Customer Reviews

Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (3DS)

I will confess I got this with a small amount of apprehension. What, with all the critics basically saying "good, but no proverbial cigar." Whilst I see what they're saying, I disagree. This game combines the two gameplay styles beautifully, and the immersion I have got from it (Still not quite having seen the conclusion) is beautiful. The Layton-Style segments flow smoothly into the AA-style parts at perfect moments. I have to comment that the musical composers did an amazing collaboration on the soundtrack, with me stopping at multiple points, thinking, `Is that music what I think it is?` The voice actors also did an incredible job, adding a good dose of additional humour and... well... "Objections".
If I could have one complaint- I've felt very little resistance from the game- the hint system is too lenient, you're obliged to solve very few puzzles- but I think that's a good thing, allowing people to slip into the opposite series. I was very happy, though, with the constant references to both game series (Ace Attorney fans, I say... "ZVARRI!") and the maintenance of both game series charm. Oh, and all that stuff about the minor characters having no charm - I disagree. I think that they supported the main game well, bar one or two. But, in terms of the most important thing- the story- I'll say one thing. Very, very dark game. If you like the slightly more cheerful stories like PL5+6, AA1+2, then this might put you off a tad. However, this game sells the story amazingly (though I do wonder why Ace Attorney 5 got a 16...). If you like either series, go for it. If you like the game, go for the other one. If you already like both... It's not going to surpass games from either series, but I don't think that matters.

Post Completion: After the ending, I can definitely say not only will I be replaying this game in the future - but that the next 23 weeks of bonus material is going to keep my smiling the whole way - You can tell Level-5 and Capcom had fun squeezing the references - and the fourth wall breaking - into the first bonus episode.

I have been a huge fan of Ace Attorney since the first game was released in the UK and have eagerly anticipated every subsequent release. Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright is another stellar entry for the Ace Attorney series, combining the wonderful characters and gameplay of Ace Attorney with the Professor Layton series. Despite the "vs" in the title, the game sees Layton and Wright teaming up to try & solve the case/mystery of Labyrinthia, a mysterious town inside a storybook. The story is intriguing and surprisingly dark in places with an amusing and memorable set of supporting characters (as expected from both series).

The gameplay is less of a combination of both series and more a series of alterations between the two. In the Layton-esque sections, our heroes wander around searching for clues & solving puzzles. In the Wright parts, the evidence is used to try & bring justice to Labyrinthia. If you've played both series before, you will quickly settle in but I think you should be just fine if it is your introduction to either (or both) series. Hint coins can be used in either section to help guide you to the correct solution, meaning you can seek assistance should you need it. However, I personally felt that the gameplay is slightly easier than in previous Wright games & Layton games so you won't be overly reliant on these. The game looks incredible & the two art styles blend surprisingly well. There are gorgeous anime-style cutscenes & plenty of voice acting (we finally hear Maya Fey!) as well as a soundtrack that blends the music from both games.

Overall, this is an excellent game that manages to blend the worlds of Layton & Wright to create something that manages to feel new & exciting whilst comfortable & familiar at the same time. My only slight quibble is that it isn't quite as much of a brain workout as you may expect from these series, however the overall experience more than makes up for this. A must have 3DS title!

I have been waiting eagerly for this game, and it certainly does not disappoint.

It is important to note the '12' rating on this game. The storyline is much darker than previous Layton games. This, added to the Phoenix Wright courtroom segments, makes the game less suitable for younger children than the Professor's earlier adventures.

The movement between locations for the Professor Layton segments has improved since earlier games. Now you can move directly from one location to another simply by clicking on the map. You are also told how many hint coins and hidden puzzles are to be found in each area - which makes it more straightforward to check you have collected everything.

The artwork and music are simply stunning. The game is an absolute joy to play.

I was a little concerned that some of the minor characters from the two series would not be appearing in this new game - the main characters Layton/Luke and Nick/Maya are transported to a 'new' world, Labyrinthia. But I needn't have worried. Firstly the early scenes are in London and a few old friends from earlier adventures make a brief appearance. In the early Phoenix Wright scenes I was chuckling out loud at the ingenious way that references are made to the early adventures....my favourite moment was the reappearance of the Blue Badger! And secondly, there are plenty of strong new characters to get to know.

It does help if you have played previous games in both Professor Layton and Ace Attorney series. But if not then there are brief but comprehensive introductions to both forms of game play. For those who have never played Ace Attorney before, be prepared for a certain amount of reading - even in the Layton segments.

The Layton puzzles appear to be pretty much up to standard - some straightforward ones - especially at the beginning - and some more challenging. One thing to note - there do not seem to be any mini-games in this adventure. The Phoenix Wright courtroom scenes take on a new twist in Labyrinthia where you cross-examine more than one witness at a time - also Phoenix no longer uses the magatama in his investigations.

I am currently in the middle of the first of the Labyrinthian trials, and find the game challenging, fun and a fine addition to both series.

Having played and loved all the Professor Layton and Ace Attorney games that have so far made it to Europe, I must say my anticipation for this title was reaching fever pitch. Imagine my relief then when I finally got my hands on it, and found out that it more than justifies the hype. This is without doubt the most polished game of either series and expertly plays off the two styles of gameplay against each other. Giving both of its stars equal screen time is a bold move which has paid off, sure to satisfy those who come in from only one of the franchises, giving the game a clear structure and utilising both game's strengths. The puzzles and exploration sections are everything you'd expect from a Professor Layton game, being engaging and truly head-scratchingly difficult at some points, and the courtroom sessions lack none of the absurd characters and charming contradictions from the Ace Attorney himself.

I will not go into the main plot here, but will say it is darker than the Professor's usual fare. It is however just as gripping as the storylines in either series, and being written by Shu Takumi, the mind behind the original Phoenix Wright trilogy, means there are plenty of exciting twists and turns, and a lot of humour. I have not been so entertained by a video game in a long time, and the scene where our two heroes meet is the stuff of comedy gold. To say anything more about the plot may venture into spoiler territory, but rest assured, its a good one. As with all Level-5 releases, the localisation of this game is superb, with once more incredible voice acting (special nods go to the voice of Phoenix who is spot on, and Layton in the courtroom is divine) and none of the grammatical errors which plagued early Ace Attorney titles. Once again the cutscenes are gorgeous to look at, and there is plenty of bonus content to be had in the form of free weekly DLC to keep you coming back to this title long after the credits roll.

In short, should you buy this title? If you are a fan of either series, the answer is unequivocally yes. This game refines and melds the two styles into a package that is truly magical. If you've never played either series before, this still comes highly recommended. No prior knowledge is needed, and the charming atmosphere, intriguing storyline and easy to pick up gameplay should have everyone hooked. As our two heroes say, critical thinking is the key to success, and on this title, there are no objections from me.

I still have not completed the entire game yet (however I still won't include any spoilers for people who are looking to buy it)

I grew up playing the old professor layton games on the ds over the holiday's and loved solving the puzzles, however even more so I fell in love with the characters and the story lines.

Late 2013 I then played through Duel Destinies on the 3ds and since then I've been left wanting more Phoenix Wright, and boy, I was not disappointed with this amazing crossover

What I did find in duel destinies is that the part of investigating for the cases could drag and be a bit dull at times, however this has been replaced by the Professor Layton gameplay meaning you're solving the mysteries and the puzzles, then defending the accuses.

Admittedly the puzzles themselves have not been the best in my opinion, However this hasn't taken anything away from the enjoyment of completing them (with the help of the hints).

When you come to the ace attorney part of the game you will find that some of the stuff that is included in the main series (the powers) aren't included, however this is made up by being able to cross examine multiple witnesses at a time and find contradictions in their testimonies by the reactions of the other witnesses.

You are also able to use the hint coins that you find around the map in the trial themselves, which I have to admit I have used time and time again when I've been stuck. Which has been a great help in the court cases themselves.

Lastly, there isn't any mini-puzzles in the menu that you would normally find in professor layton (animals etc.) However again, this isn't missed that much.

If you're a fan of either series then this is an amazing addition and crossover which I can ensure you will love.

The story is fantastic and moving, the setting of the game is stunning and it's just set out to leave you wanting more everytime you play.

I didn't know what to expect when I ordered this game, but I was quite excited about it. I'd never played a Professor Layton or Phoenix Wright game before this, but my first impression of both was amazing!

The graphics are gorgeous and the music is charming. The characters are wonderful! I didn't think that a puzzle game could be so gripping and exciting. It can be hard to stop playing because the storyline is so intricate and fascinating. If you like supernatural mysteries, go for this game. If you don't, I'd probably go for it anyway! One of my favourite 3DS games to date!

Simply put if you love Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright, this game is perfect for you. The puzzles are well thought out and fun to solve and the anime cut scenes are great to watch. With the Phoenix Wright side of the game the one case I have done so far is great and the hint system is great if you get really stuck (As Phoenix Wright can be very hard!) Also right from the start the game is blended perfectly with text sounds/effects and music from both games. I have played it for around 4 hours so far and not a bad word to say. The story itself is very dark and mysterious. Can't wait to see how the story unfolds! If you have a 3DS then this as a must have :D

So, people may think that this game won't be as good as it seemed due to it being a crossover, but I strongly disagree. I have been waiting for this game since it was first announced back in 2011 and, three years later, having finally playing it, i was really worried that I would be disappointed with it since i have been excited about it for so long, but it is ten times better than i expected!

Being a Professor Layton fan, I have played every single game and even watched the film, but I don't know much about the Ace Attorney series since I never played any of the games. I knew a little bit about it from seeing things online, but I'm still unaware of what the series is like. However, after playing this game, I am now going to buy all of the Phoenix Wright games because i felt, that even the Ace Attorney parts of the games were enjoyable, even incorporating some ''Layton feels'' in there as well. So if you are a fan of one of the franchises and not the other, I'm sure it won't be much of an issue at all! You're bound to end up loving the other half almost as much.

Now onto the gameplay; The game swaps between the two different franchises as you progress through the story. You start out as Layton and Luke in London, and then after a brief screen saying ''to be continued'' you are then swapped with Ace Attorney game-play with Pheonix and Maya. This happens throughout the whole game, even when all of the characters are together, taking turns with each chapter. The puzzles are a lot more practical than they usually are in Professor Layton games, so if you are worried about the puzzles being too difficult, don't worry about it; they are much more enjoyable, but don't let that make you think they aren't challenging, because some of them are. When solving the puzzles, I also love the little twist of having more than one of the characters solve it at a time, and the animations after the puzzles are possibly the best yet.

Visuals: The visuals are absolutely stunning, whether it be the artwork, character models, locations or cut-scenes, they are all delivered beautifully. There are so many cut-scenes in this game, and all of them are thoroughly entertaining, adding even more enjoyment to the story-line. The 3D visuals also add to the world and make you feel like you are involved whilst you look around. The characters in the game are fun and witty, but also quite sinister at times, too.

I won't go on about the story-line too much as I don't want to spoil it for you, but I will say that this game has a far more darker sense to it than you would expect, and it can get extremely dramatic at times. As a person who loves character and plot development, this is the perfect kind of narrative for me. The voice acting is, once again, brilliant.

To conclude this, the game is amazing and, if you love a good challenge as well as a brilliant narrative, then this is the game for you! Whether you be a Layton fan or a Pheonix fan!

Being a huge Layton and Wright fan I could not wait for this to be released. The game itself is a great tribute to both series. The animations are gorgeous, the voice is acting is top notch and the story and puzzles complement each other perfectly. If you have a 3DS it is a must buy!

The game arrived within the time I was told it would which was great, the game itself is awesome and a must have for any Ace Attorney or Professor Layton fan!