History YMMV / AceAttorney

* OnlyTheCreatorDoesItRight: While the mainline entries directed by Takeshi Yamazaki (''Dual Destinies'' and ''Spirit of Justice'') aren't regarded as being ''bad'' per-se, many fans feel they are the weakest entries in the series and that they don't stack up to the previous titles directed by original series creator Creator/ShuTakumi, who would distance himself from the mainline series in TheNewTens to focus more on spin-offs such as ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonVsPhoenixWrightAceAttorney'' and ''VisualNovel/TheGreatAceAttorney'', which have been well received by fans. Ironically, this is despite the fact that Yamazaki had previously directed and wrote the acclaimed ''Investigations'' duology, while Takumi had directed ''VisualNovel/ApolloJusticeAceAttorney'', which is arguably the most [[BrokenBase divisive title]] in the franchise.

*** One of Edgeworth's first big cases was the SL-9 Incident, in which he successfully convicted Joe Darke for the murder of Neil Marshall. [[spoiler: While Darke did indeed kill people, he wasn't Marshall's killer, and unbeknownst to Edgeworth, the evidence had been forged by the real murderer, Damon Gant.]]
*** Klavier's first trial ended with him [[spoiler: accusing Phoenix Wright of forging evidence, effectively destroying Phoenix's career. Seven years later, Klavier discovered that the evidence was actually forged by his own brother.]]

* HeartwarmingInHindsight: Throughout the series, you can present your Attorney's Badge at different points during a case to get unique reactions and dialogue from various characters, many of which are funny, which led to [[MemeticMutation lawyers presenting their badges to everyone they meet becoming a meme in the fanbase]]. However, at the beginning of the second case of ''[[VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneySpiritofJustice Spirit of Justice]]'', you actually ''have to'' present your badge to Trucy, upon which Apollo reminds her that she can trust him with anything [[UndyingLoyalty because he will always believe in her]]. Similarly, Phoenix has a Psyche-Lock puzzle against Datz Are'bal with the final lock being broken by proving that like his Defiant Dragons armband, Phoenix presents his Attorney's Badge as something he believes in alongside his clients.

* UnintentionalPeriodPiece: Canonically, the trilogy takes place from 2016 to 2019 (as proven by the date of the DL-6 Incident). However, the [[TechnologyMarchesOn technology featured in them]] matches up with the tech that was around in the early 2000s, the time frame when the games were made. VHS tapes, black-and-white photos, and old cellphones are still in use,[[note]]Although around that timeframe, older models of cellphone became popular again, as they tended to be cheaper and have longer battery life.[[/note]] and digital cameras are still a new thing.

** The rights to silence and against self incrimination exist in Japan but the courts take a very contemptuous view of them and any defendant or witness who invokes them are almost always subject to adverse inferences, hence why almost no one in the series ever refuses to answer accusatory questions put forward by the defense. In the entire franchise, the only witness to ever invoke their right to silence is [[spoiler:Adrian Andrews]], who is promptly told by the judge that doing so would be the same as admitting guilt.

** A standard element to shuttle the player into different parts of the investigation is to have the current defense attorney be unable to speak to that case's defendant until the player has progressed far enough in the investigation because "they're in questioning." In "Rise From The Ashes," Lana nonchalantly mentions having been questioned all night at the start of the trial's second day. In fact, during the third case of ''VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneySpiritOfJustice'', the guard interrupts one of Phoenix's visits to Maya to ask her questions, forcing Phoenix to come back later to resume the conversation. American defendants very specifically have the right to summon their lawyer whenever the police are asking them questions.

* TransAudienceInterpretation: Some fans, to varying degrees between jokingly and seriously, have taken to suggesting Apollo being a trans guy as the real reason for his "chords of steel" voice training.

* UnintentionalPeriodPiece: Canonically, the trilogy takes place from 2016 to 2019 (as proven by the date of the DL-6 Incident). However, the [[TechnologyMarchesOn technology featured in them]] matches up with the tech that was around in the early 2000s, the time frame when the games were made. VHS tapes, black-and-white photos, and old cellphones are still in use[[note]](although around that timeframe, older models of cellphone became popular again, as they tended to be cheaper and have longer battery life)[[/note]], and digital cameras are still a new thing.

* FranchiseOriginalSin: The fact that the games generally don't reference previous games has caused problems in later installments, but it began as early as the Phoenix Wright trilogy, in which the fact that Miles Edgeworth's mentor is a murderer who killed Miles' father is never mentioned in the second and third games. Back then, it didn't cause all that many problems due to the relatively simple stories and the fact that the significance of the twists was made clear; for example, it was clear that Edgeworth rejected von Karma's ways by the time of his return in the second game. In later games, the refusal to spoil plot twists causes various plotlines to be dropped without explanation, as well as important events to never be spoken of again.

** To an extent, the original trilogy as a whole could be considered this. While the later games undeniably have their share of fans, most of them are [[ContestedSequel incredibly divisive]] and even many who like the later games can agree that they just don't hold up to the original trilogy. Capcom themselves seem to pay a lot of attention to these three games as well, given that they have been ported [[PortOverdosed to a wide number of systems]], on top of getting the most focus in marketing and crossovers. Furthermore, adaptations, such as [[Film/PhoenixWrightAceAttorney the live action film]], the stage plays and the [[Anime/AceAttorney2016 anime]] tend to only adapt the trilogy or use elements from the trilogy (or in the case of the live action film, the first game), with the rest of the series being ignored (as of right now anyway).

** Apollo x Athena: Justicecykes

* PolishedPort: The CompilationRerelease of the original trilogy on the Platform/NintendoSwitch, Platform/PlayStation4, Platfotm/XboxOne and Platform/{{Steam}} is widely considered by most to be the definitive version of the trilogy, as not only does it have the first three entries in one convenient package in a higher resolution than the original games, but it has higher quality sprites than the previous two ports of the trilogy (with all lost animations restored), uses the proofread script of the 3DS version, contains multiple languages, uses the remastered soundtrack from the Platform/WiiWare rereleases and can run at a full 60 [=FPS=] (and higher on the PC version if you [[https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Phoenix_Wright:_Ace_Attorney_Trilogy#Essential_improvements take the steps to disable the framerate locking VSYNC]]).

* OnlyTheCreatorDoesItRight: While the mainline entries directed by Takeshi Yamazaki (''Dual Destinies'' and ''Spirit of Justice'') aren't regarded as being ''bad'' per-se, many fans feel they are the weakest entries in the series and that they don't stack up to the previous titles directed by original series creator Creator/ShuTakumi, who would distance himself from the mainline series in UsefulNotes/TheNewTens to focus more on spin-offs such as ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonVsPhoenixWrightAceAttorney'' and ''VisualNovel/TheGreatAceAttorney'', which have been well received by fans. Ironically, this is despite the fact that Yamazaki had previously directed and wrote the acclaimed ''Investigations'' duology, while Takumi had directed ''VisualNovel/ApolloJusticeAceAttorney'', which is arguably the most [[BrokenBase divisive title]] in the franchise.
* PolishedPort: The CompilationRerelease of the original trilogy on the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch, UsefulNotes/PlayStation4, UsefulNotes/XboxOne and UsefulNotes/{{Steam}} is widely considered by most to be the definitive version of the trilogy, as not only does it have the first three entries in one convenient package in a higher resolution than the original games, but it has higher quality sprites than the previous two ports of the trilogy (with all lost animations restored), uses the proofread script of the 3DS version, contains multiple languages, uses the remastered soundtrack from the UsefulNotes/WiiWare rereleases and can run at a full 60 [=FPS=] (and higher on the PC version if you [[https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Phoenix_Wright:_Ace_Attorney_Trilogy#Essential_improvements take the steps to disable the framerate locking VSYNC]]).

* TheScrappy:
** Marvin Grossberg in the third game. He just '''will not shut up''' about his [[TooMuchInformation hemorrhoids]].
** Aristotle Means from ''Dual Destinies'' is immensely disliked due to constantly spouting out his "the ends justify the means" philosophy and not having much of a character beyond that, and [[spoiler:for being a very weak and bland culprit.]]
** Queen Ga'ran from ''Spirit of Justice'', once she gets involved in the final case. Even fans of the sixth game reluctantly agree she's not great. [[spoiler:Her prosecutor design is ridiculously over-the-top with long fingernails and a spider-shaped hairdo, her motivations are poorly cobbled together from three more popular villains (Von Karma, Morgan, and Blaise), and her stupidity for letting the trial go on as long as it should to get her arrested for murder when as the '''ruling queen of a country''', she could've easily had Apollo and company executed on the spot.]]
* SequelDifficultyDrop:

* HarsherInHindsight: The Dark Age of the Law. Over [[VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorney the]] [[VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneyJusticeForAll first]] [[VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneyTrialsAndTribulations five]] [[VisualNovel/AceAttorneyInvestigationsMilesEdgeworth games]] timeline-wise, [[spoiler:Damon Gant was arrested and reformed the police department]], [[spoiler:Phoenix set a standard for attorneys to have genuine trust with their clients after getting Matt Engarde arrested]], [[spoiler:a decade-long feud between the Feys, the Hawthornes, and the Armandos was put to rest]], and most importantly, [[spoiler:Edgeworth got Blaise Debeste incarcerated to put a stop to corruption among prosecutors]]. However, these major accomplishments, especially the second and fourth ones in the way of attorneys and prosecutors, would end up being AllForNothing, as [[spoiler:Kristoph Gavin getting Vera Misham to forge a diary page that [[VisualNovel/ApolloJusticeAceAttorney would get Phoenix disbarred]]]] ruined the reputation of defense attorneys, while [[spoiler:[[VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneyDualDestinies Simon Blackquill getting framed]] for the murder of Metis Cykes]] ruined the reputation of prosecutors. It speaks volumes to how much these past efforts were undone when [[spoiler:it takes Edgeworth 6 years to become Chief Prosecutor, and even ''that'' doesn't put an end to the ruined reputation of the legal system]].

** In case 2-2, Phoenix reacts with shock when Ini asks if Pearl is his daughter -- "how old do you think I am?" Two years later, Phoenix adopts Trucy, who is of an age with Pearl, and Apollo assumes that Phoenix was a young father.

''YMMV/{{Ace Attorney Investigations|MilesEdgeworth}}'' | ''YMMV/GyakutenKenji2'' | ''YMMV/TheGreatAceAttorney''\\

''YMMV/{{Ace Attorney Investigations|MilesEdgeworth}}'' | ''YMMV/TheGreatAceAttorney''\\

* HeartwarmingInHindsight: Throughout the series, you can present your Attorney's Badge at different points during a case to get unique reactions and dialogue from various characters, many of which are funny, which led to [[MemeticMutation lawyers presenting their badges to everyone they meet becoming a meme in the fanbase]]. However, at the beginning of the second case of ''[[VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneySpiritofJustice Spirit of Justice]]'', you actually ''have to'' present your badge to Trucy, upon which Apollo reminds her that she can trust him with anything [[UndyingLoyalty because he will always believe in her]].

* BaseBreakingCharacter:
** Phoenix Wright himself has become very divisive following ''Apollo Justice''. While his characterization in the trilogy is still well loved, his [[SameCharacterButDifferent portrayal]] in ''Apollo Justice'' has become very divisive. Some see his depiction as a TricksterMentor and TheChessmaster to be a logical step forward for the character and an interesting way to take him, on top of loving the idea of him being a father figure to Trucy, while others find aspects of him such as him [[spoiler:using forged evidence in "Turnabout Trump"]] to be very out of character for him and dislike how he went from a prestigious defense lawyer in the original trilogy to a scruffy "hobo", feeling it ruins his [[HappyEndingOverride arc from the trilogy]]. The fact that the games following it would [[CharacterRerailment revert back]] to his trilogy characterization and role is also divisive, with some finding it to be a good move after what ''Apollo Justice'' did to him or an overcorrection to the aforementioned criticisms that regressed his character as opposed to further developing him and the qualities he had gained in ''Apollo Justice''.
** Apollo Justice. Depending on who you ask, he is either a worthy successor to Phoenix Wright and a fun protagonist in his own right or an underdeveloped ReplacementScrappy who is a mere shadow of Phoenix. This did die down after ''Dual Destinies'' reinstated Phoenix as a defense lawyer, allowing people to view and judge Apollo on his own merits than as a replacement of Phoenix.
** Depending on who you ask, Maya Fey is either an endearing and incredibly sympathetic GenkiGirl who has a great dynamic with Phoneix or an obnoxious and immature idiot who couldn't stop getting imprisoned for the life of her. The fact that she has a tendency to get imprisoned or kidnapped in ''every'' appearance she makes doesn't help her reputation.
** Franziska Von Karma tends to be the most divisive amongst the reoccurring prosecutors. Some adore her for her over-the-top nature, her HiddenDepths and sibling-like relationship with Edgeworth, while others find her to be an unlikable, whiny and poorly developed {{Jerkass}} who hurts people for no good reason and lacks Edgeworth's more noble and likable qualities, and her father's EvilIsCool status.
** Athena Cykes became this as soon as she debuted in ''Dual Destinies''. Some fans love her for being a main playable female defense attorney (the first since Mia Fey) and consider her to be an endearing, fun and sympathetic main character with a compelling backstory and interesting chemistry with Apollo. Others though, find her to be an unnecessary addition to an already large and bloated cast that takes away the spotlight and focus from characters that need it more (such as Apollo), on top of finding her to be a glorified plot device who acts more like an assistant than the defense attorney she is supposed to be.
** Depending on who you ask, Larry Butz is either a hilarious side character or an unlikeable and sleazy creep. This reception is particularly prevalent in the [[AmericansHateTingle Western fanbase]], as Larry is more well-liked amongst the Japanese fanbase.

* CommonKnowledge:

* HeartwarmingInHindsight: Throughout the series, you can present your Attorney's Badge at different points during a case to get unique reactions and dialogue from various characters, many of which are funny, which led to [[MemeticMutation lawyers presenting their badges to everyone they meet becoming a meme in the fanbase]]. However, at the beginning the second case of ''[[VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneySpiritofJustice Spirit of Justice]]'', you actually ''have to'' present your badge to Trucy, upon which Apollo reminds her that she can trust him with anything [[UndyingLoyalty because he will always believe in her]].

* HeartwarmingInHindsight: Throughout the series, you can present your Attorney's Badge at different points during a case to get unique reactions and dialogue from various characters, many of which are funny, which led to [[MemeticMutation lawyers presenting their badges to everyone they meet becoming a meme in the fanbase]]. However, at the beginning the second case of ''[[VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneySpiritofJustice Spirit of Justice]]'', you actually ''have to'' present your badge to Trucy, upon which Apollo reminds her that she can trust him with anything because he will always believe in her.

*** Klavier's first trial ended with him [[spoiler: accusing Phoenix Wright of forging evidence, effectively destroying Phoenix' career. Seven years later, Klavier discovered that the evidence was actually forged by his own brother.]]

* {{Woolseyism}}: While consensus opinions have shifted about strict fidelity to the original story and script since the first ''Ace Attorney'' game dropped in America, especially about [[DubInducedPlotlineChange whether or not shifting the setting to the United States was a good idea]], no one ever denies that the localization team puts their heart and soul into each new title. In a series where every character has some combination of a MeaningfulName and a PunnyName, they manage to keep both intact, with sometimes elegant results. ("Edgeworth" is a really good translation of "Mitsurugi," for example.) And the results speak for themselves, with the series' persistent, international popularity.

** To an extent, the original trilogy as a whole could be considered this. While the later games undeniably have their share of fans, most of them are [[ContestedSequel incredibly divisive]] and even many who like the later games can agree that they just don't hold up to the original trilogy. Capcom themselves seem to pay a lot of attention to these three games as well, given that they have been ported [[PortOverdosed to a wide number of systems]], on top of getting the most focus in marketing and crossovers. Furthermore, adaptations, such as [[Film/PhoenixWrightAceAttorney the live action film]], the stage plays and the [[Anime/AceAttorney anime]] tend to only adapt the trilogy or use elements from the trilogy (or in the case of the live action film, the first game), with the rest of the series being ignored (as of right now anyway).