Objection!
One aspect of Phoenix Wright that is important to understand is that while it is science fiction, the issues surrounding its story are meant to reflect real life controversies in Japanese society, and that this aspect of the Ace Attorney series as a whole is somewhat lost in the translation from Japanese to English. Phoenix Wright is not a translation of Gyakuten Saiban Yomigaeru Gyakuten, but rather a localization, meaning that the story has been slightly altered to reflect the culture of the language it is translated into. While the original takes place in its native Japan, the English version is set in the United States, and therefore the Americanized version of the story becomes less grounded in reality. Pop culture critic William "Suede" DuFresne, in his comedic review of the live action film Ace Attorney, (see annotated sections of video), explores this aspect of franchise's mythos, (DuFresne, "Animenia - Ace Attorney"). The court system of the game may be fictional, but it is grounded in the struggles that real people face. Phoenix's quest for the truth, for justice, is real. This makes his mission not only entertaining, but important.
Young and optimistic, Phoenix wants honest justice and is willing to fight for it - armed with the law, investigative skills, some peculiar friends, and limitless determination. The interactive story takes the player through two types of gameplay, consisting of investigations where the player searches for clues to the crime, and trials where the player points out contradictions in the testimonies of witnesses. Both of these play styles, in essence, are searches for the truth, and in this embodies the mission of the main character as he challenges the corrupt and flawed system he works within, and tries to save his friend Edgeworth from his own crooked ways.
With its ludic mechanics, a unique artistry and visual storytelling, strong characters, and an intense narrative, Phoenix Wright tells a tale of personal growth, redemption, and heroism in a world that seeks to destroy heroes. While it paints a picture of a dark world, its optimistic story leaves its players hopeful for the future, and professes that justice can always prevail over fraudulency.
