This is the 3^rd in a series of games, if you haven’t read previous reviews and/or haven’t played the previous games, please do that before continuing as this review has spoilers. thanks and enjoy

In January 2004 Japan was treated to the final GBA installment of the great Capcom series, Gyakuten Saiban. in 2007 Japan and America where treated to the final installment of the Phoenix Wright series on the DS. Now, we bring you the review of said game, its just a shame Capcom wont tell us when Europe can get their hands on it!

Let me first off say- sadly the gameplay of this Phoenix Wright has not had a massive boost. While the game hasn’t lost any features from its previous outing, it hasn’t added anything new either. You have the same health system from the previous game, psyche-locks are still in the game and everything else the previous games had to offer in the way of game mechanics or features, but this works in the games favor in a way as it has allowed the team to focus on the story, which is by far its strong point.

PW3 is the final chapter of Phoenix Wright’s story in the Ace Attorney franchise. The story is set over several years explaining the back story of the characters in the Ace Attorney universe. The 4 cases in the game are split between the 2 main characters Phoenix and Mia which works really well. I must also add that compared to the previous titles PW3 has the most interesting 1st case so far in any of the games not to mention superb longevity.

The first case explains how Phoenix got into the courtroom for the first time, not as the attorney but as the defendant. Defending this young Phoenix is Mia Fey. a name well known to fans of the series. In this instance Mia is a rookie attorney on her 2nd case in the courtroom with her own story and reason for defending phoenix, the plot plays out nicely in the game with bits and pieces coming from every case which the player can piece together towards the end of the game. It has a very similar appeal to the TV show ‘Lost’ which many people watch each week to try and piece together the story. Writing in the game could easily be considered as the best in the series as its well produced and will keep players interested.

Keeping in tradition with other Phoenix Wright games, PW3 introduces new character Godot in the courtroom. as the new main ‘baddie’ in absence of previous prosecutors Edgeworth and Von Karma. Godot is a great addition to the character list in the Ace Attorney series, he has a great look, an obsession with coffee bordering on romantic and some kick ass theme music. Much like the prosecutors before him, Godot has his reasons to oppose our ace attorney and don’t despair his back story will come out in the end. While Phoenix, Mia, Maya and Godot are the main characters in this installment several older faces make appearances in each case, this made me give out a little fan-boy smile i must admit. I think it really helps the games story a lot and will make the 10+ hours of gameplay enjoyable rather than laborious.

The games graphics once again see no change from its previous outing, this isn’t surprising as Capcom have never made many changes to the Ace Attorney series other than those expected. Still, there are some new areas to explore and comb for evidence and as always the graphics are neat, tidy and fit in nicely.

The new music tracks are a welcomed change in PW3, with a mix of older tracks which have been re-worked and messed with a little to bring them a little more up to date, you also have some new tracks which are just absolutely fantastic. Some of the tracks from the series 2nd outing have been removed entirely and been replaced with the original tracks which is in my opinion much better as the 1st games music really fitted with the scenarios, luckily they do the same here.

Closing Comments
While it doesn’t try to pull any punches which aren’t obvious, Phoenix Wright 3 is one hell of a game not only in the series but within its own right also. the elements aren’t fresh, new or revolutionary,but who cares? not this gamer. when you have a game that looks, plays and feels like interactive story all you need is a great tale to tell, luckily, Phoenix Wright 3 doesn’t disappoint.

Score - 9.4

+ Great story
+ Music back on top form
+ Good cases

- Nothing new
- No seriously, absolutely NOTHING new
- Only 4 cases