New Game: Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright

Another title joins my growing 3DS library giving me another reason why I should stay up way past my bedtime. I received my copy of Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright from my aunt as the year closed last month so this is not my first game of 2015 but, rather, my last game of 2014. Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright is a crossover title of two beloved Nintendo franchises that spawned several titles spanning from the Game Boy Advance to the Nintendo 3DS.

there is a lot of pointing, definitely

Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney, known in Japan as Gyakuten Saiban, was initialy released on 2001 for the GBA. Four years later it was ported to the Nintendo DS for its North American release with improved gameplay mechanics allowing for a more convenient gameplay. Phoenix Wright is, at its core, a visual novel with mystery as its driving force. Players assume the role of the titular character with the porcupine hair in courtroom trials where the Defense and Prosecution face off. As Phoenix Wright, it's the gamers' duty to use their wit, and logic to see through every lie, deception and mystery that each trial presents. Testimonies and evidences are your weapons to get the Not Guilty verdict, and when it's time to present don't forget to point at an empty space and shout on the mic. 'Objection!'. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney will surely give you another perspective in courtroom dramas and visual novels overall since the story, pacing, and character development, while set, depends solely on the progress of the gamer.

...and also a lot of puzzle solving

Professor Layton is a puzzle-adventure game that started off with Professor Layton and the Curious Village for the Nintendo DS. This is easily one of the most recognizable and successful franchises in the Nintendo DS because, well, the main character is a gentleman with a distinctive top hat that's why. Headgear preference aside, Professor Layton's plot is that of mystery as well. Players assume the role of Professor Layton, a gentlemanly archaeologist who has a penchant for puzzles. Professor Layton along with Luke Trition tackle on the mystery they encounter while solving puzzles along the way. The puzzles of Professor Layton are intuitive, challenging and fun and most puzzles are presented in such a way that there is no one way to solve them. While not as serious and dark as 999, this puzzle-adventure game is definitely worth all the praises given to it.

Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright is a cross of both titles, and I gotta say this game is utterly amazing. The concepts of Ace Attorney and Professor Layton are perfectly blended together in such a way that you'd think those two naturally belong together. While puzzle solving bears little to no effect on courtroom trials, both are ultimately utilized in the progression of the story.
If I were to say which part of Professor Layton merges perfectly with Phoenix Wright, then it's gotta be the way you look for clues and talk to characters. One moment you're looking for clues for an upcoming trial and then on the next it's puzzle time. 

consider this a giveaway hint from me

But the transition from trials to searching for clues is incredibly smooth further giving off the vibe that Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright perfectly complement each other.
The story is a little bit amiss in this crossover title since long time fans of one or both series' might expect a real showdown focusing on the two titular characters, but instead we got a unique story that involves Professor Layton and Naruhodo-kun (Phoenix Wright). The problem here is that, though they are the titular characters, they are not the main focus of the story and that might throw a few expectations off. But don't get me wrong, the story of Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright is every bit interesting and intriguing thanks to the setting and the characters introduced in the story. The story was well written and the pacing of each chapter before and after every trial was superb. I even found myself completely drawn to the story most notably on the third trial which I found to be dramatic. There's also a lot of humor so, I guess that's a plus. 

You can really feel the characters growing both in personality and their relationship with other characters after every ordeal. What I did find to be a real surprise in this game is that it takes a dark turn early on which is, at least in my opinion, a departure from what I usually understand about the story of Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright.
One thing fans might notice about this crossover title is the presentation. Phoenix Wright is presented anime-style while Professor Layton takes on a more Ghibli meets Disney design, but the end product was more of a blend of the two. The colors and setting are more on the side of Professor Layton but the design for most of the characters leans on the side of Phoenix Wright. There are animated cutscenes which must not be skipped (or probably cannot be skipped) as these are essential to the plot and the trials so pay attention, a lot of attention to detail. There are also voice overs for some scenes and dialogues to add dramatic depth to the story. The music featured in the game is a perfect mix of both franchise. We still get the glorious Objection of Nick and the catchy puzzle solving tunes of Professor Layton.

Now here's the funny thing, I haven't actually played any of the Professor Layton and Ace Attorney titles. I have played the first turnabout in Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney but that's as far as I got to. This crossover title is technically my first for both series. So here's a big question: Is this a good title for people who are new to both series and are interested in the games? My answer, yes and no. Now let me elaborate.
Yes, because it's technically two concepts merged into one game. If you're curious about how Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright games play out then this is a good start to introduce yourself with their core mechanics. If you found yourself enjoying this title then you're sure to enjoy the separate titles of the two series'. But here's why I said no as well, you won't get to know the main characters.

Espella is just one of the many new characters introduced in this game

Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright are two established characters and by this time they already have a large fanbase. The gamers who played the titles released before Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright already know who they are so the crossover title didn't focus on the titutlar characters as much as some gamers expected. So, if you're a gamer who loves the story as much as the gameplay then this might not be a good starting point to get to know the characters along with the gameplay of both titles.

This is a good game, a must have for the 3DS, and a great crossover title for the Professor Layton series and Phoenix Wright series. This is best played on long hours to keep the story fresh. So far with my current progress I've clocked in 20 hours with 1:26 hours on average time per session - my highest so far. This isn't a title for the thrill seeker who enjoys fast and action-packed gameplay as this requires attention to detail and a lot of patience. But I still would like to recommend it to everyone who hasn't played it, whether familiar to both series or not, this is definitely worth all the time, picarats and hint coins you find along the way.