History ShoutOut / AceAttorney

'''Please, if you are writing an example, try to be as specific as possible to the reference, while also marking out appropriate crucial spoilers. Being vague about it is something we should avoid. Also, please try to keep this page as organized as possible.'''

!!General

!!''VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorney''

* In Case 2, Detective Gumshoe asks if you remember his name. Choosing one of the wrong options nets you this gem:
--> '''Phoenix:''' "Um... Suedeshoes, wasn't it?" \\
'''Gumshoe:''' "That's me! [[Music/ElvisPresley Don't step on my blue suede shoes...]]" \\
'''Gumshoe:''' "[[LampshadeHanging Wait!]] [[WaxingLyrical That's a song, pal!]]"
** There's a shout-out here in Japanese as well; one of the options is "Nokonoko," the Japanese name of [[Franchise/SuperMarioBros Koopa Troopa]].
* The Gatewater Hotel becoming famous for an illegal wiretapping operation. The hotel name and the event reference the Watergate Complex in Washington DC, which lent its name to the scandal that brought down UsefulNotes/RichardNixon (although the real thing is today just apartments and offices, back in 1972 one of its buildings was a hotel).
* The footage from the "[[ShowWithinAShow Steel Samurai]]" show bears more than a passing resemblance to the opening cutscene of the original ''VideoGame/NinjaGaiden'' game.
* The Steel Samurai's motto is "[[VideoGame/ZeroWing For great justice!]]"
* Show Maya the photo of the Steel Samurai after the first day of trials and Phoenix quotes ''Literature/AlicesAdventuresInWonderland''.
--> '''Phoenix''': [Will Powers] doesn't seem the type, does he. (Curiouser and curiouser...)
* '''Mia:''' (referring to Cody) [[Film/TheEmpireStrikesBack "That boy is our last hope!"]]
* Phoenix, on [[spoiler:why Cody deleted photos of the Steel Samurai defeated]]: ''[[Film/AFewGoodMen "He couldn't handle the truth!"]]''
* Case 4 states [[Music/{{Devo}} someone should whip that Butz into shape]]. Don't worry, ItMakesSenseInContext.
* Miles Edgeworth's father Gregory is based off [[Creator/GregoryPeck Atticus]] [[Literature/ToKillAMockingbird Finch]].
* Ema suggests there should be letters in the detective's [=IDs=] if you examine Goodman's ID card and suggests a possible ID.
-->'''Phoenix:''' "A name and ID number are written here. "Detective Bruce Goodman, ID# 5842189"."\\
'''Ema:''' "I wonder why they only use numbers for [=IDs=]."\\
'''Phoenix:''' "What else would they use?"\\
'''Ema:''' "Letters, silly! They're the reason we have a written language in the first place!"\\
'''Phoenix:''' "True..."\\
'''Ema:''' ""Detective Bruce Goodman, ID: [[WesternAnimation/TheFlintstones YABADAB]]". See? Wouldn't it be better?"\\
'''Phoenix:''' ""YABADAB"? Well, it does have a certain ring to it..."\\
'''Ema:''' "Exactly my point! Tee-hee!"\\
'''Phoenix:''' "(It doesn't take much to amuse her.)"
** In the same case, there's this chat upon examining the Parking Lot B Block:
---> '''Phoenix:''' ""B Block" is through there. That's where visitors park." \\
'''Ema:''' "I can see the Lunchland car over there... far in the distance." \\
'''Phoenix:''' "Hey, you're right. I like the cute design on the door. (I can see... [[LetsMeetTheMeat a cartoon cow munching down on a juicy looking steak]].)" \\
'''Ema:''' "... Doesn't that strike you as a little... creepy?" \\
'''Phoenix:''' "[[MST3KMantra Just don't think too deeply about it and you'll be fine.]]"
* '''Ema:''' [[Film/MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail "I-it's only a flesh wound, Mr. Wright!"]]
* In the final case, where a crucial piece of evidence is [[spoiler: a handprint on a piece of brown leather]]: "Hey, I think I've [[VideoGame/{{Myst}} seen that on a shirt, before.]]"
* The CompilationRerelease for the 3DS adds this gem:
-->'''Judge:''' "Don't "oops" me! Maybe this [[Radio/TheFrantics boot to the head]] will knock some sense into you!"
** This may or may not have also referenced [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFldBVWFgWo this]] [[WebAnimation/PhoenixWrong Phoenix Wrong.]]

!!''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney -- Justice For All''

* Checking the security cam in the Detention Center will make Phoenix say "[[CatchPhrase Smile, you're on]] ''Series/CandidCamera''"
* Phoenix once mentions heading straight for the [[Film/TopGun "highway to the danger zone"]].
* The infamous [[Series/TheFreshPrinceOfBelAir Fresh Prince]] reference.
-->''"In West Clownidelphia, born and raised. In the Circus was where I spent most of my days."''
* [[Film/TheLordOfTheRings "It's a treasure. My treasure... Preciiiious..."]]
* [[Series/TheATeam In 1972, a crack clown team was sent to prison by a circus court for a crime they did not commit. These clowns promptly escaped from a maximum security clown car...]] (more {{unreadably fast text}}.)
* Inspecting Acro's basketball hoop leads Maya to say that Acro's monkey [[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=01-vPBqLplg "don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk."]]
* The ringleader of the Berry Big Circus has [[VideoGame/ViewtifulJoe Shocking Pink]] Mascara, though it's uncertain whether or not Ace Attorney references the games or the other way around.
* [[WellExcuseMePrincess Well excuuuuuuse me,]] [[WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfZelda princess!]]
* Lawrence "Moe" Curls, professional [[Film/TheThreeStooges Stooge]].
-->'''Judge''': ''"Mr. Curls, are you reciting [[Series/TheATeam The C-Team]] theme just to anger this court?''
** During the same case:
--->'''Phoenix''': ([[Series/DaysOfOurLives Like sands through the hourglass, so are the Days of the Circus...]])
* '''Maya''': "Hey Pearly, did I ever tell you about how [[Film/AmericanPie this one time, at Lawyer Camp]], Nick..."
* '''Phoenix''': [[Franchise/ScoobyDoo Zoinks! It's the alien!]]
* Phoenix is once asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. He responded that he wanted to be like [[Series/ThePeoplesCourt "Judge Wackner and the Public's Court."]]
* Maya in response to Trilo's (a ventriloquist's dummy) goals:
-->"[[Website/{{YTMND}} You're the man now, doll!]]"
** It may also be a reference to the film ''Film/FindingForrester'', which contained the line that inspired said website.
* '''Phoenix''': "Well, those are the only kinds of flowers I know. [[Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries Dagnabit, I'm a lawyer, not a botanist!]]"
* '''Gumshoe''': "It's go time, baby! I'm on fire! [+[[Series/CSIMiami YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!]]+]"
** The fact that he says this at least twice might also be referencing the fact that that's part of the opening theme, played in every episode.
* '''Edgeworth''': "I saw the report with her testimony, but who knew that under that helmet... it was [[Literature/TheWonderfulWizardOfOz the wicked witch of the witness stand!?]]"
* '''Oldbag''': [[Film/TheLordOfTheRingsTheFellowshipOfTheRing You shall not pass!]]
* Regina Berry's staff/wand looks strikingly similar to a certain [[Manga/CardcaptorSakura cardcaptor's]].
* At one point, Phoenix says, "D'oh!" just like [[WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons Homer Simpson]].
* '''Phoenix''': "Adrian Andrews! [[Anime/{{Pokemon}} I choose you!]]
* Juan Corrida bears a striking resemblance to Hiroshi Fujioka, a.k.a. Takeshi Hongo (the very first Series/KamenRider) and Segata Sanshiro.
* "Well, he did say '[[Franchise/{{Terminator}} I'll be back.]]' Wait... or was that [[Creator/ArnoldSchwarzenegger someone else]]?"
* In Turnabout Big Top:
--> '''Franziska''': There's [[Film/ALeagueOfTheirOwn no crying in court]]!
* Phoenix sounding very much like Creator/JerryLewis during 2-2:
--> '''Phoenix''': "Not you too, Mia! [[OhGodWithTheVerbing With the whip... and the pain... and the oww...]]"
* Phoenix and Pearl find a toy robot bear in 2-4, and Pearl asks [[Manga/AstroBoy how much horsepower it has]].
* After von Karma whips Phoenix into unconsciousness: [[VideoGame/MetalGearSolid Ph-Phoenix! Hang in there, Phoenix!! PHOENIX!!!]]
* At one point, it even has a weird internal shout-out by Maya suggesting Phoenix spice his name up by calling himself "Naruhodo A. Wrighto". "Ryuuichi Naruhodou" is Phoenix's name in the Japanese versions of the games.
** And in case you're wondering why the o is shorter in the version proposed by Maya, "Naruhodo"(short O) literally means "I understand" or "I say" in Japanese and is Nick's nickname in the Japanese version.
* After Phoenix tells Matt Engarde to ignore a call he just had from de Killer, Matt replies with "[[WesternAnimation/{{Pinocchio}} Dude, did your nose just get longer?]]"
* As Miles Edgeworth puts it in 2-4, "When someone finds a dead body, they are usually [[Film/JamesBond shaken, not stirring]] some juice!"
* Phoenix Wright, before explaining a contradiction in [[spoiler: Adrian Andrew's]] testimony: "[[Franchise/SherlockHolmes It is elementary, my dear.]]"
* At one point during case 2-3, Phoenix muses that it's true what they say about [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaMX0Cs5Bc4 the tears of a clown]].

!!''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney -- Trials and Tribulations''

* '''Atmey''': [[Series/MontyPythonsFlyingCircus "Shall we say the figurative Sir William will be dropping his panties before lunchtime."]]
* '''Phoenix''': (Uh oh... [[Film/Apollo13 Phoenix, we have a problem...)]]
* '''Atmey''': Ha... [[Franchise/SherlockHolmes Elementary, my dear lawyer.]] Obviously it wasn't glued on well enough.
** '''Atmey''': And I always look over all the documents. [[Franchise/SherlockHolmes It's elementary, Sir Lawyer!]]
* This conversation.
-->'''Godot''': Mr. Trite's words are the milk and you are the spoon, Your Honor.\\
'''Judge''': I-I'm a spoon!? I'm no [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyIV spoony]] [[QuirkyBard bard]], I'll have you know!
* '''Godot''': "As they say... [[VideoGame/MetalGearSolid 'A cornered fox is more dangerous than a jackal!']]"
* '''Mia''': "(Well, we know whose milkshake brings all the boys to the yard...)"
* '''Judge''': "An impressive deduction, Mr. Wright. [[Franchise/StarWars ...Most impressive.]]"
* '''Phoenix''': "Her testimony [[TakeThat has more plot holes than]] that movie ''[[Film/TheMatrixRevolutions The Grid: Revelations]]''!"
* '''Godot''': "Hey, Filly. [[Wrestling/DwayneJohnson Know your role, and shut your mouth.]] I can't stand women like you."
* '''Grossberg''': "Unnngh... It feels like my hemorrhoids are [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlem_Shake_(song) doing the Harlem Shake!]]"[[note]]The game was released in 2004, eight years before the song's release. However, there is [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlem_shake_(dance) a dance called the Harlem Shake, popularized in 1981 by Al B]], which is more likely being referenced here. Although, with the case [[HilariousInHindsight taking place in 2013]], both interpretations could conveniently be used.[[/note]]
* This phrase:
-->'''Godot''': I'm already seeing a very hot someone, so you'll be [[Theatre/WaitingForGodot waiting for a long time]].
** Also Luke Atmey's comments about Godot.
--->'''Atmey''': Godot. A legend or myth... Men pin a lifetime of hopes on the chance to simply meet him.\\
'''Atmey''': Not surprising... Some people spend their entire lives idly waiting for his appearance.
* Maya brings up the topic of the [[Franchise/{{Rocky}} "Rocko" soundtrack]] and [[Film/RockyIII "Claw of the Tiger"]].
-->'''Maya''': What!? It's not the Rocko soundtrack, is it? Claw of the Tiger?
* Case 3 manages to get in ''three'' references all within the same scene, assuming all topics are explored and a wrong item is presented.
** '''Phoenix:''' "D-Director!? (Sh-She's human!? She seems more like [[Franchise/GhostInTheShell a ghost in a shell]].)"
-->'''Maya:''' "This is madness!"\\
'''Phoenix:''' No, Maya, [[Film/ThreeHundred that is]] [[VideoGame/DevilMayCry SPARDA]].."
* "I guess [[spoiler:Mr. Elg]] [[Franchise/{{Castlevania}} is like every other man with his own pile of secrets.]]"
* '''Viola''': [[Film/TheGodfather He had to pay compensation... He was made an offer... He simply... couldn't... refuse.]]
* '''Judge:''' [[Franchise/ScoobyDoo "Ruh-Roh!"]]
* '''Phoenix:''' "(A [[WesternAnimation/TheRenAndStimpyShow muddy mudskipper in outer space]] has a better chance of surviving than I do.)"
* '''Armstrong''': "Oui, Monsieur Judge. [[Music/BryanAdams Everything I do, I do it for you!]]"
* '''Phoenix''': "(A spirit medium afraid of ghosts...? [[Music/AlanisMorissette Isn't it ironic, don't you think?]])"
* In case 5 when you examine the bell tower at the beginning, an exchange with Maya gives you
-->'''Maya:''' ...[[Series/TheHollywoodSquares I'll take money for the win.]]
* Godot. His real name is [[spoiler:Diego Armando]]. Take a wild guess as to why.[[note]] Maradona.[[/note]]
* '''Luke Atmey:''' [[Franchise/SherlockHolmes "It's elementary, my dear."]]
* When he brings Furio Tigre into court, Godot mentions that the job was a [[Franchise/SherlockHolmes "three cup problem."]]
* '''Edgeworth''': I detest talk of supernatural drivel. I suppose now you'll say she has [[Franchise/StarWars midi-chlorians]]?
* '''[[spoiler:Butz]]''': "[[spoiler:She]] flew, I'm telling you! Whooosh! Just like [[Franchise/{{Superman}} that dude with the red underwear]]!
* The CD from Furio Tigre's office [[spoiler:and the virus it contains]] is labelled "MC Bomber." When Maya tries to remember the name later she comes up with MC Screwdriver and MC Hacksaw, but [[Music/MCHammer doesn't quite hit it]].
* When uselessly presenting evidence to Sister Bikini, the conversation with her goes like this:
-->'''Gumshoe''': Umm, about this here...\\
'''Bikini''': Hmm... Let me see... Well, as you may know... In order to see reality for what it truly is... ...we strive to break our attachments to much of the transient, material realm. I guess you could call me an "immaterial girl"!\\
'''Gumshoe''': I guess she [[Music/{{Madonna}} lives in an immaterial world]], huh [[spoiler:Mr. Edgeworth]]?
* '''Phoenix:''' (about Bikini) "(Wow, she must have just gotten off [[Series/MisterRogersNeighborhood the trolley from the land of make-believe...]])"
* Gumshoe sings "Every case is gonna be air-tight" in a reggae beat. I wonder [[Music/BobMarley who that's meant to sound like...]]
** Probably the same guy who sang Gumshoe's other favourite, "No motive, no crime..."
* If you examine the other side of the Suspension Bridge, Maya will suggest to Phoenix that he should train with her, since it would be great if he could have spiritual powers too, leading to this comment:
--> '''Phoenix:''' (Really? "[[Film/TheSixthSense I see dead people]]" sounds more like a cause for alarm to me...)
* During the cross-examination of Laurice...
--> '''Edgeworth:''' If you truly have nothing to hide... then why are you stammering like [[Literature/OneFlewOverTheCuckoosNest you just flew over a cuckoo's nest]]!?
* Here's where things get [[CallBack meta]]...
--> '''Phoenix:''' "But then a miracle happened. The kind that [[spoiler:Mr. Tigre]] would prefer to say never happened. But he can't. Neither can I."[[note]] A localization hiccup in the bad ending of the second game included the line "The 'miracle' never happen," which underwent MemeticMutation.[[/note]]
* '''Edgeworth''': Well, [[Series/MontyPythonsFlyingCircus her metabolic processes are a matter of interest only to historians]], so to speak.
* [[Literature/SherlockHolmes "Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."]]
* An easily overlooked one, because you have to pretty much intentionally mess up. But when cross-examining [[spoiler:Dahlia Hawthorne]], if you pick the wrong choice towards the end of one cross-examination, Phoenix will exclaim how his intuition was wrong. Godot responds: "Intuition...? [[Series/TheColbertReport Truthiness]] has no place here!"
* ''[[Series/HowIMetYourMother How I Met My Feenie]]''
* '''Atmey''': [[Music/LedZeppelin I am a traveler of both time and space...]]
* When asking Gumshoe about Godot in case 2:
-->'''Gumshoe:''' No way he's an amateur. He's an [[Film/TopGun iceman]] in court, a [[Film/TopGun maverick]] that give me [[Film/TopGun goose]]bumps.
* One of the oils Jean Armstrong offers Phoenix contains [[TheThreeWiseMen golden myrrh and frankincense]].
* Mask☆[=DeMasque's=] symbol looks an awful lot like a [[VideoGame/SuperMarioBros2 Phanto.]]
* Larry Butz's last two girlfriends before the game were "Bennifer" and "Katty Tom," a reference to 2000's celebrity couples Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez and Tom Cruise and Katie Holms, both of whom have subsequently broken up).
* The Spanish translation even gives a couple of Spanish-only references:
** Jean Armstrong says "¡Tú eres muy malo! ¡Siempre negativo, nunca positivo!" (You're very bad! Always negative, never positive!), a phrase made famous by a press conference by F.C. Barcelona's former coach Louis Van Gaal.
** Miles Edgeworth says to himself "Pero qué público más tonto tengo" (What a stupid audience I have), a song by seminal early 80s band Kaka de Luxe.
** Gumshoe's Bob Marley shout out in the English script is changed to a Camarón de la Isla shout out (he references both "Volando voy" and "Soy Gitano").
* The Judge references a popular children's rhyme at the end of case 3.
-->'''Judge''': Wright, you caught a tiger by his toe, but if this one hollers, he won't be let go.
* In ''Bridge to the Turnabout'', Dahlia says that she is "permanently retired." Dead reploids in the [[VideoGame/MegaManX Mega Man X]] and later series are called "retired". [[spoiler:She was executed prior to this episode for murder and was being channeled.]]

!!''VisualNovel/ApolloJusticeAceAttorney''

* In Apollo's first case, Winston Payne clarifies what the poker chips are thusly:
-->'''Payne''': Poker chips are poker chips. They're not fish and chips, not a chip off the old block, not [[Series/CHiPs a motorcycle cop]]...
* At least two ''Film/ThePrincessBride'' references:
-->'''Zak''': In his last years, Magnifi worked us to the bone... No. ToThePain.\\
'''Klavier''': "Logical"? [[YouKeepUsingThatWord I do not think this word means what you think it means]], Herr Forehead!
* Also, Apollo has this little exchange:
-->'''Trucy''': Maybe they're trying to trick kids into thinking the police are some kind of band.\\
'''Apollo''': But that's just silly. [[TakeThat Who'd name a band]] [[Music/ThePolice the "police"?]]
** There's a reference to the Police song "Roxanne" in the same room: when you examine a red siren Apollo tells Trucy not to put on the red light.
* Gavin's song ''Atroquinine, My Love'' might be a reference to the Jethro Tull song ''Aqualung'' (which includes the line "Aqualung, my friend" quite a few times).
* '''Apollo''': ([[Music/DireStraits I should have learned to play the guitar.]])
* Klavier's phrase, "Achtung, baby!" is most likely reference to {{Music/U2}}'s hit album in the 90's, "Music/AchtungBaby".
* Also a mention of the [[Franchise/PerryMason MASON System]].
* "How about flowers made of metal?" "What, like [[Film/SteelMagnolias a magnolia made of steel]]?"
* In the case where you encounter Valant for the first time he goes to you before entering court for the last time, Apollo thinks to himself: "Valant Gramarye! (Using the door like an average [[Literature/HarryPotter muggle]], no less.)"
* '''Judge''': "With a great accusation [[ComicBook/SpiderMan comes great responsibility]]!"
* Capcom also does a shout-out to its ''less''-known survival horror series, ''VideoGame/DinoCrisis''. The first [=DC=] game took place on Ibis Island in "The Republic of Borginia." Two key characters in ''Apollo Justice'' are from the Borginian Republic, suggesting a very bizarre intercontinuity canon.
* Case 4:
-->'''Judge''': I do hope this latest accusation is well-based.\\
'''Phoenix''': (...Don't worry, [[VideoGame/ZeroWing I've got all your bases]] right here.)
* Trucy's dummy is named [[WesternAnimation/SouthPark Mr. Hat]].
* The following exchange:
-->'''Trucy''': My panties are BiggerOnTheInside!\\
'''Apollo''': (Hm, that reminds me of that [[Series/DoctorWho TV show I used to watch...]])
* Klavier clinches his status as an {{Expy}} of [[VideoGame/DevilMayCry Dante]] with this line.
-->'''Klavier''': Not so fast. This party's just getting started!
* '''Klavier''': I play new rock, not [[Music/JerryLeeLewis Great Balls of Fire]]!
* '''Apollo''': ([[Literature/AliceInWonderland Curiouser and curiouser...]])
* Klavier gets two shout-outs in a row in this exchange in the fourth trial. Phoenix even lampshades it.
-->'''Klavier''': ...The victim was already climbing a three-month [[Music/LedZeppelin stairway to heaven]]. ...Why not wait for him to [[Music/BobDylan knock-knock-knock on heaven's door]]? Why shoot him?
-->'''Phoenix''': (I wouldn't have put it quite so lyrically, but it's true.)
* Apollo shows some theatre prowess by referencing Theatre/OedipusTheKing when you examine the back of the brooch found on the floor of Lamiroir's dressing room:
-->'''Apollo''': A sort of pin-fastener for attaching things to clothes. Not a safety pin-type, though.\\
'''Trucy''': So if it's not a safety pin...\\
'''Trucy''': ... is it a danger pin!?\\
'''Apollo''': I suppose if you stuck it in your eye, then yeah, sure. [[note]] For those who don't get it, using his mother's brooch pin, Oedipus stabbed himself in the eyes and made himself blind. It becomes HilariousInHindsight later when you realise the full truth of the brooch's owner [[/note]]
* If you examine the number on the back of your attorney's badge, Apollo will remark [[Film/FullMetalJacket "There are many numbers like it, but this one is mine".]]
* Apollo says [[Film/ArmyOfDarkness "Well hello, Ms. Fancy Pants!"]] during one of the ladder/stepladder debates with Trucy.
* When Ema explains how to use the fingerprinting powder by dusting it on and blowing the rest away, she says: "It's like whistling. [[Creator/LaurenBacall You know how to whistle, don't you?]] [[Film/ToHaveAndHaveNot Just put your lips together..."]]
* In keeping with the third case's musical references Apollo and Klavier have this exchange: [[Music/JohnLennon "Klavier: Nobody told me about days like these. Apollo: strange days, indeed"]] only thing missing was someone chiming in with a ''"most peculiar, mama"''.
* Zak and Valant's Quick-Draw Shoot'em trick may be a subtle reference to the infamous bullet trick, [[spoiler: a magic trick known for being dangerous and even killing a few magicians who'd attempted it.]]
* In response to one of Apollo's more off-the-wall theories:
-->'''Klavier''': Now you've done it. [[Film/{{Spaceballs}} You've gone beyond ridiculous and into... ludicrous.]]
* Guy Eldoon has a noodle-bowl-shaped hat with a built-in wig with hairs the shapes and colors of noodles and dark eyebrows. The colors of noodles are close to blond. Ken Masters from Franchise/StreetFighter has bleached blond hair and dark eyebrows. Also, Guy Eldoon shares his first name with Guy from VideoGame/FinalFight, which is part of the same universe as Street Fighter.

!!''VisualNovel/AceAttorneyInvestigationsMilesEdgeworth''

* Several Internet memes have appeared in Investigations, including, but not limited to: [[Anime/DragonBallZ Over 9000]], "relevant to my interests", the Badger Song, etc.
** '''Edgeworth''': [[WebAnimation/WeeblAndBob (Badger, badger, badger, badger... Just what does she see in these silly things?)]]
** One NPC in the fifth case of Investigations stands near a television camera and talks about his image being [[VideoGame/MegaManStarForce sent out into the wave world]].
** "I see that I'm just wasting my time with [[Series/TheAddamsFamily Cousin Hair]] here".
** Third case: Kay Faraday says [[ItemGet "Badger]] [[VideoGame/SuperMarioSunshine GET!"]] a few times. ItMakesSenseInContext.
** Also by Kay on a ceiling fan (compare to musical mobile): "They're totally alike! They spin those babies right round, like a record!"
** [[Franchise/SherlockHolmes "Elementary."]] In reference to deduction.
** Miles Edgeworth makes an accusation in the style of Characters/{{Cluedo}}[=/=]TabletopGame/{{Clue}}:
--->'''Edgeworth''': [[spoiler:Lance Amano]]! I propose that you killed [[spoiler:Mr. Deacon]] with [[spoiler:the revolver]] in [[spoiler:the haunted house]]!
** [[spoiler:'''Quercus Alba''']]: [[YouMeddlingKids "And I would've gotten away with it too if it wasn't for you meddling prosecutors!"]]
** Even Gumshoe gets in on the action:
--->'''Gumshoe''': [[{{Malaproper}} Extraterristrial rights]]? Sir, do you really believe that [[Series/TheXFiles the truth is out there]]!?
** In the first case, Edgeworth exclaims "You fail!" moments prior to exposing [[spoiler:Jacques Portsman as the killer]].
--->'''Edgeworth''': Only two pieces? I believe the proper phrase here is, "you fail."
** And in the same vein, the fifth case contains an extremely similar moment in which Edgeworth says "[[Series/WhoWantsToBeAMillionaire Is that your final answer?]]"
--->'''Edgeworth''': The special move today was the "Early Summer Rain Jab"? Is that your final answer?
* '''Badd''': "[[Music/BobDylan ...The times, they are a-changing...]]" He's one of the few people in the game old enough to have been alive when that song came out.
* '''Lang''': "Your diplomatic immunity... ''[[Film/LethalWeapon2 has just been revoked.]]''"
* [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaCDiGames "Miles, my boy. This verdict is what all prosecutors strive for."]]
** Something similar happens in Investigations, when a young Franziska says that she will [[Music/{{Devo}} whip Yew into shape.]]
* In case 5, Edgeworth says that [[spoiler:Larry Butz]] has been the world's largest source of [[Theatre/TheMusicMan Trouble with a capital T]].
* In case 2, there's a bit of an internal reference, where examining a few books will eventually lead to reading about a "working name" for iFly Airlines. That name being [=GoYou=] Airlines. [=GoYou=] is the name of the airline in the Japanese version.
* Like in one of the previous games, we have Edgeworth muse about some evidence: [[Literature/AliceInWonderland "Curiouser and curiouser..."]]
* '''Calisto Yew''': "[[Film/TheDarkKnight Why so serious?]]"
* While checking a group of suitcases in case 2 with Gumshoe.
-->'''Gumshoe:''' [[Series/Batman1966 Holy suitcases, Mr. Edgeworth!]]
* [[WellExcuseMePrincess Well, Excuse Me]], [[WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfZelda princess]] again:
-->'''Edgeworth''': And where were you when you experienced this... calm?\\
'''Lance''': Our family garden, of course! Where else could it have been!?\\
'''Edgeworth''': (Well! Excuse me for asking! This child is more princess than prince...)
* In case 2, examining the Mr. iFly Piggy Bank's writing will prompt Edgeworth into this comment:
-->'''Edgeworth''': You know, I've seen it occur a lot recently, and it's been bothering me greatly... ...but why does [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Inc nobody know how to properly capitalize and space nouns]] anymore!?
* When Edgeworth asks Officer Meekins to move out of the way...
-->'''Meekins:''' SIR! [[VideoGame/SpaceQuest Roger Wilco]], SIR!

!!''Ace Attorney Investigations 2'' (Fan Localization)
Even the fan translation gets in on the references.

* In case 2: A guard describes the sound of the alarm "[[UsefulNotes/{{WiiU}} wii uu wii uu wii uu]]"
* Kay drops this little gem in case two:
-->"It's a cage inside a cage that is this prison cell. It's like... [[Film/{{Inception}} Cageception!]]
* From the beginning of case 4: [[Series/{{House}} "It's not Lupus!"]]
* In case 4, Edgeworth comes across a lit up model of a pony that [[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic "Sparkles in the twilight"]]. He also doesn't get the suggested contradiction in a winged unicorn.
** When Kay suggests that the hidden 51st floor might be accessed by a secret portal, Ray tells her that it's not the time to be [[VideoGame/{{Portal}} thinking with portals]].
** During another point of case 4, Kay [[spoiler:is losing hope due to being framed as a murderer and since she's lost her memory, is almost sure that she's done it and is asking Edgeworth to give up on defending her.]] Edgeworth replies by telling her: "If you don't believe in yourself, [[Anime/TengenToppaGurrenLagann believe in the me that believes in you!"]]
* Also in Case 4, Sebastian mentions that his father [[Anime/{{Pokemon}} is the very best, like no one ever was.]]
** Another possible reference of [[Franchise/{{Pokemon}} the games]] might be when Sebastian Debeste says it would take Edgeworth a light year to understand his logic, after which Edgeworth and Justine Courtney correct him and say a light year is a measure of distance instead of time. This mistake is made by the trainer in Brock's gym as well.
* Talking to Lotta Hart in case 5 about "Moozilla" will have her quote what seems to be a line from their promotions.
-->'''Lotta''': [[Manga/AttackOnTitan "On that day, humanity was given a grave reminder...]] of the terror of Moozilla!"
** She also describes the monster as the fiercest creature "this side of the Film/PacificRim"
* Likewise in case 5, presenting a Moozilla-related piece of evidence to the largely uncooperative John Marsh will cause Kay to unsuccessfully attempt to bribe him with candy in order to make him more talkative, causing her to remark that even her [[VideoGame/CandyCrushSaga candy crush attack]] didn't work.
* After a small spat between [[spoiler:Justine and her son John]], Edgeworth quips that children don't understand their parents. Kay counters that sometimes [[Creator/WillSmith the reverse is also true.]]
* Edgeworth didn't just solve the mystery of Moozilla, he [[VideoGame/EarthBound grasped the beast's true form!]]
* When [[spoiler: Blaise Debeste breaks down and accidentally burns his wig off]]:
-->'''[[spoiler: Blaise]]:''' ITBURNSITBURNS[[WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons THEGOGGLESDONOTHING]]!
* In case 5:
-->'''Franziska:''' You're always so calm and collected, like an anchorman reading a teleprompter... It makes me sick!\\
'''Edgeworth:''' (...I should probably [[Film/AnchormanTheLegendOfRonBurgundy stay classy]] and avoid a confrontation with her for now.)
* If you inspect the model of the courthouse in Case 5 there is a sign underneath a button that says it will change the shape of the model. Edgeworth comments that "[[Franchise/{{Transformers}} There's more to this model than meets the eye.]]"
* Examining the round table in the P.I.C. meeting room has Edgeworth say it is based off of a [[Myth/KingArthur certain legend]]. Gumshoe tries to guess it. He comes up with "Knights of the Brown Table", "Knights of the Clown Table", and "[[Film/MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail Knights who say Ni]]".
* On the subject of Larry Butz going by the pseudonym of Laurice Deauxnim:
-->'''Edgeworth:''' [[Theatre/RomeoAndJuliet A Butz by any other name would smell just as much.]]
* In case 1, when Edgeworth presents a red raincoat to Gumshoe, he will start to sing: [[Music/GangnamStyle "Red raincoat style! Red red red red"]]. Edgeworth even comments he's doing a strange dance.
* In case 2, a guard is obsessed with a cute cat. When asked by Kay what his name is, the guard says it's [[ComicStrip/{{Garfield}} Nermal]].
* Elbird's polar bear is named [[Franchise/{{Rocky}} Rocky]].
* When Edgeworth is cross-examining Frank Sahwit and [[spoiler:Frank has thrown his toupee at Edgeworth]] Frank will say "I'm just your [[Franchise/SpiderMan friendly neighborhood]] witness!"
** Franziska drops another one in case 4: "[[Franchise/SpiderMan With great whipping comes great responsibility!]]"
* Case 2 has a few references to some famous works in the form of a few books in [[spoiler:Knightley]]'s prison cell: ''[[ParodiesForDummies Prison Life for Dummies]]'', ''Film/TheGreatEscape [[Literature/AroundtheWorldin80Days in 80 Days]]: Based on a True Story!'' and ''[[Film/TheShawshankRedemption The Animalshack Redemption]]''.
* When you present wrong evidence during the rebuttal of [[spoiler:Patricia Roland, she may try to hug you]] which will result in Ray saying "[[Film/{{ForrestGump}} Run Miles, run!]]"
* One of Franziska's sayings is "I whip, therefore I swing!", which is a play on [[GratuitousLatin 'Cogito, ergo sum.']][[note]]"I think, therefore I am."[[/note]]
* Presenting wrong evidence during Franziska's rebuttal in case 4 may result in her getting angry and Ray saying [[Literature/FiftyShadesOfGrey "Watch out Miles, you're turning Franny-pie into fifty shades of rage!"]]

!!''VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneyDualDestinies''

* From the demo:
-->'''Phoenix''': Project confidence... [[Music/TheLonelyIsland like a boss!]]
* At one point Simon Blackquill is called "[[Manga/BlackJack Mr. Black Jack]]". His design can also bring the eponymous doctor to mind.
** He is also called [[WesternAnimation/HarveyBirdmanAttorneyAtLaw Mr. Birdman]]. Obviously, he doesn't take too kindly to the comparison.
* At the end of the third case, Athena says Myriam Scuttlebutt, a character that sneaks around in a cardboard box, has "got this [[VideoGame/MetalGearSolid tactical espionage action]] stuff down to a science".
** Scuttlebutt is a walking ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid'' reference, from her introduction ("I hope it's not a SNAAAAAAAAAKE!") to her trademark snake-hiss laugh.
** They also make reference to the "!" alert from those games.
* During the first trial, Ted Tonate drops this:
-->'''Tonate''': Boom! [[VideoGame/SegaRally Game over! Yeaaah!]]
* In the second trial, the murder weapon on first glance bears a striking resemblance to [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyX Yuna's summoning staff]].
* When Athena stumbles upon the dead body in Case 3, Phoenix remarks that she turned five shades of pale... but he was expecting [[Literature/FiftyShadesOfGrey fifty]].
* A former pro wrestler becoming the head of a community. [[VideoGame/FinalFight Not the first time]] in a Capcom series.
** Also, [[spoiler:a wrestler and mayor who is very much a PapaWolf]].
** Athena later suggests to Apollo that he should also become a pro wrestler and adopt the moniker of [[VideoGame/GargoylesQuest The Amazing Firebrand]].
* While in court, Florent L'Belle's green hair dye job combined with his pale skin, purple suit, and cologne-spraying flower makes him [[PracticallyJoker look a lot like]] ComicBook/TheJoker. His expressions and mannerisms are especially reminiscent of the incarnation from ''ComicBook/BatmanTheDarkKnightReturns''.
** However, said purple suit combined with his normal sculpted blonde hair and the fact that he owns a line of cosmetics suggest that he may also be based on a certain other comic book villain: [[spoiler:[[ComicBook/{{Watchmen}} Adrian Veidt]].]]
* This bit when Filch is under suspicion of having been at the crime scene (And he never told anybody.)
-->'''Blackquill''': You FOOL [[Film/TheLordOfTheRingsTheFellowshipOfTheRing of a tanuki]]!
** Supported when he later still refers to him as a [[Film/TheHobbit tricksy little tanuki]].
* In case 2, when examining the prints and feathers on the floor:
-->'''Athena:''' They're pretty big tracks, almost bird-like. The feathers also point to a bird.\\
'''Apollo:''' Then it must be one big bird! And not of the [[Series/SesameStreet friendly yellow type]], either!
* Someone circled a pro wrestling match in the newspaper in case 2.
-->'''Tenma Town Pro Wrestling "Howlin' Wolf vs. [[OurVampiresAreDifferent Pretty Boy Vampire]]"''' Blow-by-blow commentary by Timothy Literature/{{Twilight}}.
** The person who circled it also notes that [[TakeThat "It was a complete disaster."]]
* After Athena lies about being creeped out by the Forbidden Chamber Apollo thinks to himself that [[Franchise/StarWars "The denial is strong in this one"]].
* Trucy suggests that Phoenix and Apollo form a comedy team called Agni & Rudra. This could be a reference to the names of the two ultimate dragons in the first ''VideoGame/BreathOfFireI'', or two bosses from the third ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry''.
** Or more likely a reference to the two Hindu gods, Agni and Rudra, which the video games are also referencing.
* When using Athena's Mood Matrix for the first time in case 2 to pinpoint an unexpected emotion, if you pick the wrong emotion, Athena's [[WaxingLyrical ensuing dialogue]] to Apollo is the first few lyrics of [[Music/PinkFloyd Comfortably Numb]].
* In case 4's trial:
-->'''Phoenix:''' (As long as they don't [[Manga/SailorMoon punish us in the name of said moon]] for what we've done for it...)
* In trial 5, the witness requests getting [[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic banished to the moon]] after being constantly caught lying in the court.
* Another from 5-3: Athena tells us that "all that's left now is to [[{{VideoGame/Persona 4}} reach out to the truth]]".
* When told about how the memory of the robots isn't stored in their bodies and therefore persists even if they are damaged, the Judge comments "It's as if she can be [[VideoGame/SoulCalibur seriously wounded, but her soul still burns]]."
* When cross-examining the egotistical head of the local space agency, Phoenix says that if the witness is going to be an important historical figure, then he, Phoenix, is the [[VideoGame/KatamariDamacy King of All Cosmos]].
* Clonco declares that he'll use his [[UsefulNotes/SegaGenesis blast processing abilities]] to reveal information.
* Presenting the Mock trial script to Hugh has him complain you're trying to humiliate him [[Wrestling/TheIronSheik Old country style]].
* Speaking of Hugh, in his confession about him having a body double, the Mood Matrix represent the body double kinda like [[VideoGame/TeamFortress2 a BLU Spy]], complete with [[PaperThinDisguise a paper mask of Hugh's face]].
* Robin Newman screams "[[Film/BlazingSaddles Proof?! We don't need no stinkin' proof!]]", later presenting some evidence to Robin yields the saying "full on [[Music/{{Drake}} YOLO]]".
* Case 4: If you examine the boarding lounge security camera, Athena will decide to commemorate the moment with a [[Manga/{{Trigun}} "Love and Peace!"]]
* Also in case 4:
-->'''Yuri Cosmos:''' ...how could you doubt a man with such great [[Wrestling/KurtAngle intensity, intelligence, and integrity]]?!
* Trucy speaks about busting the defendant out and then [[Film/TheFugitive seeking the actual killer, with the authorities hot on their tails]]. In the middle she says they'll "[[Series/WhereInTheWorldIsCarmenSandiego sneak around the world from Kiev to Carolina]]".
* From the DLC case, we have this gem after examining a shark-shaped cannon that fires egg-shaped balls, rather than baby sharks like Athena suggests.
-->'''Phoenix Wright:''' (A [[Film/{{Sharknado}} tornado of sharks]]? Not even Hollywood could [[TakeThat conjure up something that insane]].)
* In case 5, Phoenix says "[[Film/{{Apollo 13}} Failure is not an option]] here!" to himself. Made all the more appropriate by the fact that the case involved a space mission gone wrong, two if you count the related one that happened seven years prior.
** The whole "HAT-1 Miracle" is pretty much a direct ShoutOut to Apollo 13. A space mission where the astronauts miraculously survived despite several major problems that was later made into a movie.
* The captain's ShowWithinAShow character in the DLC case is the "[[Film/ThePrincessBride Dread Pirate]] Nostache".
* The defendant in case 4 is an astronaut named Solomon [[Franchise/BattlestarGalactica Starbuck]]. He's also mentioned to be a good friend of Apollo's, doubling the reference.
* Yet another sci-fi reference in case 4: "You bet! Let's [[Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration make it so]]!"
* During the ending, Solomon Starbuck paraphrases the Music/EltonJohn song "Rocket Man", saying that space is lonely and "cold as hell".
* Upon fixing Klavier's statue in case 3, Athena notes, "[[Music/{{Queen}} Don't stop me now! The artist inside me wants to get out and have a good time!]]"
* At one point Simon proves that samurai movies aren't the only kind he enjoys.
-->'''Simon Blackquill''': [[Film/ForrestGump Suspicious is as Suspicious Does]].
* After Simon Blackquill brings up an accusation in Case 2, the gallery goes nuts, leading to this little quip from the Judge:
-->'''Judge:''' Order! Order!!! The defense will stop at competing for the [[Website/YouTube greatest]] [[MemeticMutation freak-out ever!]]
* At one point in case 3, Myriam Scuttlebutt calls Apollo [[Franchise/{{Batman}} "boy wonder".]]
* Phoenix's new three-piece suit with a pocket chain[[labelnote:(attached to...)]]A locket containing a picture of Trucy, as seen in the ''Dual Destinies'' intro.[[/labelnote]] is clearly taking inspiration from [[Literature/ToKillAMockingbird Atticus Finch.]]
* Also from the DLC case: Dr. Crab has a baby penguin chick living in his afro. [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII This has definitely happened somewhere else before]].
* Again from the DLC case: After Rimes drinks that barrel of "steroids" and became pumped up, his character design wouldn't look so out of place in a [[Manga/OnePiece particular pirate anime]].
** The fact that he raps and that the first American dub of that anime had [[https://youtu.be/RSe8D2wfGKI?t=29 a very memetic rap as it's theme song]] just makes the whole thing funnier.
** Or, indeed, an [[ComicStrip/{{Popeye}} iconic Western cartoon.]]
* Lastly, the poem on [=JudgeTron=] is a literal shoutout to ComicBook/JudgeDredd
* In Case 2, Apollo thinks to himself: "Yeesh, [[RubeGoldbergDevice Rube Goldberg machines]] have less elaborate set-ups then L'Belle's scheme."
* So in Case 3 we learn that Juniper Woods AKA Junie is studying to become a Judge...would that make her [[Series/JudgeJudy Judge Junie?]]
* Solomon Starbuck and Clay Terran are both giant shout outs to Manga/SpaceBrothers. Not only are their haircuts and character designs practically ripped from the series, but also similarities in backstories. Especially since both Solomon Starbuck, and his character design inspiration Hibito both experienced [[spoiler: a near death experience in space, leading to both of them developing a fear of space but still remaining determine to return to space]].
** Hibito and Clay also share some personality traits, especially their enthusiasm for space and becoming an astronaut.
* One of Marlon Rimes' rhymes is [[VideoGame/StreetFighterIII "Prepare for the battle, prepare for the war!"]]
* The name of one of the segments in the chapter select menu for Case 2 is "[[Literature/HarryPotterAndTheChamberOfSecrets Chamber Secrets]]".
* Considering the speaker is an astronaut and the entirety of Case 4 has to do with space, this could very well be a ShoutOut.
-->'''Starbuck''': Well, it wasn't a big exaggerated deal like [[Franchise/StarWars master and apprentice]] or anything like that.
* Apollo had at one period in the game an eyepatch and wrapped arms. Franchise/StreetFighter's Sagat had these too.

!!''VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneySpiritOfJustice''

* In keeping with the new spiritual theme of the game, Ahlbi Ur'gaid's dog Shah'do resembles Missile ([[VideoGame/GhostTrick the ghost dog]], not [[NamesTheSame the police dog]].)
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHJWxDMeUPE In this countdown video]], Maya Fey says "Steel Samurai Maya Smelting", which is the name of Phoenix Wright's Hyper Combo that involves her in ''Ultimate VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom3''.
* In the Khura'inese court, the gallery calls for Phoenix's head several times, sometimes while chanting [[Series/DoctorWho "Exterminate! Annihilate!"]]
* In Case 1:
** When Ahlbi demands Pheonix Wright to "give back the time he spent planning for Phoenix's tour upon discovering he is a lawyer, Pheonix thinks: "Sadly, I'm a lawyer, not a [[Series/DoctorWho time lord]]...)
** The first some somebody does a 180 in their personality for the plot, Phoenix exasperatedly thinks [[Series/MontyPythonsFlyingCircus "...And now for something completely different...]]".
** At one point, when talking about music, Phoenix thinks [[Film/{{Grease}} "I've got chills, and they're multiplying..."]].
** The witness for the first trial is a hippie monk named [[PunnyName Pees'lubn Andistan'dhin]], and of course, at one point Phoenix asks him, [[Music/ElvisCostello "What's so funny, Pees'lubn Andistan'dhin?"]]
** Sometimes the gallery would [[AudienceParticipation add to his performance]] using a tune that vaguely goes [[Music/{{Queen}} 'stomp, stomp, clap]], stomp, stomp'.
** The afterlife in Khura'inism is known as the [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess Twilight Realm]]. While that might or might not be a shout out on its own, the fact that at one point Andistan'dhin refers to himself as the "Twilight Messenger" is.
** When Phoenix accuses Andistan'dhin's testimony of being off, Andistan'dhin believes Phoenix is talking about his music and wonders if Phoenix likes "Orchestra" or "Jazz Soul" better (referencing both the Gyakuten Meets Orchestra and Gyakuten Meets Jazz Soul albums).
** [[spoiler:Pees'lubn Andistan'dhin]] references [[Music/TwistedSister Twisted Sister]] in "The Foreign Turnabout" by saying "I'm not gonna take it! No, I ain't gonna take it!".
** In case 1, the following exchange happens:
--->'''Gallery:''' Long may [Rayfa] live and prosper!\\
'''Phoenix:''' (Hey! I want to [[Franchise/StarTrek live long and prosper]] too!)
*** Coincidentally, the English release of ''Spirit of Justice'' coincided with the fiftieth anniversary of ''Star Trek''.
* In case 2:
** Mr. Reus is based on the Joker card, and his green-and-purple color scheme might bring [[Franchise/{{Batman}} The Joker]] and Series/KamenRiderDouble's [=CycloneJoker=] form to mind.
** The twist of Case 2 [[spoiler:(Mr Reus went underground after an injury, got someone else to assume his identity, and the impostor later died)]] brings ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolidVThePhantomPain'' to mind.
** The twist with [[spoiler:Bonny de Famme]] brings to mind ''Film/ThePrestige''.
** While giving Apollo and the player the tutorial for investigations in Case 2, Athena exclaims, [[Franchise/HarryPotter "Ten points for House Justice!"]]
** During the first investigation, while Apollo is in deep thought on how the rubber sword could have been switched, Athena shouts to him: [[Music/DavidBowie "Ground Control to Major Apollo! Can you hear me, Major Apollo?"]]
** At one point, [[spoiler:Bonny (Betty) de Famme]] refers to Athena ''specifically'' as a KnowNothingKnowItAll, in reference to the WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons' episode "Lisa the Vegetarian".
** In continuing with the ancient references relating to Apollo, Nahyuta's attack towards him using his prayer beads [[note]] (throwing them so they wrap around Apollo's head, then reciting a sutra to make them constrict and cause a considerable amount of pain in order to bend Apollo to his will) [[/note]] is similar to the sutra from the Journey to the West used on Sun Wukong in order to make him obey during the journey. Luckily for Apollo, it isn't as successful as it was in the source material.
** When Apollo and Athena discuss the comic books the former has on his desk, Athena jabs at him about researching [[Franchise/StreetFighter street fighting]].
** Presenting the wrong evidence while cross-examining ends with this exchange:
--->'''Judge''': And just as I said earlier, Mr. Justice, I have a '''whopper''' of a penalty for that bluff.\\
'''Apollo''': Owie... (I guess I can't always [[Advertising/TheBurgerKing have it my way...]])
** During [[spoiler:Roger Retinz/Mr. Reus's]] VillainousBreakdown, he yells [[WesternAnimation/TheHunchbackOfNotreDame "It's not my fault! I'm not the one to blame!"]]
* In case 3:
** A highly revered figure, worshipped as a god for taking the law into their own hands and executing criminals, is appropriately named [[Manga/DeathNote Kee'ra]].
** For bonus points, adding to the above, knowing people's names and faces is both an important part of Khura'in spiritualism, and a necessary prerequisite to using said ArtifactOfDeath.
** A Khura'inese board game similar to chess, where the goal is to capture ''all'' enemy pieces and [[VideoGame/PokemonSunAndMoon each piece has a special move that can be used once per game]], is called [[Franchise/{{Pokemon}} Kachu']][[GottaCatchEmAll demahl]].
** After learning the time of death [[spoiler:had been faked when she was previously told how it could be accurately determined using forensic science]]:
--->'''Rayfa''': Barbed Head! You... [[Music/ThomasDolby You blinded me with science]]!
** When [[spoiler:Abbot Inmee is channelled into Maya's body]] in Case 3, he asks the judge if he too has [[{{Theatre/Hamlet}} "shuffled off the mortal coil"]].
** At the end of the case, Rayfa says, [[Literature/ASongofIceAndFire "You know nothing, Maya Fey!"]]
** Inga specifically calls the Defiant Dragons [[Franchise/StarWars rebel scum.]]
* In case 4:
** At the beginning of the fourth case, when Athena's client is late, Widget says the following:
--->'''Widget:''' [[WesternAnimation/AliceInWonderland He's late, he's late, for a very important date!]]
** At one point, Blackquill tells Athena, "[[Theatre/{{Macbeth}} You'd best screw your courage to the sticking place]] and attack their testimony head-on!".
* In Case 5 (part 1):
** [[http://capcom.wikia.com/wiki/Yashichi The Yashichi symbol]] that has shown up in many Capcom games appears in Case 5 as a [[https://youtu.be/AxBu7yW3mV0?t=20m49s computer icon within the E-mail evidence]].
** The clay automaton in Professor Buff's study likewise yells [[Series/DoctorWho EX-TER-MI-NATE. EX-TER-MI-NATE. DES-TROY ALL TAR-GETS]].
** Sarge claims that "A modern-day warrior must be well-versed in technology... and have [[Music/{{Rush}} mean, mean pride!]]"
** During Case 5, while investigating Dr. Buff's study, Apollo and [[spoiler:Dhurke]] have a minor dispute about whether a hanging relic is either [[Franchise/{{Superman}} a bird or a plane.]]
** During Case 5, Paul Atishon attempts to avert suspicion away from him by saying [[UsefulNotes/RichardNixon "I am not a crook."]]
** "[[USefulNotes/JohnFKennedy Ask not what you can do for your country]], [[ItsAllAboutMe ask what you can do for me!]]"
** When Sarge claims that Athena has no place on the "battlefield" (referring to the courtroom), she counters by saying "This [[Franchise/GIJoe G.I Jane]]'s always ready for a fight in the courtroom!"
** In one of Paul Atishon's testimonies, he states that he was [[VideoGame/FireEmblemFates Walking alone, lost in thought]].
** One of the penalty dialogues during Case 5 has the Judge and [[spoiler:Phoenix]] sing Music/KennyRogers' "The Gambler."
--->'''Apollo:''': (I don't know what's worse: the penalty, or their singing.)
** Sgt. Buff's drone has a minigun as part of its arsenal. They later admit that their mother was part of the Russian military, making them part-Russian. [[VideoGame/TeamFortress2 A Russian prominently using a minigun? That sounds familiar...]]
* In case 5 (part 2):
** A key point is that [[spoiler:a villain character is secretly suffering from prosopagnosia]], much like in ''VisualNovel/NineHoursNinePersonsNineDoors''.
*** Also, [[spoiler:said character is trying to overthrow a female mastermind, who [[OutGambitted outsmarts him]] in part by exploiting his disability]].
** Upon examining the desk in Inga's quarters in Case 5 and seeing the amount of execution paperwork, Edgeworth declares [[{{Theatre/Hamlet}} "something is rotten in the Kingdom of Khura'in"]].
** In Case 5, If you check the curtains in the front of Amara's Tomb (which is functionally the door), Athena thinks somebody else could have hidden there and has solved the case because it's impossible to see through them. Ema shoots her down saying that the royal guards have already thoroughly inspected that area during their siege and found nobody. Athena's response takes a cue from [[Anime/HeartcatchPrettyCure Tsubomi Hanasaki's]] UnsettlingGenderReveal.
--->'''Athena:''' (''crying in frustration'') My brilliant deduction -- destroyed in three sentences.
** After Athena's theory about the identity of one of Inga's jacket buttons is denied by Ema, Apollo says "See? [[VideoGame/ProfessorLayton Every puzzle has an answer]], Athena". Fitting, since [[VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonVsPhoenixWrightAceAttorney Phoenix met the professor himself once.]]
** In the final case, Phoenix and Apollo are amazed by [[spoiler:Queen Ga'ran]]'s transformation, calling it an "[[VideoGame/ResidentEvil5 extreme makeover]]".
** Occurs during a very tragic scene where [[spoiler: Apollo suffers a HeroicBSOD when he learns Dhurke was murdered.]] He basically utters [[VideoGame/MegaManX "What am I fighting for?"]]
* At one point in "Turnabout Time Traveler", Athena attempts to psych Phoenix up with the phrase [[MemeticMutation "Just]] [[Creator/ShiaLaBeouf do it!"]]
** The case is about time travel and ThePowerOfLove is brought up, which brings ''Franchise/BackToTheFuture'' to mind. As a bonus, [[spoiler:Edgeworth's]] theme plays at one point, the opening chords of which are reminiscent of the film's theme music as well as his car pulling up, which can make a few players think that the [=DeLorean=] was going to show up.

** Occurs during a very tragic scene where [[spoiler: Apollo suffers a HeroicBSOD when he learns Dhruke was murdered.]] He basically utters [[VideoGame/MegaManX "What am I fighting for?"]]

* One of Franziska's sayings is "I whip, therefore I swing!", which is a play on [[GratuitousLatin 'Cogito, ergo sum.']]

* At one point during case 2-3, Phoenix muses that there's little sadder than [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaMX0Cs5Bc4 the tears of a clown when no one's around]].

* At one point during case 2-3, Phoenix muses that there's little sadder than [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Miracles the tears of a clown when no one's around]].

!!'''General'''

!!'''Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney'''

--> '''Phoenix:''' "A name and ID number are written here. "Detective Bruce Goodman, ID# 5842189"."\\

--> '''Phoenix:''' ""B Block" is through there. That's where visitors park." \\

--> '''Judge:''' "Don't "oops" me! Maybe this [[Radio/TheFrantics boot to the head]] will knock some sense into you!"

!!'''Ace Attorney: Justice For All'''

--> '''Judge''': ''"Mr. Curls, are you reciting [[Series/TheATeam The C-Team]] theme just to anger this court?''

--> '''Phoenix''': ([[Series/DaysOfOurLives Like sands through the hourglass, so are the Days of the Circus...]])

!!'''Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations'''

-->'''Godot''': Mr. Trite's words are the milk and you are the spoon, Your Honor.
-->'''Judge''': I-I'm a spoon!? I'm no [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyIV spoony]] [[QuirkyBard bard]], I'll have you know!

* '''Grossberg''': "Unnngh... It feels like my hemorrhoids are [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlem_Shake_(song) doing the Harlem Shake!]]"***
** The game was released in 2004, eight years before the song's release. However, there is a dance called the Harlem Shake, popularized in 1981 by Al B, which is more likely being referenced here.

--> '''Godot''': I'm already seeing a very hot someone, so you'll be [[Theatre/WaitingForGodot waiting for a long time]].

---> '''Atmey''': Godot. A legend or myth... Men pin a lifetime of hopes on the chance to simply meet him.
---> '''Atmey''': Not surprising... Some people spend their entire lives idly waiting for his appearance.

-->'''Phoenix:''' No, Maya, [[Film/ThreeHundred that is]] [[VideoGame/DevilMayCry SPARDA]].."

---> Maya: ...[[Series/TheHollywoodSquares I'll take money for the win.]]

-->'''Gumshoe''': Umm, about this here...
-->'''Bikini''': Hmm... Let me see... Well, as you may know... In order to see reality for what it truly is... ...we strive to break our attachments to much of the transient, material realm. I guess you could call me an "immaterial girl"!
-->'''Gumshoe''': I guess she [[Music/{{Madonna}} lives in an immaterial world]], huh [[spoiler:Mr. Edgeworth]]?

!!'''Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney'''

-->'''Trucy''': Maybe they're trying to trick kids into thinking the police are some kind of band.
-->'''Apollo''': But that's just silly. [[TakeThat Who'd name a band]] [[Music/ThePolice the "police"?]]

--->'''Judge''': I do hope this latest accusation is well-based.
--->'''Phoenix''': (...Don't worry, [[VideoGame/ZeroWing I've got all your bases]] right here.)

--->'''Trucy''': My panties are BiggerOnTheInside!
--->'''Apollo''': (Hm, that reminds me of that [[Series/DoctorWho TV show I used to watch...]])

--> '''Klavier''': ...The victim was already climbing a three-month [[Music/LedZeppelin stairway to heaven]]. ...Why not wait for him to [[Music/BobDylan knock-knock-knock on heaven's door]]? Why shoot him?
--> '''Phoenix''': (I wouldn't have put it quite so lyrically, but it's true.)

--> '''Apollo''': A sort of pin-fastener for attaching things to clothes. Not a safety pin-type, though.
--> '''Trucy''': So if it's not a safety pin...
--> '''Trucy''': ... is it a danger pin!?
--> '''Apollo''': I suppose if you stuck it in your eye, then yeah, sure. [[note]] For those who don't get it, using his mother's brooch pin, Oedipus stabbed himself in the eyes and made himself blind. It becomes HilariousInHindsight later when you realise the full truth of the brooch's owner [[/note]]

--> '''Klavier''': Now you've done it. [[Film/{{Spaceballs}} You've gone beyond ridiculous and into... ludicrous.]]

!!'''Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth'''

----> '''Edgeworth''': [[spoiler:Lance Amano]]! I propose that you killed [[spoiler:Mr. Deacon]] with [[spoiler:the revolver]] in [[spoiler:the haunted house]]!

---> '''Gumshoe''': [[{{Malaproper}} Extraterristrial rights]]? Sir, do you really believe that [[Series/TheXFiles the truth is out there]]!?

---> '''Edgeworth''': Only two pieces? I believe the proper phrase here is, "you fail."

---> '''Edgeworth''': The special move today was the "Early Summer Rain Jab"? Is that your final answer?

--> '''Gumshoe:''' [[Series/Batman1966 Holy suitcases, Mr. Edgeworth!]]

---> '''Edgeworth''': And where were you when you experienced this... calm?
---> '''Lance''': Our family garden, of course! Where else could it have been!?
---> '''Edgeworth''': (Well! Excuse me for asking! This child is more princess than prince...)

--> '''Edgeworth''': You know, I've seen it occur a lot recently, and it's been bothering me greatly... ...but why does [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Inc nobody know how to properly capitalize and space nouns]] anymore!?

!!'''Investigations 2 (Fan Localization)'''

---> "It's a cage inside a cage that is this prison cell. It's like... [[Film/{{Inception}} Cageception!]]

---> '''Lotta''': [[Manga/AttackOnTitan "On that day, humanity was given a grave reminder...]] of the terror of Moozilla!"

--> '''[[spoiler: Blaise]]:''' ITBURNSITBURNS[[WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons THEGOGGLESDONOTHING]]!

--> '''Edgeworth:''' [[Theatre/RomeoAndJuliet A Butz by any other name would smell just as much.]]

!!'''Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies'''

---> '''Phoenix''': Project confidence... [[Music/TheLonelyIsland like a boss!]]

---> '''Tonate''': Boom! [[VideoGame/SegaRally Game over! Yeaaah!]]

* While in court, Florent L'Belle's green hair dye job combined with his pale skin, purple suit, and cologne-spraying flower makes him look a lot like [[Franchise/BatMan The Joker]]. His expressions and mannerisms are especially reminiscent of the incarnation from ''ComicBook/BatmanTheDarkKnightReturns''.

---> '''Blackquill''': You FOOL [[Film/TheLordOfTheRingsTheFellowshipOfTheRing of a tanuki]]!

--> '''Athena:''' They're pretty big tracks, almost bird-like. The feathers also point to a bird.
--> '''Apollo:''' Then it must be one big bird! And not of the [[Series/SesameStreet friendly yellow type]], either!

--> '''Tenma Town Pro Wrestling "Howlin' Wolf vs. [[OurVampiresAreDifferent Pretty Boy Vampire]]"''' Blow-by-blow commentary by Timothy Literature/{{Twilight}}.

--> '''Phoenix:''' (As long as they don't [[Manga/SailorMoon punish us in the name of said moon]] for what we've done for it...)

--> '''Simon Blackquill''': [[Film/ForrestGump Suspicious is as Suspicious Does]].

--> '''Judge:''' Order! Order!!! The defense will stop at competing for the [[Website/YouTube greatest]] [[MemeticMutation freak-out ever!]]

!!'''Ace Attorney: Spirit of Justice'''

-->'''Gallery:''' Long may [Rayfa] live and prosper!
-->'''Phoenix:''' (Hey! I want to [[Franchise/StarTrek live long and prosper]] too!)
** Coincidentally, the English release of ''Spirit of Justice'' coincided with the fiftieth anniversary of ''Star Trek''.

---->'''Judge''': And just as I said earlier, Mr. Justice, I have a '''whopper''' of a penalty for that bluff.
---->'''Apollo''': Owie... (I guess I can't always [[Advertising/TheBurgerKing have it my way...]])

---->'''Rayfa''': Barbed Head! You... [[Music/ThomasDolby You blinded me with science]]!

-->'''Widget:''' [[WesternAnimation/AliceInWonderland He's late, he's late, for a very important date!]]

-->'''Apollo:''': (I don't know what's worse: the penalty, or their singing.)

----> '''Athena:''' (''crying in frustration'') My brilliant deduction -- destroyed in three sentences.

The ''Franchise/AceAttorney'' games are filled with [[ShoutOut Shout-Outs]]. They can be almost from any popular sources, especially in the English translation. These range from Phoenix telling Franziska "[[WellExcuseMePrincess Well, excuuuuse me princess!]]", to a security system named [[Film/ThreeHundred "S.P.A.R.]][[VideoGame/DevilMayCry D.A"]], to a clown who sings the intro of ''Series/TheFreshPrinceOfBelAir''.