It may seem like an odd match at first: a video game series based around solving puzzles, and another series that simulates courtroom battles. But in Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, from Level 5 and Capcom for Nintendo 3DS, it helps that both series’ exercise users’ brains and fingers in similar ways. The plot revolves around a mysterious girl, Espella, who shows up at the London office of Professor Layton—a world-renowned archaeologist and puzzle-solver—seeking his assistance. That same girl pops up again as the defendant in an assault, with her public defender being, of course, Phoenix Wright, who happens to be visiting England at the time.
The main plotline aside, both franchises are known for game play based on taking visual information, analyzing it, applying a little trial and error, and ultimately puzzling out the solution. It just so happens that Layton’s adventures require, for example, reassembling broken hieroglyphics into a whole, while Wright’s call for comparing a witness’ statement against photographic evidence. In the end, both are great exercises for developing mental acuity and powers of observation.
As the game alternates between Layton’s and Wright’s perspectives—at the beginning, at least, each disappears for a stretch—the player interface remains relatively the same. They usually have some kind of cursor, which can be used to take a closer look at objects. Players also have a touchscreen menu that allows easy access to clues, up-to-the-moment story recaps for anyone picking up after a hiatus, and trusty sidekicks who provide helpful clues if necessary.
With regards to the story itself, it is interesting enough to keep the game’s teen audience suitably involved, especially those fans of the dark and mystical. The game frequently cuts to animated sequences, some of which look like a children’s show, while others are heavily influenced by Japanese anime; either way, it’s fluid and well done (though there are some sequences of violence that may prove too intense for younger players). The bottom line: Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is enthralling, both mentally and viscerally. It doesn’t take too much critical thinking to see why anyone would want to see it through to the end.
