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I’ll say it now: this Ace Attorney game is the best one. It may not be the end of the Ace Attorney franchise, but this game solidifies what playing as Phoenix Wright is all about and what it means to actually play through these types of games. Despite it being an over-glorified text adventure, Trials and Tribulations is a fantastic addition to the Nintendo DS’s library. Without many technical problems, the game pulls off one hell of a good time.

This installment is no different from the previous two Ace Attorney titles. Not that this is a bad thing, though. The only things that are new are some music tracks, the characters, the scenarios, and the locations. Otherwise, you have the same old Phoenix, cracking-wise behind everyone’s backs, a lot of memorable tracks from the first two games, the famous Psyche-lock system which brings testimony out of the usual courtroom proceedings, and five brand-new cases which delve into Phoenix’s past, as well as his assistant Maya’s and her sister Mia’s.

Like the proceeding titles, Trials and Tribulations is split up into two main portions: investigating the scene of the crime, interrogating suspects, and then cross-examining them during hilarious court proceedings which always shed truth on every aspect of the case at hand. While this game doesn’t change anything up, the new cases aren’t as long and arduous as some previous cases. It can be argued that the cases in Trials and Tribulations are perfect. None of them are too long (except the fifth one, which is almost obligated to be the longest case), or too boring. Things are always kept fresh to keep the player enthralled. You’ll just have to play the game yourself to find out.

However, no one can go without admitting that there are some mind-bending portions of select cross-examinations. But, that’s just in all the fun of an Ace Attorney title, especially ones starring Phoenix Wright.

Some of the music you will hear throughout the game will be some of the best that will ever grace your ear drums, as it can be considered some of the best music to be used in an Ace Attorney game. The game features a perfect blend of old fan favorites and fresh new tracks. No one should be disappointed in this respect. The graphics are still 2D, but are drawn and crafted so articulately that you won’t care if they are 3D, 4D, or 5D. They get the job done, and that’s all that matters.

Technically, the game runs fine. However, this is the first Ace Attorney game to ever feature slowdowns. Sometimes, when Phoenix points his finger out, or switches to a full-frontal shot of his face, the game will slow for a second or two, but that’s the only real problem. However, some people might be greatly bothered by a handful of spelling mistakes.