I Almost Cracked The Case In Professor Layton Vs. Ace Attorney

For the first time anywhere, Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney was playable at Level-5 World. I headed straight there after the Level-5 Vision presentation ended for some hands on time.

The story begins, as all of Phoenix Wright’s cases do, with an overview of the "crime." Mahoney, who looks a lot like Red Riding Hood, was in the woods and two robbers are about to attack her. She drops her lamp and a giant flame burns the assailants. Now, Mahoney is being accused of witchcraft and Phoenix Wright steps up to defend her. Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney uses 3D models for trials, which is a first for the Ace Attorney series. While Phoenix is in 3D, he has the same animations like his signature worried face and finger pointing motions.

The trial part begins with Maya and Phoenix reuniting. Maya says it’s been a long time since the two have seen each other. Phoenix responds it was Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations and breaking the fourth wall now they are in a video game demo. Their banter is interrupted by Jeeken Barnrod, a knightly dressed prosecutor who holds up a sword. He says Mahoney is guilty of using magic to which Phoenix responds with a teardrop look that magic doesn’t exist. The Judge from the Ace Attorney games reprises his role, but looks more like a serious figure with an evil look.

Gameplay was entirely in the courtroom where Phoenix had to cross examine four witnesses at the same time. Phoenix objected to this, but was overruled by Jeeken. An old man with a pointy hat, an elderly woman holding her goat named Bertha, an innocent looking flower girl, and a chivalrous knight were at the scene of the crime. This part was similar to previous Ace Attorney games. I listened to their testimony and could should "Hold it!" to press them for more information. One change in Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney is you can see the faces of the other witnesses to check for worried looks. Pay attention and they may hint at a contradiction…

Right when it was time to present evidence the demo ended. Professor Layton didn’t even get to show up! Looks like Level-5 will have a lot more to reveal next year when Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney comes out for Nintendo 3DS.