Though fans of the series will get the most out of recurring characters, you can still pick up and play Dual Destinies even if you've never played the original games. As the game options, the first mission has Phoenix and his assistant junior lawyer Athena Cykes trying desperately to prove their client (and Athena's childhood friend) Juniper Woods is innocent of activating a bomb that detonated in a courtroom just the day before and wound up killing a detective. Each case represents its own story with its own case and characters, but play is consistent throughout. When you're not exploring scenes to investigate on your own, the meat and potatoes takes place inside the courtroom where you need to use your wits to prove your case by cross-examining witness statements, presenting evidence, and pointing out inconsistencies and lies. You'll play not just as Phoenix Wright himself, but also returning character Apollo Justice and Athena. Both characters have, um, unique abilities you wouldn't think would typically be accepted in a court of justice, but hey, we are talking about a world that's willing to put a whale on trial for murder and accept whips and coffee as acceptable reprimands during proceedings. The Phoenix Wright series has always been able to turn from goofball gags to dark on a dime, and Dual Destinies pulls out some seriously morbid stuff. Of all the games, however, it's also the one that's the most streamlined for play, allowing players the option to speed up the traditionally slow text, save whenever they want, and even consult their assistant for help at times.

These days porting games to the iOS is nothing new, but the Phoenix Wright series has always seemed like a natural fit, and Dual Destinies is no exception. The interface is simple, clean, and intuitive, and both the animation and the art itself are incredibly vibrant and smooth whether it's a cutscene or the game itself. Capcom's decision to offer the first case free and the others as individual purchases is a great way to allow players to pick up as much or as little of the game as they want instead of having to throw everything down as a lump sum. The initial case is of a nice, substantial length to help you figure out if you want to try the rest, and showcases the best of what fans have come to expect of the series... humour, clever puzzles, and even fiendishly sneaky evidence. Much like 2012's port of Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies on the iOS is an absurdly good value, and sets new standards for how to port games right. Dual Destinies is professionally polished from every angle and a perfect fit for iOS devices, as easy to play as it is hard to put down, and if you're looking to give the series a try, you're definitely in for a treat.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch)