by Vinnk - 05.28.07
As an English-speaking gamer in Japan, the DS re-release of Gyakuten Saiban (Phoenix Wright) was a nice surprise. I was planning to get it anyway since I had heard great things about the series, but when I found out that I could put my dictionary away and simply switch the language to English I really started to look forward to the title. Better yet, it turned out to be the actual text that would later be used for the Western release, not some crappy machine translation.
Capcom did the same thing for the release of the second game. The DS is region free so many people imported this one after becoming hooked on the first game. This had two advantages, first of all they could play it sooner. Second, since it was a budget priced release (in Japan), even after shipping, it was almost the same cost. An import-gamers dream come true.
I was sad when Gyakuten Saiban 4 was released in Japanese only. I can understand why they did this (Gyakuten Saiban 3 hadn’t been translated yet and 4 hadn’t received a release date outside of Japan) but it did make me worried that GS3 might not be bilingual.
Luckily I can put my fears aside. Capcom has made it official the game will once again contain both languages. This is great for me since I don’t have to buy 2 copies just to let my fiancé play (though I did last time anyway) and it is great for those of you living outside of Japan who can’t wait the extra few weeks.
I have already pre-ordered a few copies of this game (for myself and some of my friends in the states) and I will be sure to review it as soon as I get it. According to one of my Japanese friends, it is the best of the series. Considering how much I love these games, that is saying a lot.
The Phoenix Wright games are some of the few that I have actually not been able to put down. Typically I make it 75% of the way through a game, leave it for a long time, sometimes forever.
When I pop in Phoenix Wright/Gyakuten Saiban games though.. they don’t come out of the DS until they are FINISHED! Such a fun series!
Namssorg - 05.28.07 3:27 am
What? …GS4 was released before GS3 had been translated, and GS3 was released with an english option?
Wouldn’t that mean that #4 was released BEFORE #3?
Donald - 05.28.07 4:53 am
I do love my Turnabout Courtroom, but I do find it more enjoyable in English as opposed to Japanese, despite the fact I understand both.
Kenofthedead - 05.28.07 5:31 am
Donald: Yes, GS4 was released before the DS version of GS3. GS3 was originally released as a GBA game and is now getting a DS port a la the first two. Does nobody know the history of these games?!
Anyway.
I highly, HIGHLY encourage everybody to buy the domestic release of AA3 even if the Japanese one comes out first. Strong sales in North America would encourage Capcom to continue bringing the series here!
Conn - 05.28.07 5:44 am
@Conn
The series sells very well in the US as is. Actually the DS games sold significantly better in the US than Japan. I agree, if you can wait but the domestic version and FILL OUT THE WARRENTY CARDS to let capcom know you want more localizations like it. But buying an import is not going to do damage. Even some of the most imported games in history (like Ouendan) only move about 2000-3000 copies. Its not a significant number either way.
Vinnk - 05.28.07 9:31 am
Phoenix Wright has quickly become one of my favorite game series of all time, right up there with Metal Gear, Castlevania, Dragon Quest, and all the other classics. I recommend it longly and loudly to everyone I know who has a DS, a sense of humor, and a pulse. I even bought both the Japanese and English versions of Justice for All, just to do my part to encourage Capcom to keep bringing the series stateside.
Obviously, I’m eagerly awaiting GS3 & 4. Many people seem to consider GS3 the best of the series, and I’m curious to see the new characters introduced in GS4.
Mr. Null - 05.28.07 11:35 am
Where can I pre-order it?
Jim - 05.28.07 2:11 pm
wonderful news
jeremy - 05.28.07 2:45 pm
Well… I know everyone hates the dude who says this but, I want more games… like Tingle RPG with Tingle Balloon Fight added because of the wait.
Marceliss - 05.28.07 3:38 pm
soooo, is GS4 already out or is that still due out in japan? from my skills of sleuthing im under the impression that as of now the following list i made is accurate:
>GS1 - America (w/ ENG only)
Japan (w/ ENG/JAP option)
>GS2 - America(w/ ENG only)
Japan (w/ ENG/JAP option)
>GS3 - Japan (JAP only & GBA only)(Soon: DS w/ ENG/JAP opt.)
America (Soon: w/ ENG only)
>GS4 - Japan (Soon: ??DS or GBA??, w/ JAP only)
America (Unknown)
hopefully this formats right. haha. anyways, let me know if this isnt accurate or there’s some detail ive got wrong or condfused or something. thanks!
ohemgeez - 05.28.07 5:57 pm
GS4 is out already and selling very well. GS3 came out on GBA several years ago (the first GS game was on GBA in 2001). These ones we are getting in America are the ports. They are almost the same, just with touch screen controls and GS1 had an extra case. These are old games in Japan. They also came out for the PC. It is only in America where they are new.
Now to further confuse things, recently capcom announced that they have begin work on GS5.
Vinnk - 05.28.07 6:51 pm
And to make it more clear, here is the release order:
GS1 (GBA)
GS2 (GBA)
GS3 (GBA
GS1 (DS Remake)
GS2 (DS Remake)
GS4 (Brand new DS game)
GS3 (DS remake)
There are also PC remakes and a GS1 cell phone game, but I won’t go into those.
Vinnk - 05.28.07 6:54 pm
So, uh… Why the hell do they strip the Japanese option out of the US releases?
Shih Tzu - 05.29.07 12:40 am
@Vinnk:
Touche.
Conn - 05.29.07 3:11 am
WHERE CAN I BUY THE THIRD GAME?
Please?
Jim - 05.30.07 7:31 pm