Good whenever you’re reading this! I’m Joshua, and this is my second Review. My first was Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, the prequel to PWAAJFA. So, should we have any objections to this game?

Format: DS
Multiplayer?: No

Graphics: 8/10
They’re basically the same as in the first game, so no complaints, but I think a bit more effort could’ve been put in. Characters look great, though.

Sound: 10/10
Man, this stuff is ALMOST as good as Queen! ALMOST! I love the music that plays whenever you’re speaking to Gumshoe, and Edgeworth’s theme was cool too. But the best music comes whenever Matt Engarde (defendant in the 4th case) reveals his true colors… (More on that later.)

Gameplay: 10/10
Fans of the first game will know that there’s the investigation and the trials. In the investigations, you gather evidence and talk to witnesses. In the trials, you must find the contradictions in witness testimonies by presenting evidence (yell OBJECTION!) and pressing statements (HOLD IT!). Basically the same as the first game, but with the addition of the Psyche-Lock feature.

Sometimes during the investigation, people will try to hide things from you. In this case, you can present them with the Magatama. This allows you to enter what I call Psyche-Lock Mode. In this mode, you present people with evidence, trying to unlock their secrets. The more deeply buried the secret, the more locks there are. Beware, because getting it wrong will cause you to lose health, as will presenting the wrong piece of evidence in trial. Oh yeah, there’s a health bar now, rather than “lives”. This means the amount of damage you take can vary, from just a little bit to the whole thing. Definitely better than the prequel.

Characters: 10/10
Each character is great in their own way. Here’s a short list:
Phoenix “Nick” Wright (25): Defense attorney and main character.
Maya Fey (18): Spirit medium and Phoenix’s assistant.
Pearl “Pearls/Pearly” Fey (8): Medium in training. Maya’s cousin. Thinks Maya and Phoenix are in love. Most adorable game character EVER!!!
Mia Fey (deceased): Was Phoenix’s mentor. Maya and Pearl can channel her to help Phoenix.
Detective Dick Gumshoe (31): Always seems to be the detective in charge of the crime scene. Always gives the first testimony in court. A real scatterbrain. Likes kids. Who knew?
Franziska Von Karma (18): Prosecuting prodigy (something poetic there…) from Germany. Comes to America for revenge on Phoenix.
The Judge (??): Other characters come and go, but the judge is omnipresent. Always comes through with the right verdict. Lovable old man.
Lotta Hart (23): Investigative photographer (but not a good one) from the “heart of the heartland”.
Defendants:
Case 1: Maggey Byrde (22)
Case 2: Maya Fey
Case 3: Max Galactica (21)
Case 4: Matt Engarde (21)
Victims:
Case 1: Dustin Prince (30)
Case 2: Dr. Turner Grey (35)
Case 3: Russell Berry (52)
Case 4: Juan Corrida (21)

Story/Plot: 9/10
Basically, it’s (Insert defendant name) is accused of murdering (insert victim name). Phoenix takes on the case, whether he likes it or not. However, these plots are always very well developed. Let me show you.

The Lost Turnabout (Case 1): Phoenix is ready for trial, to prove Maggey Byrde’s innocence. But beforehand, he’s hit on the head with a fire extinguisher, causing him to develop amnesia…

Reunion, and Turnabout (Case 2): Turner Grey comes to Phoenix’s office to get him to come to Kurain Village. If he didn’t, Maya would refuse to channel a spirit for him. However, during the channeling, Grey is shot and stabbed. Maya’s fingerprints are found on both murder weapons. Could there be more to this open and shut case?

Turnabout Big Top (Case 3): Max Galactica (a “fabulous” magician) is accused of murdering the ringmaster of the circus he works in, due to part of his stage costume being found at the crime scene. Shocking testimony reveals that the murderer actually FLEW away from the crime scene! How is this possible?!

Farewell, My Turnabout (Case 4): Epic stuff. At the “Hero of Heroes Grand Prix” Juan Corrida is killed. The evidence against Matt Engarde is overwhelming. A mysterious assassin named Shelly de Killer sends Phoenix a radio transmitter, and asks for Engarde’s complete acquittal (not guilty verdict) in one trial day, or he will kill Maya, who he has kidnapped. Why? On the second day of investigation, Matt reveals his true colors, that he is a truly evil person. He drove a woman to suicide, and hired Shelly de Killer to murder Juan. What will you do now, Phoenix Wright? Fight for justice and sacrifice Maya? Or save her, and send an innocent woman (Adrian Andrews, 23) to jail? This case sees the return of Will Powers, Miles Edgeworth, and Wendy Oldbag. Yay (except for the Oldbag part)!

Difficulty: 8/10
This is not a particularly easy game. This is not a game for the stupid (e.g, my brother). This game needs logic and brainpower. Fortunately, I have both. Mario on the other hand, does not. Some real good head-scratchin’ puzzles and testimonies to solve. Should keep you entertained for a while.

Humor: 10/10
Truly hilarious. Whether it’s Pearl punching Phoenix, Franziska smacking the judge around with her whip, or just some of the facial expressions of the characters, there’s truly something for everyone here.

Length: 5/10
Oh dear. Actually shorter than the first game, by one case. But the cases can take quite a while, and the difficulty factor sorta bumps it all up to about 9-10 hours.

Replayability: 4/10
Just like the first game, not much to unlock, but you’ll play the cases again for the sheer humor and to see what would’ve happened if you’d answered some questions differently.

Fun Factor!: Easily a 10/10
There is nothing more satisfying than working out a contradiction and yelling “OBJECTION” into the DS microphone. Nothing, I say, NOTHING!!!

Total Score: 84/100

Final Comments/Conclusion:
Really, you need to have played the prequel to make certain parts of the game make sense, but this is highly recommended for fans and new players alike. But, be warned, idiots, you will not find it easy… I say buy it!