The Ace Attorney franchise includes a selection of main entries and various spin-off titles, but each game revolves around a similar style of gameplay. Players love this iconic franchise, which merges legal dramas with video games in a hybrid of visual novels and adventure genres. Not only are the characters great, but the writing is spot on and the artwork is stunning.

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Phoenix Wright is the household name attached to the Ace Attorney franchise, however, the series features an array of fantastic characters from the likes of Miles Edgeworth to Mia Fey. From solving cases to diving into deep investigations and outwitting others in court, Ace Attorney is truly unlike any other franchise and includes some of the best visual novel-style games ever made.

11 Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney

Metacritic Rating: 78

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney is certainly one of the weakest entries in the franchise, but it's by no means a terrible game. It was one of the first titles to deviate from mainstay protagonist, Phoenix Wright, and suffered from some poorer character development in comparison to previous titles. Apollo's backstory and motivations weren't all that fleshed out, so gamers struggled to connect with this character at first.

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It wasn't just Apollo that was the issue, however. The story in Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney just wasn't as good as the first few titles. Couple this with some new gameplay mechanics that didn't quite click and this title in the series clearly had a bit of a rocky start. It's not all bad news though. The game's cases were extremely engaging and Apollo has since become a beloved protagonist. The game has also aged astoundingly well over the years which is no small feat.

10 Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth

Metacritic Rating: 78

• Platforms: Android, iOS, Nintendo DS
• Released: 28 May 2009
• Developers: Capcom, Arc System Works

As the first entry in the Investigations spinoff series, Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth had some big boots to fill, and to be fair - it did a decent job. As with Apollo Justice, it's always hard introducing gamers to a new playable protagonist after they form a connection to a previous one. In this title, players take on the role of Miles Edgeworth, a previous rival of Phoenix Wright.

It presented an interesting dynamic to play as Miles, who had been a major antagonist in previous titles. Whilst Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth is by no means a perfect game, it acts as a great first title for Miles Edgeworth and takes players across an engaging storyline with intriguing cases. However, it did suffer from some pacing issues throughout its narrative, and the lack of traditional courtroom scenes drew some criticism from fans.

9 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies

Metacritic Rating: 81

The main reason this title is also slightly less well-regarded than others is due to its short length and simpler game mechanics. With that being said, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies is still worth playing and was still well received upon launch in 2013. Featuring a more supernatural plot, Dual Destinies continues the "Dark Age of Law" plotline from the previous entry.

Players have to examine some interesting crime scenes and cross-examine various witnesses in some of the darkest cases in the franchise. The character of Athena Cykes is also made playable in this title who brings a unique perspective to solving various cases. Whilst a shorter title, Dual Destinies is very much worth playing.

8 Professor Layton vs.Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

Metacritic Rating: 79

• Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
• Released: 29 November 2012
• Developers: Level-5, Capcom

A crossover title between Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright was something that fans had been clamoring for for years, and this title finally delivered on the much-hyped premise. Given the massive ambition and sheer potential, many fans were slightly let down by the final product. Although it's not a bad game, it's unanimously agreed that it simply could have been better. But still, it's well worth playing just to witness the interactions between these two gaming icons.

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These issues lie mostly in the pacing as well as various side characters who didn't get the attention they deserved, however, the overall story and gameplay are pretty great. Gamers play as Professor Layton in adventuring and puzzle scenarios, whilst this role is handed to Phoenix Wright for courtroom scenarios, where players have to cross-examine witnesses and defend the innocent. It's a good game that just falls short of its potential.

7 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice For All

Metacritic Rating: 76

• Platforms: PC, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Wii
• Released: 18 October 2002
• Developers: Capcom

Serving as the second entry in the franchise, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice For All is a great game if players disregard the third out of four total cases. Universally, the third case in this entry is hated with a passion - and that's for good reason. It's a shame, however, as the other three cases are great, albeit a little unbalanced in terms of difficulty.

The cases in this entry feature a wide range of characters, who have become some of the most memorable in the franchise. Justice for All also introduced the "psyche-lock" mechanic, which streamlined the ability to break down witnesses, making for more accessible gameplay. There are some great puzzles featured throughout, and despite the third case being somewhat atrocious, the rest of the game is well worth playing.

6 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials And Tribulations

Metacritic Rating: 81

• Platforms: PC, iOS, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Wii
• Released: 23 January 2004
• Developers: Capcom

This third title in the franchise was released in 2004 and served as the conclusion to the original Phoenix Wright Trilogy. What was great about Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations, and what sets it apart from other entries, is its approach to character development. Iconic characters such as Mia Fey and Miles Edgeworth are given a larger exploration involving their backstories, as well as further reasoning for their motivations.

Trials and Tribulations features greater emotional depth in comparison to earlier entries, due to its greater focus on characters and backstories. It's also got some of the most memorable cases and engaging plotlines. Fans are quick to put Trials and Tribulations near the top of their lists when they rank this iconic series, although there are a number of titles that are considered even better!

5 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice

Metacritic Rating: 81

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, Microsoft Windows, iOS, Nintendo 3DS
• Released: 9 June 2016
• Developers: Capcom

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice is the sixth entry in the Ace Attorney franchise where players return to the role of Phoenix Wright defending his clients, and taking the courtroom by storm. This title allows gamers to take control of Apollo Justice and Athena Cykes in addition to the titular Phoenix Wright. Spirit of Justice is more fantastical than previous entries as it's set in the mystical kingdom of Khura'in, mixing legality, religion, and divine beings. It might all sound a bit far-fetched and weird, but Spirit of Justice is an incredible entry in the franchise.

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As this title is far more fantastical/supernatural, a new ability was introduced where players can witness a victim's final moments before their demise through a spiritual ability, as well as the addition of a more in-depth emotional analysis. Combining an excellent story, cast, and experience, Spirit of Justice is one of the best entries, and certainly the most visually pleasing in the franchise.

4 The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures

Metacritic Rating: 86

• Platforms: Android, iOS, Nintendo 3DS
• Released: 9 July 2015
• Developers: Capcom

Serving as the first title in another spinoff series, The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures completely rejuvenated the Ace Attorney franchise with a burst of new life. This title is set in 19th-century Japan and focuses on the new series protagonist, Ryunosuke Naruhodo, a distant ancestor of Phoenix Wright. The game shifts between Japan and England, with Ryunosuke solving a number of different cases.

It's a more humorous entry, featuring characters such as Herlock Sholmes, but still remains grounded and relatable in its approach to storytelling. Fans were particularly pleased with the more open gameplay style, as well as the ability to travel across various different locations. It was a much-beloved entry in the franchise that gave it a much-needed burst of fresh air.

3 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

Metacritic Rating: 81

The title that started it all is still one of the best in the entire franchise, and it's not just because of nostalgia. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is a genuinely captivating game that perfectly introduces the character of Phoenix Wright and sets up the staple gameplay format that fans have come to know and love. It's quite incredible to think that this game was originally released back in 2001, yet still holds up by today's standards and remains one of the best visual novels ever.

The original Ace Attorney title created a perfect blend of mystery, humor, and drama, all mixed into a legal setting. The courtrooms, characters, and plotlines are all iconic in their own right, and the artwork still looks great even now. It features a completely immersive story that sweeps away players as they uncover various twists and turns - and let's not forget the amazing soundtrack which is one of the most iconic in gaming. It also features one of the best villains in the franchise!

2 Ace Attorney Investigations 2

GameFAQs Rating: 4/5 (356 Ratings)

• Platforms: Android, iOS, Nintendo DS
• Released: 3 February 2011
• Developers: Capcom

Unfortunately, Ace Attorney Investigation 2 is yet to receive a Western release and is the only entry in the franchise yet to be released outside of Japan. It's a real shame as this is certainly one of the strongest entries in the franchise, consisting of five utterly gripping cases that could easily each qualify for some of the best in the whole series.

Players return to the role of Miles Edgeworth in a sequel that far surpasses its predecessor in every way. Miles' character is deeply fleshed out in this entry, allowing gamers to further connect with him and therefore appreciate the story far more. The puzzles featured throughout the cases are also some of the best in the franchise and it's an overall shame that so many fans are still yet to play this great title. For those who have played it, however, Ace Attorney Investigations 2 is frequently ranked as one of the absolute best in the franchise.

1 The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve

Metacritic Rating: 86

• Platforms: Android, iOS, Nintendo 3DS
• Released: 3 August 2017
• Developers: Capcom

Following on from the first title in this spinoff series. The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve places the focus back on Ryunosuke Naruhodo alongside his companions, following their travels between England and Japan. Whilst the first title was great, the second is nothing short of excellent, building and expanding upon the already strong foundations of its predecessor, and releasing to critical acclaim.

Exploring themes of justice, grief, redemption, and sacrifice, The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve features one of the most mature and impactful narratives in the entire franchise and culminates in an epic conclusion. There's great emotional depth and attachment that builds from the first game, and it's genuinely impressive how much this game makes players care about these relatively new characters and their motivations. If fans had to pick only one Ace Attorney game to try, this should certainly be the one.

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