Dai Gyakuten Saiban 2: Naruhodō Ryūnosuke no Kakugo (known internationally as The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve) is a gripping adventure and visual novel developed and published by Capcom. As the direct sequel to The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures, this installment continues the high-stakes legal drama within the beloved Ace Attorney franchise. Directed by Shu Takumi, the game brings players back to a meticulously crafted historical setting where truth, lies, and corruption collide in the courtroom.

Uncovering Truth in Meiji-Era London

Set during the late 19th century, the story follows Ryunosuke Naruhodo, a second-year English student from Meiji-era Japan and the ancestor of the long-time series protagonist Phoenix Wright. After discovering his calling as a defense attorney following a trial for a murder he did not commit, Ryunosuke travels to London, England, to study law.

Accompanied by his capable legal assistant Susato Mikotoba, Ryunosuke navigates the "world’s greatest justice system," only to discover that beneath its bright facade lie deep-seated lies and murder. Players must navigate through complex cases, aided by the brilliant young inventor Iris Wilson and the legendary master of deduction, Herlock Sholmes, as Ryunosuke finds the resolve necessary to pursue the truth at any cost.

Signature Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay maintains the classic Ace Attorney loop, divided into two distinct phases that challenge both logic and observation:

  • Investigation Phase: Players explore various detailed 3D environments to gather vital evidence and interview witnesses. This phase is crucial for building the foundation of your defense.
  • Courtroom Battles: In the heat of trial, players must present gathered evidence to find contradictions in witness testimonies. The game features advanced mechanics, such as cross-examining multiple witnesses simultaneously, where addressing one witness's reaction to another can reveal hidden truths.

Additionally, Resolve features specialized gameplay elements inherited from its predecessor:

  • Dance of Deduction: During investigations, players participate in segments involving Herlock Sholmes, where they must correct flawed theories based on his observations of crime scenes and witness behavior.
  • Summation Examinations: A critical mechanic used to synthesize information and present a final, cohesive argument to the court.

A Visual and Auditory Experience

While the game utilizes 3D character models and environments, it retains the expressive, anime-inspired charm that defines the series. The character animations are particularly noteworthy, subtly reflecting Ryunosuke’s personal growth—moving from a jittery, uncertain student to a confident attorney capable of the iconic finger point. This visual storytelling is complemented by an evocative soundtrack composed in part by Yasumasa Kitagawa.

Platform Availability and Appeal

Dai Gyakuten Saiban 2: Naruhodō Ryūnosuke no Kakugo was originally released for the Nintendo 3DS in Japan (August 2017), with subsequent releases on Android and iOS (April 2018). For players seeking a modern experience, the game is also available as part of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC.

This title is a must-play for fans of detective fiction, historical settings, and logic-based puzzle games. If you enjoy deep narratives, intricate character development, and the thrill of catching a witness in a lie, this legal epic provides an unforgettable journey through the annals of justice.