I remember the first time I played Pheonix Wright: Ace Attorney; I couldn't put it down.  It's amazing how much fun can be had out of a game that is based upon the foundations of law.  Then again, how can the Ace Attorney series not be fun; with loveable characters, a detailed storyline, and puzzles that leave you with a sense of accomplishment upon finishing them.  There's nothing quite like knowing you solved a crime, for the most part, on your own.  This is why I've waited for nearly a year for the release of the newest installment of the Ace Attorney series; Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth.

Those of you familiar with the Ace Attorney series know that the game normally consist of two sections; finding clues and uncovering information, and presenting them in court and cross-examining the witnesses.  The main protagonist of the first three games was Pheonix Wright; a quirky young defense attorney with a sense of justice and a spirit channeling sidekick.  His eternal rival was, of course, the prosecutor Miles Edgeworth; a stubborn, harsh young man, and a childhood friend of Pheonix.  The two didn't always see eye to eye; but occasionally found themselves teaming up; Pheonix even defending Miles in one murder case.

While the fourth game strayed into whole new characters (but with cameo's of the original cast, of course), Miles Edgeworth returns to the scene in Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth.  As the name suggests, the protagonist is indeed the prosecutor.  His bumbling, not-to-bright, but loveable sidekick, the detective Gumshoe, also returns in this game; though he occasionally makes way for new characters and old alike to stand by Miles' side.

Though some of the original cast has returned, this is defiantly not like the original Pheonix Wright games.  Yes, you still get to collect evidence, press witnesses, and cross-examine to uncover the truth; but this time there's whole new elements to the game.

For one, Miles never has to step foot inside of a courtroom.  That's right, no more being stuck in staring at a witness on the stand for 20 minutes as you try to figure out which part of their testimony is a lie; now you get to stare at them outside the courtroom for 20 minutes.  Cross-examinations take place anywhere, anytime; and quite often.

Another new aspect is the third person view.  You can quite literally see Miles walk around as he gather's evidence; the game switching back to first person view to closely examine evidence.  Using a stylus and a map located on the bottom screen, you get to lead Edgeworth throughout everything from offices to amusement parks.

The game has beautifully designed background and characters; as well as full-motion cut-scenes.  Overall, it's a game not to be passed up by fans and newcomers to the series alike.   If you're looking for a game that will keep you on your toes and rely on smarts rather than brawn, be sure to check out Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth.