I must begin with a brief explanation of my personal gaming preferences. Typically, I lean towards action-oriented video games or puzzle games. For me, the core essence of a video game lies in the interaction with the game mechanics and its responsive nature. Therefore, I've always considered visual novels to be on the borderline of what can be considered a video game. Without a gentle push from a friend, I likely would have never ventured into this genre, as it's completely outside my comfort zone.

So, it came as no surprise to find the gameplay of visual novels to be somewhat lackluster and rigid, with minimal rewards for the player and a fixed progression system. Should I have expected more? Perhaps not, as these limitations are likely common constraints of the genre and shouldn't necessarily be the basis for judging the game. However, it's important to acknowledge these aspects.

Moving on to the heart of the matter, let's delve into the game itself, focusing on its primary elements: the story and the cases.

Objection!

The legal cases presented in this game are truly exceptional, representing a significant improvement compared to the previous title. Each case is intricately linked to the broader narrative, weaving a cohesive and engaging storyline. Building upon the groundwork laid out in the Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, the narrative explores and addresses any lingering loopholes, adding depth and complexity to the overarching plot.

The pacing of the cases is commendable; they are never dragged out and flow seamlessly, brimming with plot twists and connections to previous cases. Furthermore, the character development is outstanding, with each character's motives and personality traits explored in detail, enriching the overall experience.

While the game may feel more akin to a TV series or a simplified gamebook, the sheer enjoyment of following Naruhodo and his friends' journey is unparalleled, especially for fans of the genre. The music deserves special mention for its ability to enhance the dramatic elements of the storyline.

In conclusion, I must say that this game is a must-play for anyone who enjoys captivating storytelling and I must say:

Not Guilty

Even if it's a great and clear upgrade to the first chapter, from the gameplay to the exploration, I still think that the first one was the best of them to my taste.

I found it quite a little bit too easy until the last section of the game, and quite a bit shorter than what I expected. Take into account that this last remark is more of a feeling by comparing to the first one with all the DLC included, so it's probably more my fault than the game.

Aside from the comparison with the previous title I enjoyed all the game had to offer and I would clearly recommend it as a really good metroidvania. I found the balance of the game a bit on the weak side, the exploration and the base enemy are way too easy and I played the whole game, probably aside from the final zone, without a true risk of death outside of boss and combat challenge arena. This fact in particular affects the most the feeling of the game compared to the first one. Probably balancing out the damage output of some weapon and of normal enemies would help with the game feeling itself.

One last notice should be made about the cutscene, I preferred the ones in pixel art from the previous title.