The unique control scheme of the Nintendo DS has allowed a number of unlikely series to flourish. One example is the Phoenix Wright franchise. The first two games have enjoyed a fair amount of success, and the series has accumulated a very loyal fan base. Now a third game, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations, is headed to the US and set for release on October 23. We just received a final build of the game and have already spent a few hours with Phoenix and his crew.

　　Like in the previous games, the first case (or turnabout, as the game calls them) takes place five years ago. Rather than playing the role of defender extraordinaire Phoenix Wright, you're placed in the shoes of Mia Fey--yes, the same Mia Fay from the first game. Phoenix fans shouldn't worry, though; he's proximately involved as the defendant...accused of murder. This case is relatively simple and serves mostly as a refresher on how the game plays. It is interesting, though, to see Phoenix as a bumbling college student. Over the course of the trial you'll learn what prompted Mr. Wright to pursue a career in law, and you'll learn a little bit more about the mysterious Mia, too.

　　Phoenix wasn't all that smooth in his college days.

　　The second case is where the game really picks up. It's also where you'll run into old friends like Detective Gumshoe, Pearls, Maya, and a few more blasts from the past. This is also where you meet Godot, the white-haired, coffee-drinking attorney who, by the way, just happens to wear some sort of futuristic visor over his eyes a la Geordi from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Not only does this guy swear he came from the "depths of hell," but he also seems to have some sort of grudge against Phoenix. Just the sort of thing you need to worry about when in the midst of a big case...

　　The second turnabout starts off like any other, but features a surprising twist that turns the whole case upside down. This is the first case in the game where you'll have to do your own detective work. Gathering evidence is done just as it was in previous games. You move from location to location examining suspicious items and presenting evidence and character profiles to try to build a defense before you get to trial. Like in the last game, some people aren't entirely forthcoming with their answers. When this happens, chains and locks appear over those people indicating they have a psyche-lock. You'll need to gather specific information to break down their defenses before you get the truth.

　　Anyone who played any of the previous games will be right at home once the trials start, as this portion of the game seems unchanged from the last. You'll spend your time cross-examining witnesses, pressing them for information and looking for holes in their testimony. When you do find a contradiction you'll be able to object (yes, you can still yell into the microphone) and then present evidence supporting your objection. You'll want to make sure you're able to back up your claim, because the judge is more than willing to penalize you for unsubstantiated claims.

　　It's too bad there doesn't appear to be any new gameplay mechanics, but so far the story has been as good as or better than that of any of the previous games. Though we're only halfway through the second of the game's five cases, it feels as if Trials and Tribulations is sure to please fans of Phoenix Wright and company.