12 Reasons to Play The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles

Release date: July 26, 2021 — the double‑pack that finally sent a Meiji‑era lawyer and a pompous Victorian detective into polite, dramatic combat for Western players.

1. Storytelling with period charm (and a twist of melodrama)

The Chronicles drops you into late 19th century Japan and Victorian England — a refreshingly specific playground for murder mysteries. You play Ryunosuke Naruhodo, an ancestor of Phoenix Wright, and his travels explode into a globe‑spanning conspiracy, a haunted cold case, and the kind of courtroom melodrama that knows how to pace a twist. It’s affectionate historical fiction: lots of tea, clashing etiquette, and villain monologues that delight rather than belabor.

2. Character work that steals every scene

Susato Mikotoba is a quietly competent foil, and the game’s riff on Sherlock — Herlock Sholmes — is comedy gold. The supporting cast is brilliantly written: exaggerated when it needs to be, human when it counts. If the series has a superpower, it’s introducing ridiculous personalities and then making you care about them.

3. New mechanics keep the formula fresh

This isn’t just point, press, and yell “OBJECTION!” The game introduces inventive segments — most famously the “Dance of Deduction,” where you reconstruct a detective’s flawed reasoning, and the Summation Examination courtroom bits — that force you to reverse the usual logic. They’re playful, clever, and occasionally infuriating in an enjoyable way.

4. Investigation sections that actually feel rewarding

Talking to witnesses, inspecting evidence, and putting together timelines feels tactile. Cases encourage thorough reading and thinking, and the assistance feature will nudge newcomers without infantilizing veterans. Expect dozens of hours: each title packs five full murder‑mystery episodes, so this double‑pack is a meaty narrative meal.

5. Localization that mostly lands — with personality

The English script adopts period flourishes and witty banter rather than a direct word‑for‑word translation. That choice gives the game an accessible voice for Western audiences, though it occasionally substitutes historical exactitude for comic timing. On balance, it’s a localization that adds character rather than robbing it.

6. Dual audio options: act loud or remain elegant

You can play with English audio or the original Japanese performance with English subtitles. Both are solid: the Japanese cast sells the melodrama, while the English voice work brings a different flavor of theatricality. Either way, expect committed performances and the occasional hammy delivery that fits the series’ stagey charm.

7. Soundtrack that deserves a bow

The music swaps between theatrical fanfares, tense strings, and wistful period motifs. It accentuates reveals and underlines the game’s emotional beats without being showy. Fans who love video game scores will find themselves humming themes long after the credits roll.

8. Visuals: style over ultra‑polish

The character portraits, expressive animations, and costume design sell the era beautifully. The 3D courtroom and background models aren’t pushing next‑gen graphics, but they don’t need to: the art direction is cohesive and charming. If you want photorealism, sure—turn on a crime documentary. If you want character and theatricality, you’re in the right place.

9. Humor that’s actually funny — and often self‑aware

Skepticism and snark are built into the dialogue. The Herlock Sholmes segments alone are worth the price for their absurdity. The game roasts itself and the conventions of detective fiction in ways that feel affectionate rather than mean-spirited.

10. Accessibility features that respect your time

The assistance feature helps if you get stuck in an investigation — very welcome in a game that sometimes requires precise sequence thinking. There are also standard visual novel conveniences like text history and easy scene navigation, making it less of a slog to replay favorite moments.

11. It expands the Ace Attorney formula in meaningful ways

Between its setting, mechanics, and tone, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles isn’t just a nostalgic spin‑off: it experiments. The Dance of Deduction and other innovations show that the franchise can evolve without losing the punchy courtroom spectacle that fans love.

12. Value: two full games in one package

Ten episodes total, dozens of hours, multiple voice options, and a soundtrack that delights — this collection is a generous offering for both series veterans and curious newcomers. If you like narrative-rich adventure with puzzle beats, you’ll be busy for a while.

What the community says (and what the numbers actually reveal)

The Steam summary labels the reception as “Very Positive” — 93% of recent reviews (44) and 93% of all English reviews (3,086) are in favor. That’s not lukewarm. It’s a solid thumbs‑up across a large sample size, which tells you the game’s strengths aren’t just niche: the writing, characters, and fresh mechanics resonate widely.

• Common praises: smart, witty writing; standout characters; inventive new gameplay bits; strong soundtrack; faithful, charming period ambiance.
• Common complaints: some pacing issues (investigation stretches can feel repetitive), the odd obtuse puzzle, occasional localization liberties that some players dislike, and a handful of minor port/bug reports on release.

Bottom line: the praise is consistent and broad, while the criticisms cluster around pacing and puzzle clarity rather than core design flaws. That pattern suggests the game succeeds at what it sets out to do — entertain through character and mystery — while occasionally asking you to be patient and meticulous.

Final verdict — should you play it?

If you love narrative adventure, enjoy clever puzzles framed as conversation, and want an Ace Attorney game that experiments without losing its soul, this double‑pack is a home run. It’s witty, theatrical, occasionally infuriating in the best way, and genuinely inventive. If you’re allergic to long reading passages, repetition in investigations, or translations that prioritize tone over literalness, know what you’re signing up for — but most players will find the payoffs well worth the patience.

Playtime warning: Expect dozens of hours across ten cases. The game rewards careful reading and careful thinking. If that sounds like punishment, it shouldn’t; it’s precisely why fans queue up for more.

Quick facts

• Release date: July 26, 2021
• Structure: Two titles, five episodes each (10 total)
• Genres/tags: visual novel, detective, mystery, adventure, historical, stylish soundtrack
• Audio: English or Japanese voice options with English subtitles
• Community rating: Very Positive — 93% (recent & overall English reviews; 44 recent, 3,086 total)

So yes: bring your wits, your patience, and maybe a friend to narrate the best moments in that perfect overblown courtroom voice. The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles isn’t just lawyer drama — it’s a very polite, very theatrical, very satisfying whodunit with a grin.

Add The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles to your Steam collection!