How Layton Forever Changed Ace Attorney

Recent questions

• What was the significance of the crossover between Phoenix Wright and Professor Layton?

  The crossover between Phoenix Wright and Professor Layton marked a significant turning point for the Ace Attorney franchise. It inspired future games and delayed the creation of new entries in the series. The collaboration brought together two beloved franchises, creating a grand celebration for fans of both series. The game introduced new elements to the Ace Attorney series, such as fully voiced characters, animated cutscenes, and a shift to 3D graphics. Despite facing challenges during development, the crossover was well-received upon announcement and paved the way for innovative storytelling and gameplay in the franchise.

• Who was involved in the creation of the crossover between Phoenix Wright and Professor Layton?

  Shu Takumi, the creator of Ace Attorney, was fully involved in the production of the crossover between Phoenix Wright and Professor Layton. Despite initial skepticism due to his busy schedule, Takumi eventually agreed to be a writer and co-director on the project. Level 5's President, Akihiro Hino, who had long admired the Ace Attorney series, was inspired to create the crossover with Professor Layton after the success of the Layton games. The collaboration between Capcom and Level 5 brought together the creative minds behind both franchises, resulting in a unique and memorable gaming experience for fans.

• What challenges did the development of the crossover between Phoenix Wright and Professor Layton face?

  The development of the crossover between Phoenix Wright and Professor Layton faced challenges due to the collaboration between Capcom and Level 5. The project experienced delays and a segmented development process as the two companies worked together to bring the game to life. Despite initial skepticism from Shu Takumi and the complexities of working on a crossover title, the teams persevered to create a game that combined the best elements of both franchises. The challenges encountered during development ultimately led to a unique gaming experience that pushed the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay in the Ace Attorney series.

• How did the absence of Shu Takumi impact the development of the Ace Attorney series?

  In Shu Takumi's absence during the development of the crossover between Phoenix Wright and Professor Layton, Takeshi Yamazaki and Motohide Eshiro continued to work on spin-offs for the Ace Attorney series. This eventually led to the decision to start production on Ace Attorney 5 without Takumi. The absence of Takumi, who was a key figure in the creation of the Ace Attorney series, resulted in a new team taking the reins and deviating from Takumi's original roadmap for the franchise. Despite the challenges of moving forward without Takumi, the Ace Attorney series continued to evolve with new ideas and directions, shaping the future of the beloved franchise.

• What impact did The Great Ace Attorney have on the Ace Attorney series?

  The Great Ace Attorney, a spin-off created by Shu Takumi following the Layton crossover, introduced concepts such as multi-person testimonies and a jury system, inspired by ideas from the crossover. The game was set in a fictionalized 19th-century Japan and London, aiming to surpass fan favorites from the original trilogy. The Great Ace Attorney marked Takumi's full development of ideas from the crossover, incorporating similar style and designs by Kazuo Inori. Despite initial poor reception in Japan, the series is now highly regarded by fans, representing a high point in design, presentation, and story in the franchise. The success of The Great Ace Attorney has paved the way for a potential seventh Ace Attorney title in development, showcasing the lasting impact of the Layton crossover on the series.