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{{short description|Japanese media franchise of adventure games by Capcom}}
{{about|the video game series|the live-action film|Ace Attorney (film)|the animated series|Ace Attorney (TV series)}}
{{redirect|Phoenix Wright series|the titular character|Phoenix Wright}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{good article}}

{{Infobox video game series
| title = Ace Attorney
| image = Ace Attorney Logo.png
| alt = The series logo, which uses the words ''Ace Attorney'' in large fonts accompanied by the name and silhouette of the protagonist
| platforms = {{plainlist|
* [[Game Boy Advance]]
* [[Nintendo DS]]
* [[Windows]]
* [[Wii]]
* [[iOS]]
* [[Android (operating system)|Android]]
* [[Nintendo 3DS]]
* [[Nintendo Switch]]
* [[PlayStation 4]]
* [[Xbox One]]}}
| developer = [[Capcom]]
| publisher = Capcom
| genre = {{Unbulleted list
  | [[visual novel|Visual Novel]]
  | [[Adventure game|Adventure]]}}
| spinoffs = 
| creator = [[Shu Takumi]]
| first release version = ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney]]''
| first release date = October 12, 2001
| latest release version = ''[[Ace Attorney Investigations Collection]]''
| latest release date = September 6, 2024
}}

'''''Ace Attorney'''''{{efn|Known in Japan as {{nihongo|'''''Gyakuten Saiban'''''|逆転裁判||lead=yes|{{lit.}} ''Turnabout Trial''}}}} is a [[visual novel]] [[adventure video game]] franchise developed by [[Capcom]]. With storytelling fashioned after legal dramas, the first entry in the series, ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney]]'', was released in 2001; since then five further main series games, as well as various spin-offs, prequels, and high-definition remasters for newer game consoles have been released. Additionally, the series has been adapted in the form of a [[Ace Attorney (film)|live-action film]] and an [[Ace Attorney (TV series)|anime]]; it is the base for [[manga]] series, [[drama CD]]s, [[Musical theatre|musicals]] and [[stage play]]s. The player takes the roles of various defense attorneys, including [[Phoenix Wright]], his mentor [[Mia Fey]], as well as his understudies [[Apollo Justice]] and [[Athena Cykes]] who investigate cases and defend their clients in court. They find the truth by cross-examining witnesses and finding inconsistencies between the testimonies and the evidence they have collected. The cases last a maximum of three days; the judge determines the outcome based on evidence presented by the defense attorney and the prosecutor.

While the original Japanese versions of the games are set in Japan, the series' [[Video game localization|localizations]] are set in the United States (primarily [[Los Angeles]]) though retaining Japanese cultural elements. In the spin-off series ''[[#Ace Attorney Investigations series|Ace Attorney Investigations]]'', the player takes the role of prosecutor [[Miles Edgeworth]] and in the [[prequel]] series, ''[[The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles]]'', they play Phoenix's ancestor [[List of Ace Attorney characters#Ryunosuke Naruhodo|Ryunosuke Naruhodo]].

The series was created by the writer and director [[Shu Takumi]]. He wanted the series to end after the third game, but it continued with Takeshi Yamazaki taking over as writer and director starting with ''[[Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth]]'' (2009). Takumi has since returned to write and direct some spin-off titles. The series has been well received, with reviewers liking the characters, story, and the finding of contradictions; it has also performed well commercially, with [[Capcom]] regarding it as one of their strongest intellectual properties. The series has been credited with helping to popularize visual novels in the Western world. As of June 30, 2024, the game series has sold 12 million copies worldwide.<ref name="Sales Data">{{cite web |title=CapCom Game Series Sales |url=https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/business/salesdata.html |website=Capcom.co.jp |publisher=CapCom Co. Ltd. |access-date=23 August 2024}}</ref>

==Games==
{{See also|List of Ace Attorney media}}
{{VG timeline
| compressempty = 
| 2001   = '''''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney]]'''''
| 2002   = '''''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Justice for All|Justice for All]]'''''
| 2004   = '''''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Trials and Tribulations|Trials and Tribulations]]'''''
| 2007   = '''''[[Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney]]'''''
| 2009   = ''[[Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth|Investigations: Miles Edgeworth]]''
| 2011   = ''[[Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor's Gambit|Investigations 2: Prosecutor's Gambit]]''
| 2012a  = ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy|Phoenix Wright Trilogy]]''
| 2012b  = ''[[Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney|Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright]]''
| 2013   = '''''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies|Dual Destinies]]'''''
| 2015   = ''[[The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures]]''
| 2016   = '''''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice|Spirit of Justice]]'''''
| 2017   = ''[[The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve]]''
| 2021   = ''[[The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles]]''
| 2024a   = ''[[Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy|Apollo Justice Trilogy]]''
| 2024b   = ''[[Ace Attorney Investigations Collection|Investigations Collection]]''
}}

The ''Ace Attorney'' series launched in Japan with the [[Game Boy Advance]] game ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney]]'' in 2001, and has been published in the West since the release of a [[Nintendo DS]] port in 2005.<ref name="ann anime staff"/> The series currently consists of six main series games and five spin-offs.<ref name="sil aa6 3ds ja"/><ref name="fam dgs1 3ds"/><ref name="fam aai1 nds"/><ref name="fam aai2 nds"/><ref name="fam plvsaa 3ds"/><ref name="sil aa6 3ds naeu"/><ref name="dgs2 rel"/>

===Main series===
* ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney]]'' is the first entry in the series. It was originally released for the Game Boy Advance in 2001 in Japan;<ref name="fam aa1 gba" /> it has also been released for the Nintendo DS in 2005,<ref name="fam aa1 nds" /> Microsoft Windows in 2008,<ref name="1up pc" /> and the [[Wii]] and [[iOS]] in 2009.<ref name="fam aa1 wii" /><ref name="fam aa1 ios" />
* ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Justice for All]]'' was originally released for the Game Boy Advance in 2002 in Japan;<ref name="fam aa2 gba" /> it has also been released for the Nintendo DS in 2006,<ref name="fam aa2 nds" /> Microsoft Windows in 2008,<ref name="1up pc" /> and the Wii in 2010.<ref name="fam aa2 wii" />
* ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Trials and Tribulations]]'' was originally released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004 in Japan;<ref name="fam aa3 gba" /> it has also been released for Microsoft Windows in 2006,<ref name="4g aa3 win" /> the Nintendo DS in 2007,<ref name="fam aa3 nds" /> and the Wii in 2010.<ref name="fam aa3 wii" />
* ''[[Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney]]'' was released for the Nintendo DS in 2007 in Japan<ref name="fam aa4 nds" /> and in 2008 in the West,<ref name="cap aa4 nds na" /><ref name="nin aa4 nds eu" /> for iOS and Android in 2016,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://toucharcade.com/2016/10/11/apollo-justice-ace-attorney-is-coming-this-winter/ |title=Hold It! {{'}}''Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney''{{'}} is Coming to Mobile This Winter |author=Musgrave, Shaun |date=October 11, 2016 |website=TouchArcade |access-date=October 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012054035/http://toucharcade.com/2016/10/11/apollo-justice-ace-attorney-is-coming-this-winter/ |archive-date=October 12, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://toucharcade.com/2016/11/30/apollo-justice-ace-attorney-hits-the-app-store/ |title='Apollo Justice Ace Attorney' Hits the App Store |author=Nelson, Jared |date=November 30, 2016 |website=Touch Arcade |access-date=January 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105070935/http://toucharcade.com/2016/11/30/apollo-justice-ace-attorney-hits-the-app-store/ |archive-date=January 5, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> and for Nintendo 3DS in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2017/08/08/capcom-announce-apollo-justice-ace-attorney-for-nintendo-3ds/267513/ |title=Capcom Announce ''Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney'' for Nintendo 3DS |author=Hannley, Steve |date=August 8, 2017 |website=Hardcore Gamer |access-date=August 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809064617/https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2017/08/08/capcom-announce-apollo-justice-ace-attorney-for-nintendo-3ds/267513/ |archive-date=August 9, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies]]'' was originally released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2013 in Japan, North America and Europe; outside of Japan, it was given a digital-only release.<ref name="fam aa5 3ds" /><ref name="pol aa5 digital" /> It was also released for iOS in 2014,<ref name="fam aa5 ios" /><ref name="destruct aa5 ios eng" /> and Android in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.capcom.gyakusai5en |title=''Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies'' |website=[[Google Play]] |access-date=May 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524213815/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.capcom.gyakusai5en |archive-date=May 24, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.capcom.gyakusai5jp |title=逆転裁判5 |website=[[Google Play]] |access-date=May 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525105705/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.capcom.gyakusai5jp |archive-date=May 25, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice]]'' was released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2016 in Japan, North America and Europe. Like ''Dual Destinies'', it was given a digital-only release outside Japan.<ref name="sil aa6 3ds ja" /><ref name="sil aa6 3ds naeu" /> It was released for iOS and Android in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://toucharcade.com/2017/09/21/ace-attorney-spirit-of-justice-iphone-out-now/ |title={{'}}''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice''{{'}} is Out Now on the App Store |last=Funnell |first=Ron |website=TouchArcade |date=September 21, 2017 |access-date=September 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171029215208/http://toucharcade.com/2017/09/21/ace-attorney-spirit-of-justice-iphone-out-now/ |archive-date=October 29, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Spin-offs===
====''Ace Attorney Investigations'' series====
* ''[[Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth]]'' was released for the Nintendo DS in 2009 in Japan<ref name="fam aai1 nds" /> and in 2010 in the West,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/games/ace-attorney-investigations-miles-edgeworth/nds-14246647 |title=Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=September 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728035732/http://www.ign.com/games/ace-attorney-investigations-miles-edgeworth/nds-14246647 |archive-date=July 28, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> and for Android and iOS in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://toucharcade.com/2017/12/08/ace-attorney-investigations-ios-app-store/ |title={{'}}''Ace Attorney INVESTIGATIONS''{{'}} Is Now Available on the App Store |author=Madnani, Mikhail |date=December 8, 2017 |website=TouchArcade |access-date=December 8, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208121908/http://toucharcade.com/2017/12/08/ace-attorney-investigations-ios-app-store/ |archive-date=December 8, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://gematsu.com/2017/12/ace-attorney-investigations-miles-edgeworth-now-available-smartphones-japan |title=''Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth'' now available for smartphones in Japan |author=Romano, Sal |date=December 8, 2017 |website=Gematsu |access-date=December 8, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208121908/https://gematsu.com/2017/12/ace-attorney-investigations-miles-edgeworth-now-available-smartphones-japan |archive-date=December 8, 2017 }}</ref>
* ''[[Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor's Gambit]]'' was released in Japan for the Nintendo DS in 2011,<ref name="fam aai2 nds" /> and for Android and iOS in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gematsu.com/2017/12/ace-attorney-investigations-2-now-available-smartphones-japan |title=Ace Attorney Investigations 2 now available for smartphones in Japan |author=Romano, Sal |date=December 21, 2017 |website=Gematsu |access-date=December 22, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222085929/https://gematsu.com/2017/12/ace-attorney-investigations-2-now-available-smartphones-japan |archive-date=December 22, 2017 }}</ref>

====''The Great Ace Attorney'' series====
* ''[[The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures]]'' was released in Japan for the Nintendo 3DS in 2015,<ref name="sil dgs new series" /><ref name="fam dgs1 3ds" /> and for Android and iOS in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/大逆転裁判/id1230334778?mt=8 |title=大逆転裁判 |language=ja |website=[[iTunes Store]] |publisher=[[Apple Inc.]] |access-date=August 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831144557/https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/%E5%A4%A7%E9%80%86%E8%BB%A2%E8%A3%81%E5%88%A4/id1230334778?mt=8 |archive-date=August 31, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.capcom.daigyakusai |title=大逆転裁判 |language=ja |website=[[Google Play]] |access-date=August 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831144349/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.capcom.daigyakusai |archive-date=August 31, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> 
* ''[[The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve]]'' was released in Japan for the Nintendo 3DS in 2017,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-09-17/dai-gyakuten-saiban-meiji-era-ace-attorney-game-gets-sequel/.106574 |title=Dai Gyakuten Saiban Meiji-era Ace Attorney Game Gets Sequel |date=September 17, 2016 |website=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=September 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917095826/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-09-17/dai-gyakuten-saiban-meiji-era-ace-attorney-game-gets-sequel/.106574 |archive-date=September 17, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="dgs2 rel">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201704/13130964.html |title=『大逆転裁判2 -成歩堂龍ノ介の覺悟-』発売日が8月3日に決定【Nintendo Direct】 |language=ja |date=April 13, 2017 |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=April 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413203240/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201704/13130964.html |archive-date=April 13, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> and for Android and iOS in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gematsu.com/2018/04/the-great-ace-attorney-2-now-available-for-smartphones-in-japan |title=''The Great Ace Attorney 2'' now available for smartphones in Japan |author=Romano, Sal |date=April 24, 2018 |website=Gematsu |access-date=April 24, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424121650/https://gematsu.com/2018/04/the-great-ace-attorney-2-now-available-for-smartphones-in-japan |archive-date=April 24, 2018 }}</ref>

====''Professor Layton'' crossover====
* ''[[Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney]]'' is a [[Crossovers in video games|crossover]] between ''Ace Attorney'' and the ''[[Professor Layton]]'' series. It was released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2012 in Japan<ref name="fam plvsaa 3ds" /> and in 2014 in the West.<ref name="pol plvsaa 3ds naeu" />

===Compilations===
* ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy]]'' contains the first three games in the series: ''Phoenix Wright'', ''Justice for All'', and ''Trials and Tribulations''. It was released for iOS and Android in 2012 in Japan and for iOS in 2013 in the West,<ref name="fam tri ios"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/android/gt/ |title=Android版『逆転裁判 123HD』配信サイト |language=ja |publisher=[[Capcom]] |access-date=October 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001161834/http://www.capcom.co.jp/android/gt/ |archive-date=October 1, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="kot tri ios"/> It was later released for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] in 2014,<ref name="fam tri 3ds"/><ref name="pol tri 3ds"/> and [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Windows]], and [[Xbox One]] in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/9/22/17889708/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trilogy-pc-ps4-nintendo-switch-xbox-one-release-date |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy'' coming to PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One |author=McWhertor, Michael |date=September 22, 2019 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |access-date=September 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922092644/https://www.polygon.com/2018/9/22/17889708/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trilogy-pc-ps4-nintendo-switch-xbox-one-release-date |archive-date=September 22, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Capcom removed the mobile-only version of the game from stores, and replaced it with the console version on iOS and Android as of June 10, 2022.
* ''[[The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles]]'' contains both games in ''The Great Ace Attorney'' series: ''Adventures'' and ''2: Resolve''. It was released in July 2021 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Windows. This was the first time both games were made officially available outside of Japan.<ref name="polygon great ace attorney chronicles">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/22395490/great-ace-attorney-collection-release-date-switch-ps4-steam-capcom | title = Capcom's ''Great Ace Attorney'' series is coming West this summer | first=  Michael | last=  McWhertor | date=  April 21, 2021 | access-date=  April 21, 2021 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref>
* ''Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy'' contains the fourth through sixth mainline games: ''Apollo Justice'', ''Dual Destinies'', and ''Spirit of Justice''. It was released on January 25, 2024, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ace-attorney-apollo-justice-hd-trilogy/|title=Ace Attorney 4-6 are being released as an HD trilogy|last=Scullion|first=Chris|website=Video Games Chronicle|date=June 12, 2023|access-date=June 12, 2023}}</ref>
* ''Ace Attorney Investigations Collection'' contains both games in the ''Ace Attorney Investigations'' series: ''Miles Edgeworth'' and ''2: Prosecutor's Gambit''. It was released on September 6, 2024, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. This compilation marks ''Prosecutor's Gambit''{{'s}} first official release outside Japan.<ref name="AAI2PG">{{cite web | last=Minotti | first=Mike | title=Ace Attorney Investigations Collection comes to Switch on September 6 | website=VentureBeat | date=June 18, 2024 | url=https://venturebeat.com/games/ace-attorney-investigations-collection-comes-to-switch-on-september-6/ | access-date=June 18, 2024}}</ref>

==Common elements==
===Gameplay===
[[File:Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney cross-examination.png|left|thumb|A cross-examination in ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney]]''; the player can move between statements, press the witness for details, and present evidence that contradicts the testimony.]]

The ''Ace Attorney'' games are [[visual novel]] [[adventure game]]s<ref name="toucharcade aa5 ios">{{cite web |url=http://toucharcade.com/2014/08/15/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-dual-destinies-review/ |title='Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies' Review - No Objections To This Port's Quality |author=Musgrave, Shaun |date=August 15, 2014 |website=TouchArcade |access-date=November 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921152851/http://toucharcade.com/2014/08/15/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-dual-destinies-review/ |archive-date=September 21, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> in which the player controls [[defense attorney]]s and defends their clients in several different episodes.<ref name="aa2 gspot rev"/><ref name="aa3 nwr rev">{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/14825/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trials-and-tribulations-nintendo-ds |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations'' |author=Cole, Michael |date=November 16, 2007 |website=Nintendo World Report |access-date=May 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522133917/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/14825/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trials-and-tribulations-nintendo-ds |archive-date=May 22, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/DS/Phoenix+Wright%3A+Ace+Attorney+Trials+and+Tribulations/review.asp?c=5059 |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations'' review |author=Anthony, Scott |date=December 4, 2007 |website=[[Pocket Gamer]] |access-date=May 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408124003/http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/DS/Phoenix%2BWright%3A%2BAce%2BAttorney%2BTrials%2Band%2BTribulations/review.asp?c=5059 |archive-date=April 8, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> The gameplay is split into two types of sections, investigations and courtroom trials.<ref name="nwr rev ds">{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/4427/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-nintendo-ds |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney'' |author=Cole, Michael |date=October 20, 2005 |website=Nintendo World Report |access-date=November 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419161718/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/4427/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-nintendo-ds |archive-date=April 19, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All'' Instruction Booklet |publisher=[[Capcom]] |pages=10–11 |date=March 16, 2007 }}</ref> During the investigations, the player searches the environments, gathers information and evidence, and talks to characters such as their client, witnesses, and the police.<ref name="nwr rev ds"/> After enough evidence has been collected, the game moves on to a courtroom trial.<ref>{{cite book |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney'' Instruction Booklet |publisher=[[Capcom]] |page=11 |date=October 12, 2005 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All'' Instruction Booklet |publisher=[[Capcom]] |pages=12–13 |date=March 16, 2007 }}</ref>

In the courtroom trials, the player aims to have their client declared "not guilty". They cross-examine witnesses,<ref name="nwr rev ds"/> aiming to find lies and inconsistencies in the testimonies. They are able to go back and forth between the different statements in the testimony, and can press the witness for more details on a statement. When the player finds an inconsistency, they can present a piece of evidence that contradicts the statement.<ref>{{cite book |title=Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Instruction Booklet |publisher=[[Capcom]] |pages=16–19 |date=October 12, 2005 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All Instruction Booklet |publisher=[[Capcom]] |pages=18–19 |date=March 16, 2007 }}</ref> If the player is correct, the game presents a sequence that often starts with the protagonist shouting "Objection!" and pointing at the witness along with a shift in music before they begin to grill the witness with the inconsistency, which has become an iconic aspect of the series.<ref name="verge reddit aa">{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/tldr/22238910/reddit-bot-phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-videos-internet-fights | title = We don't object to this Reddit bot that turns arguments into Ace Attorney videos | first = Mitchell | last = Clark | date = January 19, 2021 | access-date = April 23, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] }}</ref> The player is penalized if they present incorrect evidence: in the first game, a number of exclamation marks are shown, with one disappearing after each mistake the player makes;<ref name="pw manual p20">{{cite book |title=Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Instruction Booklet |publisher=[[Capcom]] |page=20 |date=October 12, 2005 }}</ref> in later games, a health bar that represents the judge's patience is used instead; and in 3DS games, the character's lawyer badge is used.<ref name="jfa manual pg20-21">{{cite book |title=Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All Instruction Booklet |publisher=[[Capcom]] |pages=20–21 |date=March 16, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations Instruction Booklet |publisher=[[Capcom]] |page=23 |date=October 3, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="aj manual p22">{{cite book |title=Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Instruction Booklet |publisher=[[Capcom]] |page=22 |date=May 9, 2008 }}</ref> If all exclamation marks or lawyer badges are lost, or the health bar reaches zero, the player loses the game and their client is found guilty.<ref name="pw manual p20"/><ref name="jfa manual pg20-21"/><ref name="aj manual p22"/>

Several ''Ace Attorney'' games introduce new gameplay mechanics to the series. ''Justice for All'' introduces "psyche-locks", which are shown over a witness when the player asks them about a topic they do not want to discuss; using a ''[[magatama]]'', the player can start breaking the psyche-locks by showing the witness evidence or character profiles that proves they are hiding something. The number of psyche-locks depends on how deep the secret is; when all locks are broken, the topic becomes available, giving the player access to new information.<ref name="aa2 eurogamer rev"/><ref>{{cite book |title=Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All Instruction Booklet |publisher=[[Capcom]] |pages=16–17 |date=March 16, 2007 }}</ref> ''Apollo Justice'' introduces the "perceive" system, where the player looks for motions or actions made by witnesses that show nervousness, similar to a [[Tell (poker)|tell in poker]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/apollo-justice-hands-on/1100-6184996/ |title=Apollo Justice Hands-On |last=Thomas |first=Aaron |date=January 22, 2008 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=February 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150202200641/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/apollo-justice-hands-on/1100-6184996/ |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Dual Destinies'' introduces the "mood matrix", through which the player can gauge the emotions of a witness, such as tones of anger when mentioning certain topics;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/9/5/3293494/ace-attorney-5-project-leads-discuss-story-elements-new-characters |date=September 5, 2012 |access-date=September 7, 2012 |author=Gifford, Kevin |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |title={{'}}''Ace Attorney 5''{{'}} project leads discuss story elements, new characters, and the move to 3D |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411205614/http://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/9/5/3293494/ace-attorney-5-project-leads-discuss-story-elements-new-characters |archive-date=April 11, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5940901/phoenix-wright-is-back-for-ace-attorney-5-but-wheres-his-usual-cohort |date=September 6, 2012 |access-date=September 6, 2012 |author=Nakamura, Toshi |work=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |title=Phoenix Wright Is Back For ''Ace Attorney 5'', But Where's His Usual Cohort? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303175102/http://kotaku.com/5940901/phoenix-wright-is-back-for-ace-attorney-5-but-wheres-his-usual-cohort |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> if the player notices a contradictory emotional response during testimony, they can point out the discrepancy and press the witness for more information.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/09/21/ace-attorney-5-and-its-new-emotion-sensing-system-is-a-blast/ |date=September 21, 2012 |access-date=September 21, 2012 |author=Yip, Spencer |publisher=Siliconera |title=''Ace Attorney 5'' And Its New Emotion Sensing System Is A "Blast" |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923130644/http://www.siliconera.com/2012/09/21/ace-attorney-5-and-its-new-emotion-sensing-system-is-a-blast/ |archive-date=September 23, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Dual Destinies'' also introduces "revisualization",<ref name="TR">{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/06/07/a-closer-look-at-apollo-and-athenas-abilities-in-ace-attorney-dual-destinies/ |date=June 7, 2013 |access-date=June 8, 2013 |author=Sato, Ryojiro |publisher=Siliconera |title=A Closer Look At Apollo And Athena's Abilities In ''Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies'' |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609230947/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/06/07/a-closer-look-at-apollo-and-athenas-abilities-in-ace-attorney-dual-destinies/ |archive-date=June 9, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.capcom-unity.com/zeroobjections/blog/2013/10/17/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-dual-destinies-localization-the-trials-and-tribulations-of-the-gameplay-mechanics-team |date=October 16, 2013 |access-date=December 6, 2013 |author=Hsu, Janet |work=Capcom-Unity |publisher=[[Capcom]] |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies'' Localization: The Trials and Tribulations of the Gameplay Mechanics Team |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411200114/http://www.capcom-unity.com/zeroobjections/blog/2013/10/17/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-dual-destinies-localization-the-trials-and-tribulations-of-the-gameplay-mechanics-team |archive-date=April 11, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> where the player reviews vital facts and forms links between evidence to reach new conclusions.<ref name="TR" /> ''Spirit of Justice'' introduces "divination [[séance]]s", in which the player is shown the memories of victims moments before their deaths, and must find contradictions in the victim's five senses to determine what has happened.<ref name="spiritvision">{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/02/19/ace-attorney-6-hands-phoenix-wright-spirit-medium-vision/ |title=''Ace Attorney 6'' Hands-On: Phoenix Wright And Spirit Medium Vision |author=Ward, Robert |date=February 19, 2016 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=March 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160227075607/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/02/19/ace-attorney-6-hands-phoenix-wright-spirit-medium-vision/ |archive-date=February 27, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney'' introduces simultaneous cross-examinations of multiple witnesses, with the player being able to see and hear reactions from the different witnesses to the testimony and using this to find contradictions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/10/12/phoenix-wright-has-to-cross-examine-crowds-in-professor-layton-vs-ace-attorney/ |title=Phoenix Wright Cross Examines Crowds In ''Professor Layton Vs. Ace Attorney'' |author=Spencer |date=October 12, 2011 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=June 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126001103/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/10/12/phoenix-wright-has-to-cross-examine-crowds-in-professor-layton-vs-ace-attorney/ |archive-date=November 26, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Great Ace Attorney'' introduces "joint reasoning", where the player finds out the truth by pointing out when their investigative partner [[Herlock Sholmes (Ace Attorney)|Herlock Sholmes]] takes his reasoning "further than the truth".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gematsu.com/2014/09/sherlock-holmes-joins-great-ace-attorney |title=Sherlock Holmes joins ''The Great Ace Attorney'' |author=Romano, Sal |date=September 9, 2014 |publisher=Gematsu |access-date=June 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411210323/http://gematsu.com/2014/09/sherlock-holmes-joins-great-ace-attorney |archive-date=April 11, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The ''Ace Attorney Investigations'' spin-off series splits the gameplay into investigation phases and rebuttal phases, the latter of which is similar to the courtroom trials of the main series.<ref name="aai nwr rev">{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/21168/ace-attorney-investigations-miles-edgeworth-nintendo-ds |title=DS Review: ''Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth'' |author =Ronaghan, Neal |publisher=Nintendo World Report |date=February 16, 2010 |access-date=September 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929230944/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/21168/ace-attorney-investigations-miles-edgeworth-nintendo-ds |archive-date=September 29, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=''Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth'' Instruction Booklet |publisher=[[Capcom]] |page=10 |date=February 19, 2010 }}</ref><ref name="aai2 jeuxvideo">{{cite web |url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00019780-ace-attorney-investigations-2-test.htm |title=Test du jeu ''Ace Attorney Investigations 2'' sur DS |language=fr |author=AsbelGrants |date=July 7, 2014 |website=[[Jeuxvideo.com]] |publisher=Webedia |access-date=May 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628063138/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00019780-ace-attorney-investigations-2-test.htm |archive-date=June 28, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> During the investigation phases, the player searches for evidence and talks to witnesses and suspects. Things which the player character notice in the environment are saved as thoughts; the player can use the "logic" system to connect two such thoughts to gain access to new information.<ref name="aai nwr rev" /><ref name="aai gspot">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ace-attorney-investigations-miles-edgeworth-review/1900-6250944/ |title=''Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth'' Review |author=Parker, Laura |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=February 17, 2010 |access-date=July 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20151025153307/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ace-attorney-investigations-miles-edgeworth-review/1900-6250944/ |archive-date=October 25, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> At some points, the player can create [[hologram]] reproductions of the crime scene,<ref name="aai nwr rev" /><ref name="aai eurog">{{cite web|author =Walker, John |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ace-attorney-investigations-miles-edgeworth-review?page=2 |title=''Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth'' Review - Page 2 |website=Eurogamer |date=February 15, 2010 |access-date=May 5, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100425064358/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ace-attorney-investigations-miles-edgeworth-review?page=2| archive-date=April 25, 2010 | url-status= live|author-link = John Walker (journalist)}}</ref> through which they can discover new information that would otherwise be hidden.<ref>{{cite book |title=''Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth'' Instruction Booklet |publisher=[[Capcom]] |page=17 |date=February 19, 2010 }}</ref> ''Prosecutor's Gambit'' introduces "Mind Chess", where the player interrogates witnesses in a timed sequence that is visualized as a game of chess, with the player aiming to destroy the other character's chess pieces. To do this, they need to build up their advantage in the discussion by alternating between speaking and listening, and then choose to go on the offensive.<ref name="aai2 jeuxvideo" /><ref name="aai2 chess">{{cite web |url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/gyakutenkenji/2/newsystem.html |title=ロジックチェス |language=ja |publisher=[[Capcom]] |access-date=May 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401185849/http://www.capcom.co.jp/gyakutenkenji/2/newsystem.html |archive-date=April 1, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nf">{{cite magazine |last=Rudeen |first=Rebecca |issue=21 |title=Lost in Untranslation |page=54 |magazine=[[NF Magazine]] |publisher=NF Publishing }}</ref>

===Characters and setting===
{{See also|List of Ace Attorney characters}}{{anchor|Storyline continuity}}
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible floatright"
! scope="colgroup" colspan="4" style= | ''Ace Attorney'' story chronology<ref>{{cite web |title=Ace Attorney Series Timeline: Every Ace Attorney game in chronological order |work=Ace Attorney |publisher=Capcom |url=https://www.ace-attorney.com/timeline/ |access-date=August 24, 2024 |date=August 23, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Capcom Reveals Official Ace Attorney Timeline |first=Arthur |last=Damian |date=August 23, 2024 |work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/capcom-reveals-official-ace-attorney-timeline/ |access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref>
|-
! scope="col" colspan="4" | Late 19th century
|-
| scope="rowgroup" colspan="4" | {{Unbulleted list center
  | ''[[The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures]]''
  | ''[[The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve]]''
  }}
|-
! scope="col" colspan="4" | Present day
|-
| scope="rowgroup" colspan="4" | {{Unbulleted list center
  | ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney]]''
  | ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Justice for All|Justice for All]]''
  | ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Trials and Tribulations|Trials and Tribulations]]''
  | ''[[Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth|Investigations: Miles Edgeworth]]''
  | ''[[Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor's Gambit|Investigations 2: Prosecutor's Gambit]]''
  | ''[[Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney]]''
  | ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies|Dual Destinies]]''
  | ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice|Spirit of Justice]]''
  }}
|}
The protagonist of the first three games is the defense attorney [[Phoenix Wright]], who is assisted by the spirit medium [[Maya Fey]];<ref name="hardcore trilogy rev"/> in the third game, Phoenix's mentor [[Mia Fey]] is also a playable character.<ref name="aa3 nwr rev"/> In the fourth game, the protagonist is the defense attorney Apollo Justice;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2008/02/01/investigation-phase-apollo-justice-ace-attorney-interview/ |title=Investigation phase, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney interview |author=Spencer |date=February 1, 2008 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=June 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527071345/http://www.siliconera.com/2008/02/01/investigation-phase-apollo-justice-ace-attorney-interview/ |archive-date=May 27, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> in the fifth, Phoenix, Apollo and the new defense attorney Athena Cykes are all protagonists;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/35847/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-dual-destinies-nintendo-3ds |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies'' |author=Culafi, Alex |date=October 31, 2013 |publisher=Nintendo World Report |access-date=June 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123030845/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/35847/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-dual-destinies-nintendo-3ds |archive-date=January 23, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> and in the sixth, Phoenix and Apollo are the main protagonists, while Athena is playable in one case.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gematsu.com/2015/10/ace-attorney-6-features-dual-protagonists-phoenix-wright-apollo-justice |title=''Ace Attorney 6'' features dual protagonists Phoenix Wright and Apollo Justice |author=Romano, Sal |date=October 13, 2015 |publisher=Gematsu |access-date=June 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220024330/http://gematsu.com/2015/10/ace-attorney-6-features-dual-protagonists-phoenix-wright-apollo-justice |archive-date=February 20, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The spin-off ''The Great Ace Attorney'' is set in England near the end of the 19th century, and follows Phoenix's ancestor Ryunosuke Naruhodo. Susato Mikotoba, Naruhodo's judicial assistant, is a playable character in one chapter.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/why-the-new-ace-attorney-is-set-in-england-1633378051 |title=Why the New ''Ace Attorney'' is Set in England |author=Nakamura, Toshi |date=September 11, 2014 |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |access-date=June 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926111233/http://kotaku.com/why-the-new-ace-attorney-is-set-in-england-1633378051 |archive-date=September 26, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Phoenix's childhood friend [[Miles Edgeworth]], who is the protagonist of the ''Ace Attorney Investigations'' games,<ref name="aai nwr rev"/><ref name="aai2 jeuxvideo"/> is a recurring rival prosecutor character; in addition to him, each new game in the series introduces a new rival:<ref name="hardcore trilogy rev"/> [[Franziska von Karma]] is introduced in the second game,<ref name="capcom-unity tidbits"/> [[Godot (Ace Attorney)|Godot]] in the third,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trials-and-tribulations-52640.phtml |title=Destructoid review: ''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations'' |author=Bennett, Colette |date=November 6, 2007 |website=[[Destructoid]] |publisher=Modern Method |access-date=June 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922113144/http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trials-and-tribulations-52640.phtml |archive-date=September 22, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Klavier Gavin in the fourth,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/06/19/klavier-gavin-air-guitars-his-way-into-ace-attorney-dual-destinies/ |title=Klavier Gavin Air Guitars His Way Into ''Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies'' |author=Sato |date=June 19, 2013 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=June 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024124152/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/06/19/klavier-gavin-air-guitars-his-way-into-ace-attorney-dual-destinies/ |archive-date=October 24, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> Simon Blackquill in the fifth,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/07/17/ace-attorney-dual-destinies-english-trailer-introduces-the-new-prosecutor/ |title=''Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies'' English Trailer Introduces The New Prosecutor |author=Ishaan |date=July 17, 2013 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=June 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901000625/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/07/17/ace-attorney-dual-destinies-english-trailer-introduces-the-new-prosecutor/ |archive-date=September 1, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> Nahyuta Sahdmadhi in the sixth,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/02/09/ace-attorney-6-reveals-new-rival-prosecutor-nayuta-sadmadhi/ |title=''Ace Attorney 6'' Reveals New Rival Prosecutor Nayuta Sadmadhi |author=Sato |date=February 9, 2016 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=June 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602135943/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/02/09/ace-attorney-6-reveals-new-rival-prosecutor-nayuta-sadmadhi/ |archive-date=June 2, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Barok van Zieks in ''Adventures'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/06/12/the-great-ace-attorneys-rival-prosecutor-was-made-to-be-a-death-god/ |title=''The Great Ace Attorney''{{'}}s Rival Prosecutor Was Made To Be A "Death God" |author=Sato |date=June 12, 2015 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=July 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615205020/http://www.siliconera.com/2015/06/12/the-great-ace-attorneys-rival-prosecutor-was-made-to-be-a-death-god/ |archive-date=June 15, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Kazuma Asogi in ''Resolve''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/game/content/?p=20564 |title=第三十五回 大逆転裁判 デザインの冒險！ |publisher=[[Capcom]] |access-date=July 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150724100032/http://www.capcom.co.jp/game/content/?p=20564&redirect_stop=1 |archive-date=July 24, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Most of the prosecutor characters are portrayed as powerful and arrogant characters of high social status and who care about keeping perfect-win records in court, and even may favor convictions over finding the truth, although most have secret motivations and sympathetic backstories and typically help the protagonist at the game's climax. Similarly to real Japanese prosecutors, the prosecutors in the series often directly oversee investigations, issuing orders to the police. Japanese attitudes towards the police force are reflected in the series, with the police being represented by incompetent characters such as Dick Gumshoe, Maggey Byrde, and Mike Meekins.<ref name="escapist japanese courts">{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_253/7530-Phoenix-Wrights-Objection |title=Phoenix Wright's Objection! |author=Monaghan, Fintan |work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |publisher=[[Defy Media]] |date=May 11, 2010 |access-date=June 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100514153937/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_253/7530-Phoenix-Wrights-Objection |archive-date=May 14, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> In the world of ''Ace Attorney'', trials only last three days, and usually end with a "guilty" verdict, with trials taken up by the protagonists of the games being rare exceptions.<ref name="hardcore trilogy rev">{{cite web |url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/12/09/review-phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trilogy/122353/ |title=Review: ''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy'' |author=Thew, Geoff |date=December 9, 2014 |website=Hardcore Gamer |access-date=June 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915164518/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/12/09/review-phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trilogy/122353/ |archive-date=September 15, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> The outcomes of cases are decided by a judge, based on evidence provided by the defense attorney and the prosecutor.<ref name="escapist japanese courts"/>

In the original Japanese, the series takes place in Japan, while in the English localization, it takes place in an alternative version of [[Los Angeles]] in which Japanese culture is far more prevalent due to a lack of historic anti-Japanese policy. In other versions, the setting depends on region, with Asian languages such as [[Chinese language|Chinese]] and [[Korean language|Korean]] following the Japanese version and European languages such as [[German language|German]] and [[Spanish language|Spanish]] following the English version.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Mandiberg |first=Stephen |date=December 2015 |title=Playing (with) the Trace: Localized Culture in ''Phoenix Wright'' |url=https://www.kinephanos.ca/2015/playing-with-the-trace/ |journal=Kinephanos |volume=5 |issue=1 |pages=111–114 |access-date=November 1, 2024}}</ref> The only official exception is the [[French language|French]] version, which takes place in [[Paris]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/previews/hands-on-ace-attorney-investigations-collection-devs-discuss-california-rolls-chibi-sprites-and-puns |title=Hands On: 'Ace Attorney Investigations Collection' Devs Discuss California Rolls, Chibi Sprites & Puns |author=Gray, Kate |date=August 9, 2024 |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=November 1, 2024}}</ref>

==Development==
{{multiple image
| total_width       = 300
| alt1              = A photograph of Shu Takumi
| image1            = Ghost Trick event 4 - cropped.jpg
| alt2              = A photograph of Motohide Eshiro
| image2            = Motohide Eshiro at Anime Expo 2016, cropped.jpg
| footer            = The series was created by Shu Takumi ''(left)''; beginning with ''Investigations'', it has been handled by producer Motohide Eshiro ''(pictured, right)'' and director Takeshi Yamazaki.
}}

The series was created by [[Shu Takumi]], who wrote and directed the first three games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trilogy-3ds-review-trials-of-the-century |title=Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy 3DS Review: Trials of the Century |author=Mackey, Bob |date=December 10, 2014 |website=[[USgamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=June 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325143523/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trilogy-3ds-review-trials-of-the-century |archive-date=March 25, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The first game was conceived in 2000 when Takumi's boss at the time, [[Shinji Mikami]], gave him six months to create any type of game he wanted to; Takumi had originally joined Capcom wanting to make mystery and adventure games, and felt that this was a big chance for him to make a mark as a creator.<ref name="onm making of pg1">{{cite web |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/55629/features/interview-shu-takumi-on-the-making-of-phoenix-wright-ghost-trick-and-more/ |title=Interview: Shu Takumi on the making of Phoenix Wright, ''Ghost Trick'' and more |author=Castle, Matthew |date=October 24, 2013 |website=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]] |access-date=October 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008205326/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/55629/features/interview-shu-takumi-on-the-making-of-phoenix-wright-ghost-trick-and-more/ |archive-date=October 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The game was designed to be simple, as Takumi wanted it to be easy enough for even his mother to play.<ref name="capcom-unity tidbits">{{cite web |url=http://www.capcom-unity.com/zeroobjections/blog/2014/10/31/ace-attorney-trilogy---surprising-tidbits-you-never-knew |title=''Ace Attorney'' Trilogy - Surprising Tidbits You Never Knew! |author=Hsu, Janet |date=October 31, 2014 |publisher=[[Capcom]] |access-date=October 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916000352/http://www.capcom-unity.com/zeroobjections/blog/2014/10/31/ace-attorney-trilogy---surprising-tidbits-you-never-knew |archive-date=September 16, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Originally it was going to be a detective game and Phoenix was a [[private investigator]], but at one point Takumi realized that finding and taking apart contradictions was not related to detective work; he felt that the main setting of the game should be in courtrooms.<ref name="capcom-unity early days">{{cite web |url=http://www.capcom-unity.com/zeroobjections/blog/2014/09/12/the-early-days-of-ace-attorney |title=The Early Days of Ace Attorney |author=Hsu, Janet |date=September 11, 2014 |publisher=[[Capcom]] |access-date=October 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208220555/http://www.capcom-unity.com/zeroobjections/blog/2014/09/12/the-early-days-of-ace-attorney |archive-date=February 8, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Takumi cited Japanese mystery author [[Edogawa Ranpo]] as being an inspiration, particularly ''The Psychological Test'', a short story which involves a crime that "unravels due to the criminal's contradictory testimony." It had a big impact on him and was a major influence on the game. He was inspired by stories from another Japanese author, [[Shinichi Hoshi]], saying that he was pursuing his "element of surprise and unexpectedness."<ref>{{cite web |title=''Ace Attorney: Justice for All'' – 2002 Developer Interview |url=http://shmuplations.com/justiceforall/ |website=Shmuplations |access-date=12 June 2019}}</ref> Takumi felt that the best way to write a mystery with a good climax is to reveal various clues, and then pull them together into one conclusion, and not have multiple possible endings. He said that the biggest challenge with that was to make the gameplay and story work together. The goal was to make the player feel like they have driven the story forward themselves, with their own choices, even though the game is linear.<ref name="onm trilogy pg1" /> He did not spend much time writing a backstory for Phoenix before writing the first game's story; instead he made up dialogue and developed Phoenix's personality as he went along.<ref name="onm trilogy pg1" /> He came up with the partner character Maya because he thought it would be more fun for players to have another character with them, giving them advice, than investigating on their own.<ref name="onm trilogy pg1">{{cite web |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/58163/features/interview-shu-takumi-on-the-phoenix-wright-trilogy/?page=1 |title=Interview: Shu Takumi on the Phoenix Wright trilogy |author=Castle, Matthew |date=June 16, 2014 |website=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]] |page=1 |access-date=October 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009064732/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/58163/features/interview-shu-takumi-on-the-phoenix-wright-trilogy/?page=1 |archive-date=October 9, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

After the first game's development was finished, Mikami told Takumi that they should make an ''Ace Attorney'' trilogy, with a grand finale in the third game's last case.<ref name="onm trilogy pg3">{{cite web |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/58163/features/interview-shu-takumi-on-the-phoenix-wright-trilogy/?page=3 |title=Interview: Shu Takumi on the Phoenix Wright trilogy |author=Castle, Matthew |date=June 16, 2014 |website=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]] |page=3 |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=April 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008002618/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/58163/features/interview-shu-takumi-on-the-phoenix-wright-trilogy/?page=3 |archive-date=October 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Takumi had originally planned to let Edgeworth be the prosecutor in all episodes in the second game,<ref name="onm trilogy pg2" /> but during the production the development team learned of the character's popularity which led to Takumi feeling that he had to use the character more carefully and sparingly; he created the new prosecutor character Franziska von Karma, to save Edgeworth for the game's last case and avoid a situation where he—a supposed prodigy—loses every case.<ref name="capcom-unity tidbits" /> Takumi wanted the three first ''Ace Attorney'' games to be parts of a larger work; he avoided having a lot of changes between games: art from the first game for main characters such as Phoenix, Maya, and Edgeworth was reused to avoid having the previous games look outdated in comparison to newer games in the series. No new gameplay mechanics were added for ''Trials and Tribulations'', as Takumi was happy with the gameplay after having added the psyche-lock mechanic for ''Justice for All''.<ref name="onm trilogy pg2">{{cite web |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/58163/features/interview-shu-takumi-on-the-phoenix-wright-trilogy/?page=2 |title=Interview: Shu Takumi on the Phoenix Wright trilogy |author=Castle, Matthew |date=June 16, 2014 |website=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]] |page=2 |access-date=October 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008002609/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/58163/features/interview-shu-takumi-on-the-phoenix-wright-trilogy/?page=2 |archive-date=October 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

For the fourth game, Takumi wrote the scenario and took on a supervisory role.<ref name="toucharcade aa5 ios" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/107065/QA_Capcoms_Minae_Matsukawa_On_Producing_Phoenix_Wright_In_A_Mans_World.php |title=Q&A: Capcom's Minae Matsukawa On Producing Phoenix Wright In A Man's World |author=Sheffield, Brandon |date=November 5, 2007 |website=Gamasutra |access-date=October 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112131920/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/107065/QA_Capcoms_Minae_Matsukawa_On_Producing_Phoenix_Wright_In_A_Mans_World.php |archive-date=November 12, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> He had wanted the series to end with the third game, as he felt Phoenix's character had been fully explored and that his story had been told; he said that it is important to know when to end a story, that he did not want the series to become a shadow of its former self, and that he did not see any reason to continue it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/14/5507696/why-phoenix-wright-creator-did-not-want-the-series-to-continue|title=Why Phoenix Wright creator did not want the series to continue|last=Gera|first=Emily|date=March 14, 2014|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=September 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140624224533/http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/14/5507696/why-phoenix-wright-creator-did-not-want-the-series-to-continue|archive-date=June 24, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Still, the spin-off series ''Ace Attorney Investigations'' was created, directed by Takeshi Yamazaki, and produced by Motohide Eshiro;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/gyakuten-kenji-devs-vaguely-discuss-their-game/|title=Gyakuten Kenji devs vaguely discuss their game|website=[[Joystiq]] |first=Chris |last=Greenhough |date=April 28, 2008 |access-date=May 4, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506081953/http://www.dsfanboy.com/2008/04/29/gyakuten-kenji-devs-vaguely-discuss-their-game/ |archive-date=May 6, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2010/09/17/edgeworths-new-rival-in-ace-attorney-investigations-2-is-a-stern-female-judge/ |title=Edgeworth's New Rival In ''Ace Attorney Investigations 2'' Is A Stern Female Judge |author=Laura |publisher=Siliconera |date=September 17, 2010 |access-date=June 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922093357/http://www.siliconera.com/2010/09/17/edgeworths-new-rival-in-ace-attorney-investigations-2-is-a-stern-female-judge/ |archive-date=September 22, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Takumi returned to the series to write the crossover ''Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney''.<ref name="onm making of pg3">{{cite web |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/55629/features/interview-shu-takumi-on-the-making-of-phoenix-wright-ghost-trick-and-more/?page=3 |title=Interview: Shu Takumi on the making of Phoenix Wright, ''Ghost Trick'' and more |page=3 |author=Castle, Matthew |date=October 24, 2013 |website=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]] |access-date=June 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008205322/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/55629/features/interview-shu-takumi-on-the-making-of-phoenix-wright-ghost-trick-and-more/?page=3 |archive-date=October 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He also directed and wrote the spinoff series ''The Great Ace Attorney'',  the first of which was described as being the first entry in a new ''Ace Attorney'' series.<ref name="sil dgs new series" /> He said that he has mixed feelings about the series being developed by other Capcom staff, comparing it to a parent sending their child to their first day in school.<ref name="onm making of pg4">{{cite web |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/55629/features/interview-shu-takumi-on-the-making-of-phoenix-wright-ghost-trick-and-more/?page=4 |title=Interview: Shu Takumi on the making of Phoenix Wright, ''Ghost Trick'' and more |page=4 |author=Castle, Matthew |date=October 24, 2013 |website=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]] |access-date=June 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008205322/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/55629/features/interview-shu-takumi-on-the-making-of-phoenix-wright-ghost-trick-and-more/?page=4 |archive-date=October 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Yamazaki and Eshiro directed and produced the main series entries ''Dual Destinies'' and ''Spirit of Justice''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/con2kw/ace_attorney_5_tgs/|date=September 5, 2012|access-date=September 5, 2012|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|publisher=Andriasang|title=''Ace Attorney 5'' Demo Set For Tokyo Game Show|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130101230537/http://andriasang.com/con2kw/ace_attorney_5_tgs/|archive-date=January 1, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://gematsu.com/2015/09/ace-attorney-6-announced-3ds |title=''Ace Attorney 6'' announced for 3DS |author=Romano, Sal |date=September 1, 2015 |publisher=Gematsu |access-date=March 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103828/http://gematsu.com/2015/09/ace-attorney-6-announced-3ds |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="nindori">{{cite journal |title=『逆転裁判』の話がしたい!!! |issue=262 |language=ja |journal=[[Nintendo Dream]] |publisher=Mainichi }}</ref> Due to being exhausted after working on ''Dual Destinies'', Yamazaki split direction responsibilities with Takuro Fuse for ''Spirit of Justice''; Yamazaki worked on the scenario and Fuse on the art and gameplay.<ref name="nindori" /> In 2020, Yamazaki left Capcom.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.siliconera.com/ace-attorney-director-and-writer-takeshi-yamazaki-has-left-capcom/ |title=''Ace Attorney'' Director and Writer Takeshi Yamazaki Has Left Capcom |author=Lada, Jenni |date=2020-07-11 |website=Siliconera |publisher=[[Curse, Inc.]] |access-date=2020-09-06}}</ref>

The games developed for the [[Game Boy Advance]] and [[Nintendo DS]] were created using [[2D computer graphics|2D sprites]], initially due to the limitations of the hardware. The developers had discussed switching to [[3D computer graphics|3D models]] ahead of the development of ''Apollo Justice'', but it was not until the ''Professor Layton'' crossover, which used 3D to a limited extent, that they realized the [[Nintendo 3DS]] could easily support 3D. ''Dual Destinies'' was developed around the use of 3D graphics, which remained a staple for future games in the series. Similarly, [[Level-5 (company)|Level-5]], the developers of the ''Professor Layton'' series, also started using 3D graphics after the crossover title.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesradar.com/the-ace-attorney-series-switched-to-3d-graphics-after-professor-layton-helped-to-convince-its-developers/ | title = The Ace Attorney series switched to 3D graphics after Professor Layton helped to convince its developers | first = Hope | last = Bellingham | date = January 13, 2024 | accessdate = January 13, 2024 | work = [[GamesRadar]] }}</ref>

==Localization==
The [[Video game localization|localization]] of the first game was outsourced to Bowne Global; it was handled by the writer [[Alexander O. Smith]] and the editor Steve Anderson. While the Japanese version takes place in Japan, the localized version is set in the United States; because one of the episodes involves time zones, it had to be specified where the game takes place and the United States was selected without thinking a lot about it.<ref name="usgamer alex smith"/> The Japanese justice system of the original still remained intact in the localization, as changing it would have altered the entire game structure.<ref name="nintendo wright track">{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.com/newsarticle?articleid=5mLTEfSPVUJJqjyIiQb3nJa-vdRURKQh |title=On the Wright Track: The Writers of Phoenix Wright's Sequel Discuss Their New Case |author=Hoffman, Chris |date=January 18, 2007 |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |access-date=April 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930005419/http://www.nintendo.com/newsarticle?articleid=5mLTEfSPVUJJqjyIiQb3nJa-vdRURKQh |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The change in the series' setting became important in later games and the Japanese setting is more obvious.<ref name="usgamer alex smith">{{cite web |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/expert-witness-an-interview-with-alex-smith-the-writer-behind-ace-attorneys-english-debut |title=Expert Witness: An Interview with Alex Smith, the Writer Behind Ace Attorney's English Debut |author=Mackey, Bob |date=June 23, 2015 |publisher=[[USgamer]] |access-date=October 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905110414/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/expert-witness-an-interview-with-alex-smith-the-writer-behind-ace-attorneys-english-debut |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Beginning with the second game, the series localization direction has been handled by Janet Hsu;<ref name="capcom-unity tidbits"/> One of their first decisions was how to localize Maya's hometown and the mysticism of the Fey clan. The localized versions of the ''Ace Attorney'' games happen in Los Angeles in an alternative universe where anti-Japanese laws like the [[California Alien Land Law of 1913]] have not been passed, anti-Japanese sentiments were not powerful, and where Japanese culture flourished. That dictated the elements which should be localized and what should be kept as Japanese. Things relating to the Fey clan and the Kurain channeling technique were kept Japanese, as that was Maya's heritage; Japanese foods which were not widely known in the West were changed, such as changing Maya's favorite food from ramen to burgers. That particular change was mocked by players as the dish later became more well known in the West, and was lampshaded in the English release of ''Spirit of Justice'', where Maya is described as liking both ramen and burgers.<ref name="capcom-unity tidbits"/><ref name="capcom-unity localization">{{cite web |url=http://www.capcom-unity.com/zeroobjections/blog/2014/11/21/localization-and-ace-attorney |title=Localization and ''Ace Attorney'' |author=Hsu, Janet |date=November 20, 2014 |publisher=[[Capcom]] |access-date=October 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915232234/http://www.capcom-unity.com/zeroobjections/blog/2014/11/21/localization-and-ace-attorney |archive-date=September 15, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Character names were localized using double meanings similarly to the Japanese names;<ref name="nintendo wright track"/> the name puns were based on the characters' personalities or backgrounds, or were visual gags.<ref name="sil lawyers localization">{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2007/01/18/on-lawyers-and-localization-phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-justice-for-all-interview/ |title=On Lawyers and Localization, ''Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Justice for All'' interview |author=Spencer |date=January 18, 2007 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=October 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402123507/http://www.siliconera.com/2007/01/18/on-lawyers-and-localization-phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-justice-for-all-interview/ |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Several English names were based on their Japanese counterparts, but for some characters the names had to be altered heavily compared to the Japanese versions.<ref name="nintendo wright track"/> Smith and Anderson had a lot of freedom when localizing the names of minor characters in the first game, but discussed the names of the main cast with Capcom. Phoenix's English surname, "Wright", was chosen as his Japanese name, "Naruhodō"—meaning "I see" or "I understand"—is frequently used as a joke in the script.<ref name="usgamer alex smith"/> ''Dual Destinies'' was given a digital-only release in the West to release the English version as close to the Japanese release date as possible and maintain a tight development schedule.<ref name="pol aa5 digital" /> Its follow-up, ''Spirit of Justice'', was released in the same manner. Both ''The Great Ace Attorney'' games were released in the West with English localization in July 2021 as part of ''The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles,''<ref name="polygon great ace attorney chronicles" /> while ''Prosecutor's Gambit'' was not localized until its inclusion in the ''Ace Attorney Investigations Collection'' in September 2024.<ref name="AAI2PG" /><ref name="usg aai2 limbo" />

==Reception==
{{Video game series reviews
| updated= September 17, 2024
| fam    = yes
| game1  = [[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney]]
| fam1   = 32/40<ref name="fam aa1 gba"/>
| mc1    = 81/100<ref name="mc aa1 nds"/>
| game2  = [[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Justice for All]]
| fam2   = 35/40<ref name="fam aa2 gba"/>
| mc2    = 76/100<ref name="mc aa2 nds"/>
| game3  = [[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Trials and Tribulations]]
| fam3   = 35/40<ref name="fam aa3 gba"/>
| mc3    = 81/100<ref name="mc aa3 nds"/>
| game4  = [[Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney]]
| fam4   = 36/40<ref name="fam aa4 nds"/>
| mc4    = 78/100<ref name="mc aa4 nds"/>
| game5  = [[Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth]]
| fam5   = 34/40<ref name="fam aai1 nds"/>
| mc5    = 78/100<ref name="mc aai1 nds"/>
| game6  = [[Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor's Gambit]]
| fam6   = 32/40<ref name="fam aai2 nds"/>
| mc6    = 85/100<ref name="mc aaic ns">{{Cite web |title=Ace Attorney Investigations Collection |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ace-attorney-investigations-collection/ |access-date=2024-09-17 |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |language=en}}</ref>{{efn|name=aaic mc|Score of ''[[Ace Attorney Investigations Collection]]'', a compilation that also includes ''Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth''}}
| game7  = [[Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney]]
| fam7   = 35/40<ref name="fam plvsaa 3ds"/>
| mc7    = 79/100<ref name="mc plvsaa 3ds"/>
| game8  = [[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies]]
| fam8   = 37/40<ref name="fam aa5 3ds"/>
| mc8    = 81/100<ref name="mc aa5 3ds"/>
| game9  = [[The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures]]
| fam9   = 35/40<ref name="fam dgs1 3ds"/>
| mc9    = 86/100<ref name="mc gaac ns">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-great-ace-attorney-chronicles/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles for Switch Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=2021-08-16}}</ref>{{efn|name=gaac mc|Score of the compilation of both games, ''[[The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles]]''}}
| game10 = [[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice]]
| fam10  = 34/40<ref name="fam aa6 3ds"/>
| mc10   = 81/100<ref name="mc aa6 3ds"/>
| game11 = [[The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve]]
| fam11  = 34/40<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gematsu.com/2017/07/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1495 |title=Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1495 |author=Romano, Sal |date=July 25, 2017 |publisher=Gematsu |access-date=July 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170726163442/http://gematsu.com/2017/07/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1495 |archive-date=July 26, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| mc11   = 86/100<ref name="mc gaac ns"/>{{efn|name=gaac mc}}
}}

The ''Ace Attorney'' series has been well received by critics,<ref name="mc aa1 nds"/><ref name="mc aa2 nds"/><ref name="mc aa3 nds"/><ref name="mc aa4 nds"/><ref name="mc aa5 3ds"/><ref name="mc aa6 3ds"/> and has performed well commercially: in December 2009, it was Capcom's 9th-best-selling series of all time,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/data/salesdata.html |title=Total Sales Units |publisher=[[Capcom]] |date=June 30, 2008 |access-date=August 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080803043624/http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/data/salesdata.html |archive-date=August 3, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and in October 2010, they called it one of their "strongest intellectual properties", with more than 3.9 million units sold worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/31090/Layton_Series_Hits_95M_Ace_Attorney_39M.php |title=Layton Series Hits 9.5M, ''Ace Attorney'' 3.9M |author=Graft, Kris |date=October 20, 2010 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |publisher=[[UBM plc]] |access-date=September 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303170849/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/31090/Layton_Series_Hits_95M_Ace_Attorney_39M.php |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> By December 2013, the series had sold over 5 million units.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/business/salesdata.html |title=Total Sales Units |publisher=[[Capcom]] |date=December 31, 2013 |access-date=September 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327174103/http://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/business/salesdata.html |archive-date=March 27, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In the United States, the first game became surprisingly successful, forcing Capcom to prepare at least three additional runs to meet the demand.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2006/06/21/phoenix-wright-still-hot-still-rare/ |title=Phoenix Wright: still hot, still rare |author=Ransom-Wiley, James |date=June 21, 2006 |website=[[Joystiq]] |access-date=November 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004165904/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/21/phoenix-wright-still-hot-still-rare/ |archive-date=October 4, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> By June 2018, the series had sold over 6.7 million units.<ref>{{cite web |title=Capcom: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy Official Website |url=http://www.ace-attorney.com/trilogy/uk/about/ |access-date=September 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927085938/http://www.ace-attorney.com/trilogy/uk/about/ |archive-date=September 27, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> As of June 30, 2024, the game series has sold 12 million copies worldwide.<ref name="Sales Data"/>
Geoff Thew at ''Hardcore Gamer'' said that the "craziness" of the game world makes the cases entertaining, but also that it "resonates on a deeper level" due to its connection to the real [[Japanese legal system]], making the setting still feel relevant in 2014.<ref name="hardcore trilogy rev"/> Bob Mackey at ''[[USgamer]]'' said that the ''Ace Attorney'' games were among the best written games of all time, and that the series' strength is how each game builds up to a "stunning and satisfying finale".<ref name="usg rev 3ds">{{cite web |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trilogy-3ds-review-trials-of-the-century |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy'' 3DS Review: Trials of the Century |author=Mackey, Bob |date=December 10, 2014 |publisher=[[USgamer]] |access-date=November 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905153433/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trilogy-3ds-review-trials-of-the-century |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Thomas Whitehead at ''Nintendo Life'' also liked the writing, praising its balance between "light-hearted nonsense" and darker, more serious scenarios.<ref name="nintendo life rev 3ds">{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds-eshop/phoenix_wright_ace_attorney_trilogy |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy'' |author=Whitehead, Thomas |date=December 24, 2014 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |access-date=November 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905095839/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds-eshop/phoenix_wright_ace_attorney_trilogy |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Several reviewers have appreciated the series' characters;<ref name="aai2 jeuxvideo"/><ref name="hardcore trilogy rev"/><ref name="usg rev 3ds"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/39184/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trilogy-review |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy'' Review |author=Goergen, Andy |date=December 9, 2014 |publisher=Nintendo World Report |access-date=June 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410071033/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/39184/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trilogy-review |archive-date=April 10, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Thew felt that Phoenix and Maya's banter is among the best in video games, and that Edgeworth's [[character arc]] is one of the most compelling parts of the stories.<ref name="hardcore trilogy rev"/>

Reviewers have liked finding contradictions;<ref name="fam aa1 gba"/><ref name="aai advgamers rev">{{cite web |url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/articles/view/18401 |title=''Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth'' review |author =Boosinger, Austin |date=March 15, 2010 |website=[[Adventure Gamers]] |access-date=September 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319170435/http://www.adventuregamers.com/articles/view/18401 |archive-date=March 19, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> a common complaint however, is the games' linearity,<ref name="aa2 gspot rev">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-justice-for-all-review/1900-6164255/ |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice for All'' Review |author=Thomas, Aaron |date=January 16, 2007 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=April 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150921112832/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-justice-for-all-review/1900-6164255/ |archive-date=September 21, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="aa2 ign rev">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/01/18/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-justice-for-all-review |title=''Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Justice for All'' Review |author=Harris, Craig |date=January 17, 2007 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=April 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305071313/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/01/18/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-justice-for-all-review |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="aa3 ign rev">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/23/phoenix-wright-trials-and-tribulations-review |title=''Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations'' Review |author=Moriarty, Colin |date=October 23, 2007 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=May 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306094300/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/23/phoenix-wright-trials-and-tribulations-review |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> as well as how the player sometimes has to resort to a [[trial-and-error]] method because the games only accept specific pieces of evidence, and how testimony statements sometimes need to be pressed in a specific order.<ref name="aa3 nwr rev"/><ref name="aa2 eurogamer rev">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_phoenixwright2_ds |title=''Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Justice For All'' |author=Walker, John |date=November 8, 2006 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=April 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303175415/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_phoenixwright2_ds |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="aai advgamers rev"/><ref name="aa3 1up rev">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/phoenix-wright-aatt |title=Phoenix Wright AATT Review for DS |author=Scott, Ryan |date=October 26, 2007 |website=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=May 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528234732/http://www.1up.com/reviews/phoenix-wright-aatt |archive-date=May 28, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Some reviewers have criticized the lack of changes to the gameplay and presentation throughout the series,<ref name="aai nwr rev"/><ref name="fam aa2 gba"/><ref name="aa3 ign rev"/> other have said that fans of the series would not have a problem with it.<ref name="aai2 jeuxvideo"/><ref name="aa3 ign rev"/> Several reviewers praised the series' music.<ref name="hardcore trilogy rev" /><ref name="usg rev 3ds" /> Thew said that the greatest aspect of the series is its audio design, with the first three games using the Game Boy Advance sound chip better than any other game for that platform; he called the music phenomenal, with the exception of that in ''Justice for All'', but said the sound effects are what "steals the show".<ref name="hardcore trilogy rev" /> Mackey commented that the games' small amounts of animations for each character are used well for their characterization.<ref name="usg rev 3ds" />

==Related media and other appearances==
{{Further|List of Ace Attorney media}}
{{See also|Ace Attorney (film)|Ace Attorney (TV series)}}

[[File:Takarazuka grand theater03s3200.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Takarazuka Grand Theater]]; the all-female [[Takarazuka Revue|Takarazuka theater troupe]] adapted the series into musicals|alt=A photo of the Takarauka Grand Theater.]]

The [[Takarazuka Revue]], an all-female theater troupe, has adapted the series into stage musicals: 2009's ''Ace Attorney: The Truth Reborn'', which is based on the last episode of the first game;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5913220/the-all-female-phoenix-wright-musical-is-better-than-the-game |title=The All-Female Phoenix Wright Musical is Better Than the Game |author=Eisenbeis, Richard |date=May 25, 2012 |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |access-date=May 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529000305/http://kotaku.com/5913220/the-all-female-phoenix-wright-musical-is-better-than-the-game |archive-date=May 29, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> 2010's ''Ace Attorney 2: The Truth Reborn, Again...'', whose first act is an original story, and whose second is based on the final episode of the second game;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5968086/the-second-ace-attorney-musical-is-the-most-depressing-phoenix-wright-tale-ever |title=The Second ''Ace Attorney'' Musical is the Most Depressing Phoenix Wright Tale Ever |author=Eisenbeis, Richard |date=December 14, 2012 |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |access-date=May 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205719/http://kotaku.com/5968086/the-second-ace-attorney-musical-is-the-most-depressing-phoenix-wright-tale-ever |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> and 2013's ''Ace Attorney 3: Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth'', which is set before the events of ''The Truth Reborn, Again...''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5980771/i-was-not-expecting-the-third-ace-attorney-musical-to-be-a-time-travel-story |title=I Was Not Expecting the Third ''Ace Attorney'' Musical to be a Time Travel Story |author=Eisenbeis, Richard |date=December 14, 2012 |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |access-date=May 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235350/http://kotaku.com/5980771/i-was-not-expecting-the-third-ace-attorney-musical-to-be-a-time-travel-story |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2023, the Takarazuka Revue wrote and performed a musical based on ''The Great Ace Attorney'', titled ''The Great Ace Attorney: New Truth Reborn''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/features/2023/8/30/takarazuka-revue-the-great-ace-attorney?srsltid=AfmBOopePiIQ5R9uDsGNLEVZUZYdV-r0ftQYJRMg6PXv2ZryrB7-sFH5 |title=The Takarazuka Revue's All-Female Take on ''The Great Ace Attorney'' Satisfies Dual Fandoms, No Objections |author=Haddick, Alicia |date=August 30, 2023 |website=Crunchyroll News |access-date=November 4, 2024}}</ref> A [[stage play]] based on the series, titled ''Gyakuten no Spotlight'', ran in 2013, and was written by Eisaku Saito.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-05-28/ace-attorney-courtroom-video-games-get-stage-play-adaptation |title=Ace Attorney Courtroom Video Games Get New Stage Play |author=Nelkin, Sarah |date=May 28, 2013 |work=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004040753/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-05-28/ace-attorney-courtroom-video-games-get-stage-play-adaptation |archive-date=October 4, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> A 2012 live-action film adaptation of the first game, titled ''[[Ace Attorney (film)|Ace Attorney]]'', was produced at the film studio [[Toei Company|Toei]] and directed by [[Takashi Miike]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/01/31/ace-attorney-movie-to-see-a-worldwide-release/ |title=''Ace Attorney'' Movie To See A Worldwide Release |author=Ishaan |date=January 31, 2012 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102101022/http://www.siliconera.com/2012/01/31/ace-attorney-movie-to-see-a-worldwide-release/ |archive-date=January 2, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2011-10-20/ace-attorney-live-action-film-cast-photo-published |title=''Ace Attorney'' Live-Action Film's Cast Photo Published |author=Hodgkins, Crystalyn |date=October 20, 2011 |work=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307011446/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2011-10-20/ace-attorney-live-action-film-cast-photo-published |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> A 2016 TV anime adaptation of the series, ''[[Ace Attorney (TV series)|Ace Attorney]]'', was produced at [[A-1 Pictures]] and directed by [[Ayumu Watanabe]].<ref name="ann anime staff">{{cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-12-18/ace-attorney-anime-cast-staff-announced/.96692 |title=''Ace Attorney'' Anime's Cast, Staff Announced (Updated) |date=December 19, 2015 |work=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222223320/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-12-18/ace-attorney-anime-cast-staff-announced/.96692 |archive-date=February 22, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Kodansha]] has published several [[manga]] based on the series: a short story anthology was published in ''Bessatsu Young Magazine'' in 2006; ''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney'' and ''Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth'' were serialized in ''Weekly Young Magazine'' in 2007 and 2009, respectively; and another manga, which is based on the anime, was published in ''[[V Jump]]'' in 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-12-19/new-ace-attorney-manga-to-launch-in-v-jump-next-year/.96608 |title=New Ace Attorney Manga to Launch in V Jump Next Year |date=December 19, 2015 |work=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513150247/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-12-19/new-ace-attorney-manga-to-launch-in-v-jump-next-year/.96608 |archive-date=May 13, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> A novel based on the series, ''Gyakuten Saiban: Turnabout Idol'', was released in June 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/game/content/gyakutensaiban/info/books/835 |title=角川つばさ文庫から 「逆転裁判」のオリジナル小説が発売決定！ |date=May 25, 2016 |publisher=[[Capcom]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531092413/http://www.capcom.co.jp/game/content/gyakutensaiban/info/books/835 |archive-date=May 31, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Ace Attorney'' [[drama CD]]s,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/02/07/phoenix-edgeworth-team-ace-attorney-drama-cd/ |title=Phoenix And Edgeworth Team Up In An ''Ace Attorney'' Drama CD |author=Sato |date=February 7, 2014 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914180252/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/02/07/phoenix-edgeworth-team-ace-attorney-drama-cd/ |archive-date=September 14, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://gematsu.com/2016/03/ace-attorney-6-launches-june-9-japan |title=''Ace Attorney 6'' launches June 9 in Japan |author=Romano, Sal |date=March 6, 2016 |publisher=Gematsu |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409215230/http://gematsu.com/2016/03/ace-attorney-6-launches-june-9-japan |archive-date=April 9, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Music of the Ace Attorney series|soundtrack albums]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/04/20/ace-attorney-series-gets-first-piano-compilation-album/ |title=The ''Ace Attorney'' Series Gets Its First Piano Compilation Album |author=Sato |date=April 20, 2014 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024005148/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/04/20/ace-attorney-series-gets-first-piano-compilation-album/ |archive-date=October 24, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vgmonline.net/aceattorneybox/ |title=Ace Attorney Sound Box |author=Jia, Oliver |date=January 31, 2015 |publisher=VGMO |access-date=April 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329210426/http://www.vgmonline.net/aceattorneybox/ |archive-date=March 29, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Model figure|figurines]] have also been released.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.capcom-unity.com/capkel/blog/2016/11/10/take-that-the-phoenix-wright-figma-is-now-available-for-pre-order |title=TAKE THAT! The Phoenix Wright figma is now available for pre-order! |author=Kellen |date=November 10, 2016 |website=Capcom-Unity |publisher=[[Capcom]] |access-date=November 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110181552/http://www.capcom-unity.com/capkel/blog/2016/11/10/take-that-the-phoenix-wright-figma-is-now-available-for-pre-order?no_redir=1 |archive-date=November 10, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/11/03/ace-attorney-investigations-out-february-in-japan-includes-edge/ |title=''Ace Attorney Investigations 2'' out February in Japan, includes Edgeworth figure |author=Fletcher, JC |date=November 3, 2010 |website=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |access-date=November 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110181813/https://www.engadget.com/2010/11/03/ace-attorney-investigations-out-february-in-japan-includes-edge/ |archive-date=November 10, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/04/17/ace-attorney-5-limited-edition-comes-with-phoenix-wright-figure-and-more/ |title=''Ace Attorney 5'' Limited Edition Comes With Phoenix Wright Figure And More |author=Sato |date=April 17, 2013 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=November 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419095113/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/04/17/ace-attorney-5-limited-edition-comes-with-phoenix-wright-figure-and-more/ |archive-date=April 19, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

''Ace Attorney'' characters have made crossover appearances in other video games. Some ''Ace Attorney'' characters appear in ''[[SNK vs. Capcom Card Fighters DS|SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters DS]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2006/12/12/phoenix-wright-cast-in-snk-vs-capcom-card-fighters/ |title=Phoenix Wright cast in ''SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters'' |author=Hinkle, David |date=December 12, 2006 |website=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531091029/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/12/phoenix-wright-cast-in-snk-vs-capcom-card-fighters/ |archive-date=May 31, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Phoenix and Edgeworth make a cameo appearance in [[She-Hulk]]'s ending in the fighting game ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds]]'';<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-43-character-cameos-of-marvel-vs-capcom-3/2/ |title=The 43 character cameos of ''Marvel vs Capcom 3'' |page=2 |author=Elston, Brett |date=February 18, 2011 |website=[[GamesRadar]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531091331/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-43-character-cameos-of-marvel-vs-capcom-3/2/ |archive-date=May 31, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> in the game's update, ''[[Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3]]'', Phoenix appears as a [[playable character]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/236098/ultimate_marvel_vs_capcom_3_announced_full_roster_leaked.html |title=''Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3'' Announced, Full Roster Leaked |author=Miller, Patrick |date=July 20, 2011 |access-date=May 31, 2016 |work=[[PC World (magazine)|PC World]] |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219114411/http://www.pcworld.com/article/236098/ultimate_marvel_vs_capcom_3_announced_full_roster_leaked.html |archive-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/sdcc-interview-niitsuma-on-ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-206630.phtml |title=SDCC: Interview: Niitsuma on ''Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3'' |author=North, Dale |date=July 21, 2011 |access-date=May 31, 2016 |website=[[Destructoid]] |publisher=Modern Method |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408153437/http://www.destructoid.com/sdcc-interview-niitsuma-on-ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-206630.phtml |archive-date=April 8, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Phoenix and Maya are playable characters in ''[[Project X Zone 2]]'', while Edgeworth makes a [[Non-player character|non-player]] appearance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/05/14/project-x-zone-2-shows-phoenix-wright-maya-fey-and-other-new-characters/ |title=''Project X Zone 2'' Shows Phoenix Wright & Maya Fey, And Other New Characters |author=Sato |date=May 14, 2015 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306021825/http://www.siliconera.com/2015/05/14/project-x-zone-2-shows-phoenix-wright-maya-fey-and-other-new-characters/ |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Phoenix, Maya, Edgeworth and Franziska were all playable in the [[mobile game]] ''[[Monster Hunter]] Explore'' in 2017, as part of one of its temporary crossover events,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-01-29/ace-attorney-characters-now-available-in-monster-hunter-explore/.111455 |title=''Ace Attorney'' Characters Now Available in ''Monster Hunter Explore'' |author=Stimson, Eric |date=January 29, 2017 |work=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=January 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129235506/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-01-29/ace-attorney-characters-now-available-in-monster-hunter-explore/.111455 |archive-date=January 29, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> and a Phoenix transformation is available for a companion character in ''[[Monster Hunter XX]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-03-11/monster-hunter-xx-gets-zelda-ace-attorney-garo-okami-more-crossovers/.113271 |title=''Monster Hunter XX'' Gets ''Zelda'', ''Ace Attorney'', ''Garo'', ''Okami'' More Crossovers |author=Loveridge, Lynzee |date=March 11, 2017 |work=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=March 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311224509/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-03-11/monster-hunter-xx-gets-zelda-ace-attorney-garo-okami-more-crossovers/.113271 |archive-date=March 11, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Music from the ''Ace Attorney'' series is featured in ''[[Taiko no Tatsujin|Taiko Drum Master: Doko Don! Mystery Adventure]]'', with Phoenix making an appearance in the game's story.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gematsu.com/2016/03/taiko-drum-master-doko-don-mystery-adventure-announced-3ds |title=''Taiko Drum Master: Doko Don! Mystery Adventure'' announced for 3DS [Update] |author=Romano, Sal |date=March 8, 2016 |publisher=Gematsu |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502093020/http://gematsu.com/2016/03/taiko-drum-master-doko-don-mystery-adventure-announced-3ds |archive-date=May 2, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2021, Ace Attorney was introduced to ''[[Teppen]]'' alongside the ''[[Dead Rising]]'' franchise with the "Ace vs. The People" expansion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://teppenthegame.com/en/news/info/0000259.html|title=Check out the latest information on the new card set "Ace vs. The People"! <nowiki>|</nowiki> Teppen -Official Site-|publisher=teppenthegame.com|access-date =April 16, 2021}}</ref>

==Legacy==
[[File:Socrates Jones - Euthyphro.png|thumb|The series inspired ''Socrates Jones'', which swaps law for philosophy.|alt=A screenshot from the game Socrates Jones: Pro Philosopher, showing an argument, with a character sprite, a dialogue box, and buttons for selecting what to do displayed.]]
In 2015, ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' named ''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney'' as the 55th-best video game of all time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/best-games-ever/ |title=The 100 best games ever |page=47 |date=2015-02-25 |publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |access-date=2015-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001225618/http://www.gamesradar.com/best-games-ever/ |archive-date=2015-10-01 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, ''[[Famitsu]]'' readers voted the original ''Gyakuten Saiban'' as the second-most memorable Game Boy Advance title (behind only [[Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire|''Pokémon Ruby'' and ''Sapphire'']]) and [[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy|''Gyakuten Saiban 123'']] as the tenth-best Nintendo 3DS game.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ashcraft |first1=Brian |title=Poll: Japan's Most Memorable Games on Each Console |url=https://kotaku.com/poll-japans-most-memorable-games-on-each-console-1780043369 |access-date=12 June 2019 |work=[[Kotaku]] |date=2 June 2016}}</ref> In 2017, ''Famitsu'' readers voted ''Gyakuten Saiban'' the third-best [[adventure game]] of all time, behind only ''[[Steins;Gate]]'' and ''[[428: Shibuya Scramble]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=''Steins;Gate'' is voted the best Adventure game of all time |url=http://www.japanesenintendo.com/post/161547711759 |work=Japanese Nintendo |date=June 7, 2017}}</ref> The ''Ace Attorney'' series has been credited with helping to popularise visual novels in the Western world.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Wallace |first1=Kimberley |title=Five Things You Probably Didn't Know About Capcom's ''Ace Attorney'' Series |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2014/11/21/five-things-you-probably-didn-t-know-about-capcoms-ace-attorney-series.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124191658/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2014/11/21/five-things-you-probably-didn-t-know-about-capcoms-ace-attorney-series.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 24, 2014 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |date=November 21, 2014 |access-date=12 June 2019}}</ref><ref name="usgamer">{{cite news |last1=Mackey |first1=Bob |title=''Danganronpa'' Director Kazutaka Kodaka on the Power of "Psychopop" |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/danganronpa-director-kazutaka-kodaka-on-the-power-of-psychopop |access-date=12 June 2019 |work=[[USgamer]] |date=28 December 2015 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816052722/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/danganronpa-director-kazutaka-kodaka-on-the-power-of-psychopop |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]'' magazine credits the ''Ace Attorney'' series with popularizing the visual novel mystery format<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kotzer |first1=Zack |title={{'}}''Aviary Attorney''{{'}} Looks Like the Best Game About Bird Lawyers in 1848 Paris Ever |url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/nz7vyd/aviary-attorney-looks-like-the-best-game-about-bird-lawyers-in-1848-paris-ever |access-date=12 June 2019 |work=[[Vice Magazine]] |date=20 December 2015}}</ref> and noted that its success anticipated the resurgence of point-and-click adventure games as well as the international success of Japanese visual novels.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wright |first1=Steven T. |title=How the {{'}}''Law and Order''{{'}} of Gaming Has Lasted for 15 Years |url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mvkg93/phoenix-enduring-how-the-law-and-order-of-gaming-has-lasted-for-15-years-ace-attorney-capcom |website=[[Vice Magazine]] |access-date=12 June 2019 |date=13 September 2016}}</ref> According to ''[[Danganronpa]]'' director [[Kazutaka Kodaka]], ''Ace Attorney''{{'}}s success in North America was due to how it distinguished itself from most visual novels with its gameplay mechanics, which ''Danganronpa'' later built upon and helped it also find success in North America.<ref name="usgamer" />

The ''Ace Attorney'' series has also inspired many video games. The 2008 Capcom title ''[[Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law (video game)|Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law]]'', based on the [[Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law|animated series]], shares many elements with the ''Ace Attorney'' series.<ref name="hbm1">{{cite web |url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/48058/e3-07-harvey-birdman-attorney |title=E3 07: ''Harvey Birdman: Attorney At Law'' Preview |website=Shacknews |first=Carlos |last=Bergfield |date=July 20, 2007 |access-date=February 24, 2017}}</ref><ref name="hbm2">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/01/14/harvey-birdman-attorney-at-law-review |title=Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law Review (Wii) |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |first=Greg |last=Miller |date=January 14, 2008 |access-date=February 24, 2017}}</ref>  The 2013 title ''[[Socrates Jones: Pro Philosopher]]'' keeps the ''Ace Attorney'' format but swaps law for philosophical argument, and the 2015 adventure game ''[[Aviary Attorney]]'' features similar gameplay but with an all-bird cast of characters.<ref name="Gameological: Socrates">{{cite web |url=http://gameological.com/2013/09/sawbuck-gamer-socrates-jones-pro-philosopher/ |access-date=March 21, 2015 |title=Philosophize It |last1=Kodner |first1=Matt |date=September 26, 2013 |work=The Gameological Society |publisher=Onion, Inc. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316184303/http://gameological.com/2013/09/sawbuck-gamer-socrates-jones-pro-philosopher/ |archive-date=March 16, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Adventure: Socrates">{{cite web |url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/articles/view/25383 |access-date=March 21, 2015 |title=Following Freeware: August 2013 releases |date=September 30, 2013 |work=[[Adventure Gamers]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325061920/http://www.adventuregamers.com/articles/view/25383 |archive-date=March 25, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> The 2016 video game ''[[Detective Pikachu (video game)|Detective Pikachu]]'', which received a [[Detective Pikachu (film)|2019 film adaptation]], has also drawn comparisons to the ''Ace Attorney'' series.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gum-chu: Detective Pikachu for 3DS review |url=https://eu.rgj.com/story/life/2018/05/11/detective-pikachu-3-ds-review-technobubble/600479002/ |access-date=12 June 2019 |work=[[Reno Gazette Journal]] |date=May 11, 2018}}</ref><ref name="eurogamer">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Tom |title=''Detective Pikachu'' sees Pokémon fully embrace its anime heritage |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-03-16-pokemon-detective-pikachu |access-date=26 February 2019 |work=[[Eurogamer]] |date=16 March 2018}}</ref> The 2023 visual novel ''Tyrion Cuthbert: Attorney of the Arcane'' also parodies the franchise, following a lawyer who defends clients in a supernatural setting.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://rpgamer.com/2023/07/adventure-corner-tyrion-cuthbert-attorney-of-the-arcane/ |title=Adventure Corner ~ Tyrion Cuthbert: Attorney of the Arcane |date=2023-07-20 |website=RPGamer |last=Fuller |first=Alex |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222122723/https://rpgamer.com/2023/07/adventure-corner-tyrion-cuthbert-attorney-of-the-arcane/ |archive-date=2024-02-22 |url-status=live}}</ref>

''Ace Attorney'' is referenced in several [[anime]] shows. In a murder mystery arc of the 2006 anime series ''[[Haruhi Suzumiya]]'', the show's titular character mimics Phoenix Wright during an episode.<ref>{{cite web |title=La Mélancolie de ''Haruhi Suzumiya'' (Dieu est une Tsundere) - Crito's Bizarre Adventures |url=http://www.gameblog.fr/blogs/critobulle/p_76333_la-melancolie-de-haruhi-suzumiya-dieu-est-une-tsundere |website=[[:fr:Gameblog|Gameblog]] |date=October 30, 2012 |access-date=12 June 2019 |language=fr}}</ref> The 2014 anime series ''[[No Game No Life]]'' also pays homage to the game during an episode.<ref>{{cite web |title=No Game No Life |url=https://tay.kinja.com/no-game-no-life-the-ani-tay-review-1595368572|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215215625/https://tay.kinja.com/no-game-no-life-the-ani-tay-review-1595368572|archive-date=15 February 2020|url-status=dead |website=[[Kinja]] |date=26 June 2014 |access-date=12 June 2019}}</ref>

In early 2021, a user on [[Reddit]] created a bot which took selected Reddit forum arguments into short movies fashioned after ''Ace Attorney'' courtroom battles between the games' various characters.<ref name="verge reddit aa" /> A similar bot was later created for the platform [[Twitter|X]] (commonly known as Twitter).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-02 |title=Random: The Ace Attorney Court Bot Is Probably Closing Shop Thanks To Twitter's New Rules |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/02/random-the-ace-attorney-court-bot-is-probably-closing-shop-thanks-to-twitters-new-rules |access-date=2023-11-11 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref> Later in the year, the ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'' noted its [[queer studies|queer]] inspiration and influence: the first game was inspired by quite a bit of [[slash fiction|fanwork which features same-sex pairings]], developers in turn took inspiration from [[Yaoi]] (boys' love) in writing the sequels' characters.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Jef|last1=Rouner|first2=Meredith|last2=Nudo|date=2021-05-30|url=https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/dadification-rises-in-importance-as-video-games-embrace-queer-romance|title='Dadification' rises in importance as video games embrace queer romance|newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604194237/https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/dadification-rises-in-importance-as-video-games-embrace-queer-romance|archive-date=2021-06-04}}</ref>{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==

{{reflist|refs=

<!-- Famitsu profiles / reviews -->

<ref name="fam aa1 gba">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=831 |title=逆転裁判 まとめ (GBA) |language=ja |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |access-date=October 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011011730/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=831 |archive-date=October 11, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="fam aa1 nds">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=51 |title=逆転裁判 蘇る逆転 まとめ (DS) |language=ja |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |access-date=October 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009112749/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=51 |archive-date=October 9, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="fam aa1 wii">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9391 |title=逆転裁判 蘇る逆転 （Wiiウェア ダウンロード版） まとめ (Wii) |language=ja |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |access-date=October 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009115926/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9391 |archive-date=October 9, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="fam aa1 ios">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9215 |title=逆転裁判 蘇る逆転 （iPhone/iPod touch） まとめ (iPhone/iPod) |language=ja |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |access-date=October 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011021225/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9215 |archive-date=October 11, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="fam tri ios">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=26218 |title=逆転裁判 123HD 〜成歩堂 龍一編〜 まとめ (iPhone/iPod) |language=ja |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |access-date=October 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627123320/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=26218 |archive-date=June 27, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="fam tri 3ds">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=30267 |title=逆転裁判123 成歩堂セレクション まとめ (3DS) |language=ja |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |access-date=October 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011014329/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=30267 |archive-date=October 11, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="fam aa2 gba">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=7886 |title=逆転裁判2 まとめ (GBA) |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |language=ja |access-date=April 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406145644/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=7886 |archive-date=April 6, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="fam aa2 nds">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=50 |title=逆転裁判2 まとめ (DS) |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |language=ja |access-date=April 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406200930/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=50 |archive-date=April 6, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="fam aa2 wii">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9392 |title=逆転裁判2 （Wiiウェア ダウンロード版） まとめ (Wii) |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |language=ja |access-date=April 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406144644/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9392 |archive-date=April 6, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="fam aa3 gba">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=7885 |title=逆転裁判3 まとめ [GBA] |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=May 20, 2016 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520152957/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=7885 |archive-date=May 20, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="fam aa3 nds">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=48 |title=逆転裁判3 まとめ [DS] |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=May 20, 2016 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116233119/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=48 |archive-date=November 16, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="fam aa3 wii">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9393 |title=逆転裁判3 （Wiiウェア ダウンロード版） まとめ [Wii] |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=May 20, 2016 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119024528/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9393 |archive-date=November 19, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="fam aa4 nds">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=49 |title=逆転裁判4 まとめ [DS] |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531093220/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=49 |archive-date=May 31, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="fam aa5 3ds">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=26217 |title=逆転裁判5 まとめ [3DS] |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104081219/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=26217 |archive-date=November 4, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="fam aa5 ios">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=31199 |title=逆転裁判5 まとめ [iPhone/iPod] |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109061649/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=31199 |archive-date=November 9, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="fam aai1 nds">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=2283 |title=逆転検事 まとめ [DS] |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104225824/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=2283 |archive-date=November 4, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="fam aai2 nds">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=16294 |title=逆転検事2 まとめ [DS] |language=ja |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=May 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525151246/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=16294 |archive-date=May 25, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="fam plvsaa 3ds">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=17148 |title=レイトン教授VS逆転裁判 まとめ [3DS] |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110001518/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=17148 |archive-date=November 10, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="fam dgs1 3ds">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=30314 |title=大逆転裁判 -成歩堂龍ノ介の冒險- まとめ [3DS] |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031222641/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=30314 |archive-date=October 31, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="fam aa6 3ds">{{cite web |url=http://gematsu.com/2016/05/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1435 |title=Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1435 |author=Romano, Sal |date=May 31, 2016 |publisher=Gematsu |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804135416/http://gematsu.com/2016/05/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1435 |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<!-- Other release refs -->

<ref name="1up pc">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/news/phoenix-wright-episodic-pcs |title=Phoenix Wright Goes Episodic on PCs |author=Whiting, Mark |date=March 12, 2008 |website=[[1UP.com]] |access-date=October 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108180416/http://www.1up.com/news/phoenix-wright-episodic-pcs |archive-date=November 8, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="kot tri ios">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/the-phoenix-wright-hd-trilogy-is-finally-out-on-ios-tod-510562587 |title=The ''Phoenix Wright HD Trilogy'' Is Finally Out On iOS Today |author=Schreier, Jason |date=May 30, 2013 |publisher=[[Kotaku]] |access-date=October 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202000641/http://kotaku.com/the-phoenix-wright-hd-trilogy-is-finally-out-on-ios-tod-510562587 |archive-date=December 2, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="pol tri 3ds">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/10/9/6953975/ace-attorney-trilogy-release-date-nintendo-3ds |title=''Ace Attorney Trilogy'' comes to Nintendo 3DS in December |author=McWhertor, Michael |date=October 9, 2014 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=October 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706062620/http://www.polygon.com/2014/10/9/6953975/ace-attorney-trilogy-release-date-nintendo-3ds |archive-date=July 6, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="4g aa3 win">{{cite web |url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/029/G002912/ |title=逆転裁判3 PC |website=[[4Gamer.net]] |publisher=Aetas Inc. |access-date=May 20, 2016 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103024516/http://www.4gamer.net/games/029/G002912/ |archive-date=January 3, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="cap aa4 nds na">{{cite web|url=http://www.capcom-unity.com/lost/blog/2008/01/11/capcomregs_apollo_justicetrade_ace_attorney_coming|title=Capcom's ''Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney'' Coming To North America On February 19|publisher=[[Capcom]]|date= January 11, 2008|access-date=January 24, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080115065156/http://blog.capcom.com/archives/762| archive-date= January 15, 2008| url-status= live}}</ref>

<ref name="nin aa4 nds eu">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-DS/Apollo-Justice-Ace-Attorney-270044.html |title=''Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney'' |publisher=[[Nintendo|Nintendo UK]] |access-date=February 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114052421/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-DS/Apollo-Justice-Ace-Attorney-270044.html |archive-date=January 14, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="pol aa5 digital">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/6/12/4421234/ace-attorney-dual-destinies-digital-only-development-schedule |title=''Ace Attorney — Dual Destinies'' is downloadable-only to reduce delay in English localized release |author=Corriea, Alexa Ray |date=June 12, 2013 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235828/http://www.polygon.com/2013/6/12/4421234/ace-attorney-dual-destinies-digital-only-development-schedule |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="destruct aa5 ios eng">{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/ace-attorney-dual-destinies-is-available-on-ios-now-279658.phtml |title=''Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies'' is available on iOS now |author=Carter, Chris |date=August 15, 2014 |website=[[Destructoid]] |publisher=Modern Method |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121052810/http://www.destructoid.com/ace-attorney-dual-destinies-is-available-on-ios-now-279658.phtml |archive-date=November 21, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="sil aa6 3ds ja">{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/06/ace-attorney-6-release-japan-june-9-gets-new-videos-info/ |title=''Ace Attorney 6'' To Release In Japan On June 9, Gets New Videos And Info |author=Sato |date=March 6, 2016 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=March 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325030816/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/06/ace-attorney-6-release-japan-june-9-gets-new-videos-info/ |archive-date=March 25, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="sil aa6 3ds naeu">{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/05/11/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-spirit-justice-brings-order-courts-september/ |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit Of Justice'' Brings Order To Courts In September |author=Jenni |date=May 11, 2016 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=May 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512115428/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/05/11/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-spirit-justice-brings-order-courts-september/ |archive-date=May 12, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="pol plvsaa 3ds naeu">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/18/5223530/professor-layton-vs-phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-coming-to-3ds-on |title=''Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney'' coming to 3DS on March 28 in Europe |author=Gera, Emily |date=December 18, 2013 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508112743/http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/18/5223530/professor-layton-vs-phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-coming-to-3ds-on |archive-date=May 8, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<!-- Metacritic -->

<ref name="mc aa1 nds">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney'' for DS Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012151119/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney |archive-date=October 12, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="mc aa2 nds">{{cite web|url= https://www.metacritic.com/game/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-justice-for-all/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All'' for DS Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406143248/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney---justice-for-all |archive-date=April 6, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="mc aa3 nds">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trials-and/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations'' for DS Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305022436/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney---trials-and-tribulations |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="mc aa4 nds">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/apollo-justice-ace-attorney/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=''Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney'' |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228033518/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ds/apollojusticeaceattorney |archive-date=February 28, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="mc aa5 3ds">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-dual-destinies/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies'' |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305224631/http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney---dual-destinies |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

82/100<ref name="mc aa6 3ds">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-spirit-of-justice/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice'' for 3DS Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=August 2, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802152451/http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney---spirit-of-justice |archive-date=August 2, 2017 }}</ref>

<ref name="mc aai1 nds">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ace-attorney-investigations-miles-edgeworth/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=''Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth'' |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211153053/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/ace-attorney-investigations-miles-edgeworth |archive-date=December 11, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="mc plvsaa 3ds">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/professor-layton-vs-ace-attorney/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=''Professor Layton VS Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney'' |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309060951/http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/professor-layton-vs-phoenix-wright-ace-attorney |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<!-- Development -->

<ref name="sil dgs new series">{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/04/24/great-ace-attorney-start-new-series/ |title=''The Great Ace Attorney'' Is The Start Of A New Series |author=Sato |date=April 24, 2014 |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=September 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209182333/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/04/24/great-ace-attorney-start-new-series/ |archive-date=February 9, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<!-- Localization -->

<ref name="usg aai2 limbo">{{cite web |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/a-complete-fan-translation-has-rescued-ace-attorney-investigations-2-from-localization-limbo |title=A Complete Fan Translation has Rescued ''Ace Attorney Investigations 2'' from Localization Limbo |author=Mackey, Bob |date=March 12, 2015 |website=[[USgamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320001448/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/a-complete-fan-translation-has-rescued-ace-attorney-investigations-2-from-localization-limbo |archive-date=March 20, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
*{{Official website | http://www.ace-attorney.com }}

{{Ace Attorney}}
{{Shu Takumi}}
{{Franchises by Capcom}}
{{Portal bar|2000s|Anime and manga|Japan|Law|Music|Video games}}

[[Category:Ace Attorney| ]]
[[Category:Capcom franchises]]
[[Category:Kodansha manga]]
[[Category:Legal comedies]]
[[Category:Murder mystery video games]]
[[Category:Mystery adventure games]]
[[Category:Shueisha manga]]
[[Category:Video game franchises]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 2001]]
[[Category:Video games set in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Video games set in Japan]]
[[Category:Visual novels]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into films]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into television shows]]
[[Category:Video games about law]]
[[Category:Video games about wrongful convictions]]
[[Category:Works about lawyers]]
[[Category:Works set in courtrooms]]