does everything right that it has done in the previous two Phoenix Wright games. However, it doesn't do anything new. The game still features Phoenix Wright, everyone's favorite defense attorney, and the return of some of the wacky characters to bring you another series of cases and the conclusion to the ongoing mystery of Misty Fey and the master of the Kurrain Channeling Technique. In addition to wrapping of the Fey story, the game also introduces Prosecutor Godot, a very mysterious prosecutor who somehow seems to know Phoenix. While these continuing storylines do a lot to add to the experience, Trials and Tribulations really does expand on the feeling that Justice for All (the second game in the series) left with me: that it was the same game getting recycled. While the sound still does a very nice job at helping to create atmosphere, the graphics all seem to be copied and pasted and the gameplay is still the same point-and-click that has taken us through two games already. Now, I understand that the entire trilogy was originally made for the GameBoy Advance and that it is, by nature, a point-and-click game, but I don't think that excuses the lack of innovation and effort shown.
Please don't get me wrong: in its own right, Trials and Tribulations is a very good game and a score in the sevens out of a possible ten is nothing to be ashamed of. However, I feel that, with a little more work (i.e. gameplay elements, new or improved graphics, more cases, bonus content, etc.), Trials and Tribulations could be a great game instead of just a good one. The fourth installment in the series is being developed from the ground up specifically for the DS. This should keep the series from getting stale, which it is, unfortunately, starting to do. Overall, Trials is a game that should not be missed by any fan of the great Phoenix Wright. If you're just looking to get into this fantasy courtroom series, I highly advise you to play the games in their intended order, as getting into the ongoing stroyline should increase your enjoyment of this game all the more.
Overall: 7.6
Gameplay: 7
Graphics: 7
Sound: 8
Value: 8
Tilt: 8
