Review: Dragon Ball Z – Ultimate Tenkaichi (PS3)

Capcom’s Gyakuten Saiban series is yet another example of unfortunate localization choices. This one goes up there with the sequel numbering mess that followed Final Fantasy II through VI in the US, Street Fighter II‘s complex web of character names, and even Sega’s Feel the Magic games on DS. It’s a simple as this: when you don’t localize the title of a game accurately, you end up in trouble with the sequels.

Getting back to Gyakuten Saiban, the Phoenix Wright series of games has done respectably well on the DS in the US, something nobody really expected, but Capcom has to be happy about. Now that the series’ protagonist has changed, we can’t really call it Phoenix Wright, now can we? Now it’s Apollo Justice, and we need to keep the Ace Attorney name. Incidentally, Gyakuten Saiban means “judgment reversal.” Maybe something like an overturned ruling?

On that note, here’s the less confusing news. Capcom’s warning some time ago that weak sales of the then-impending Phoenix Wright: Justice For All would eliminate chances of Apollo Justice appearing the US were apparently not needed. People ate up that sequel, as they will this one, on Feb. 12th. Read on for the release.

CAPCOM¬Æ’S APOLLO JUSTICETM: ACE ATTORNEYTM COMING TO NORTH AMERICA ON FEBRUARY 12
Test the Compelling Court Room Adventure Yourself with Free Online Demo
SAN MATEO, Calif. — January 9, 2008  Capcom® Entertainment, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that the latest installment of its highly popular courtroom drama series, Apollo Justice™: Ace Attorney™ is scheduled for release in North America on February 12, 2008. The first Ace Attorney game developed specifically for Nintendo DS™, this is the fourth title in the series and will feature all new characters, including new defense attorney Apollo Justice. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney has been rated T for Teen by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB).

This new chapter to the Ace Attorney series will drop players into the shoes of Apollo Justice, where they’ll make use of his uncanny ability to uncover witnesses‚Äô lies by studying their body language. But as talented as our hero is, he wouldn’t get far without the support of his assistant Trucy, a mysterious female magician. Apollo also receives invaluable advice from Kristoph Gavin, his ultra-cool mentor whose perfect logic and natural instincts have won him numerous cases and the respect of his colleagues.

Fans and newcomers alike will get a chance to experience the game early by way of a flash demo that will be found on both www.Capcom-Unity.com and www.Ace-Attorney.com in January. Similarly, Nintendo DS™ owners will have the opportunity to download via wi-fi a demo of the game from Nintendo Stations which can be found in various retail locations. By sampling the unique puzzles, characters and storyline of Apollo Justice, gamers will see for themselves what the hysteria surrounding Ace Attorney series is all about – unrelenting fun!

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Features:
• All-new courtroom adventure from the creators of Phoenix Wright™: Ace Attorney™
• 1st fully new title to be developed specifically for the Nintendo DS.
• Classic Ace Attorney gameplay with new modes that let you survey crime scenes, interview witnesses and gather evidence before defending your client in court!
• Microphone can be used to yell “Objection!” and “Hold it!” as you cross examine witnesses
• All new “Crime Recreation Mode” that allows players to reveal hidden clues by re-creating the scene of the crime
• Two distinct gameplay segments:
o Investigation phase – survey crime scenes, interview witnesses and gather evidence that will be used in court
o Court phase – present findings from the investigation to support your case, listen to testimonies and examine witnesses
• Diverse cast of characters:
Apollo Justice: the new defense attorney who leads the series.
Klavier Gavin: in addition to being a top prosecutor, Klavier is also the lead singer in a highly successful rock band who brings his star qualities into the courtroom.
Kristoph Gavin: the coolest character on the judicial circuit, and Apollo’s mentor. His cool headed thinking means he always provides his clients with the best defense.
Trucy : The mysterious magician Trucy started working with Apollo after a chance encounter.

For more information, please visit www.ace-attorney.com