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First screens as Phoenix Wright rises for DS sequel

New evidence courts our attention

First screens as Phoenix Wright rises for DS sequel

Anyone who's ever felt like rolling on the rubber gloves after an episode of CSI or shouting "Objection!" in the middle of a petty argument about putting out the trash should keep an eye on Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice for All on DS.

We were great fans of the first Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney on Nintendo's handheld. Sure, it had been somewhat seen before on GBA. Yes, it was pretty linear. Agreed, if you didn't like shouting "Objection!" into the DS microphone you weren't likely to much enjoy the game.

But Phoenix Wright made brilliant use of the DS's dual-screens, and provided something genuinely different for jaded and ingénue gamers alike. And so should the next game, the first screens of which we've filed as Exhibit A in the window above.

Besides four new cases and some all-new goodies and baddies, the game rolls a bit more innovation in the mix. Once again you're Phoenix Wright, a truth-seeking defence attorney, and the gameplay is again split into two distinct flavours: the investigation phase that sees you gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses, and a court phase, in which you present your findings, examine witnesses, and pick apart the web of lies being weaved around your innocent client.

Things are likely to be tougher this time though. Some witnesses may be 'Psyche-Locked', which means they've clammed up to interrogation – and only catching out their inconsistencies or relentlessly asking them correct questions will open them up.

There's also a life bar representing Phoenix's reputation in the courtroom. Present the court with too much duff evidence or fail to break down Psyche-Locked witnesses and your bar will plunge. (There's no word on what happens when it runs down, but we suspect the judge will throw the case out).

Recovering L.A. Law fans will remember the courtroom is one big family. Familiar faces such as Phoenix's psychic sidekick Maya Fey will be joined here by newcomers including Fey's daughter and fellow psychic Pearl Fey, and Franziska von Karma, the new D.A. and daughter of Phoenix's former adversary, Manfred von Karma.

Our appetites are whetted. We have the motive and the means, and we can't wait to get our hands on Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice for All, when it arrives in early 2007.