The month of May often calls to mind three things for me: the height of spring with the promise of summer around the corner, shows wrapping up their season with season finales, and the start of the summer blockbusters at the movies. While there’s plenty to be excited about in May, I also see it as an opportunity to have a bit more wiggle room in my free time. When TV show season starts to slow down with less for me to watch during the week, I can concentrate on other hobbies I like to indulge in. For instance, video games! Warmer temps and sunnier days may mean I might be out of my house more than I’m actually home, but my next video game challenge pick ensures I can game on the go.
After a healthy diet of mostly console gaming, I figured it’s time to give the ‘ol Xbox (One and 360) a rest and shift to other systems I do have. Considering I’m hoping to spend a good amount of my late spring and summer writing my novel, I thought a more story based game would be appropriate for May. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney has the honor of being my challenge pick for the month.
I truly enjoy the Ace Attorney series and how much the games play out like an interactive anime. The characters, cases, and dialogue are almost always top notch and a fun gaming experience to get lost in for an hour or two. While it has taken a good deal of time for me to get through all the games, I guess you can say I’m savoring each game and making sure I’m fully in the right frame of mind to play them. It has always been at the back of my mind to play Apollo Justice next after finishing Trials and Tribulations last year. Now that I’m in the mood for a good story, it made sense to start completing almost all the current entries in the Ace Attorney series in preparation for the brand new Phoenix Wright game to be released in Japan later this year.
Apollo Justice is the one game in the Ace Attorney series where Phoenix Wright isn’t the star of this game but acts as a supporting character. The game takes place seven years after the events of Trials and Tribulations and the player finds Phoenix Wright stripped of his attorney badge and no longer a practicing lawyer. Enter Apollo Justice, a young and up and coming lawyer who becomes Phoenix Wright’s apprentice and whose story we follow throughout the game.
I’ve heard a number of mixed reviews about Apollo Justice, some liking it and some not so much, a long time ago when I was just starting with the first Phoenix Wright game. I think some of the negative reviews partially stemmed from the game not having Phoenix Wright as the main character this time around. I actually don’t think this is a negative, but an opportunity to introduce a new character and tell a different story. It’s also not like Phoenix Wright is completely gone, he just isn’t the main focus. I also like the idea of Phoenix Wright being in the role of mentor, as if he has gained enough experience and esteem to become a Mia Fey to this young, potentially new Phoenix Wright in the making.
I’m definitely excited to dive into Apollo Justice and seeing how I’ll feel about this new attorney in town. Will I like him, hate him, or be indifferent towards him? Can Apollo Justice ever replace Phoenix Wright in my heart? I’m actually doubtful anyone will replace Phoenix Wright, but you never know. Check back at the end of the month for my full progress report.
simpleek 
Oooh this is a great choice! 🙂 I’ve only played one of these games but I loved it. I remember I played it over a Thanksgiving break, which was great since I had downtime and was traveling. I’m curious to see how you like this one (and the character)!
I’m liking Apollo Justice so far. The first case is pretty interesting and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out! Which Phoenix Wright game did you play? Considering how each case is kind of broken up into parts, I’m hoping a month of playing this one will be enough to finish it. I really want to be able to play Dual Destinies finally!
Awesome pick! I really enjoyed the Ace Attorney series. While Phoenix isn’t the focus of this game, Apollo definitely steps up as a fun addition to the series. You will definitely enjoy this game!
I’m glad to hear it! I already feel like Apollo Justice is a nice addition to the Ace Attorney universe, even if Phoenix Wright isn’t the main focus this time, from what I’ve played so far. I just think the writing for the series has been solid all throughout, so having a new character as the lead doesn’t really take away from the overall enjoyment of the series.
Looking forward to reading your thoughts on this one. I know Ace Attorney isn’t a series I could get into, but I do like reading about it. By the way, are you watching the Ace Attorney anime that’s currently airing? If so, would you say it’s something that’s just for Ace Attorney fans, or is it a show that works on its own merit?
I actually do want to watch the Ace Attorney anime, but just haven’t gotten around to watching it yet. I heard somewhat mixed reviews on the anime. It seems like it’s almost an exact copy of the first game but without the ability to interact with it. Maybe if I have the chance, I can do a review of the anime at some point for the blog. I’d definitely address your question in that post.