It's worth noting that the later games each have a different "Objection!" theme for each playable character. They each serve the same purpose for moving the trial along, but they also serve as personal themes for the characters associated with them. This allows for some unique uses for them outside of the standard situations, such as Athena's "Objection!" theme being rearranged to represent her past trauma, or Phoenix's "Objection!" theme signifying that you are _losing_ when you face him in a civil trial.

I feel that the biggest reason Ace Attorney’s soundtrack has stuck with so many people, including myself, is the game’s heavy focus on reading and storytelling. It’s like you’re reading a book with music that adapts to the mood, rather than playing a game. The themes just fit so well. And more often than not i’ll find myself bobbing my head or tapping my feet along with it as i’m playing.

I understand "Fragrance of Dark Coffee" wouldn't have really fit within this video, but its an amazing track, everyone reading this go listen to it right now!

Apollo Justice has an underrated soundtrack honestly

One of my favorite things about the game's music is their ability to break the rules that they set up. For example, we know that Pursuit (Cornered) is Phoenix's theme, it's the song that plays when we/he is about to throw the whole case on its head and turn things around. And then they give it to Edgeworth instead of you. What a way give a lot of weight to the narrative shift and how dire things have gotten - even your theme just got hijacked!

What I find so interesting is how the AA music doesn't get repetitive, despite the loops being relatively short for video games. Lesser games would struggle massively with this issue, making the entire game a bore. However AA is somehow able to prevent that feeling of repetition, despite the music very obviously repeating many, many times.

I can't imagine playing these games without the music, the songs have probably stuck with me more than almost any other series and this video really captures why. I think the reason the songs don't feel emotionally manipulative is because for the court scenes, you're really driving their appearance. Your choices bring out the songs and each feels like they accent your own mood rather than the other way around. When I'm trying to spot the discrepancy in a testimony, I'm feeling very focused and exacting. When I manage to catch them out, I'm triumphant and charging forward. It's all this wonderful auditory feedback loop

I love that the Court Begins themes are also used when the case is wrapped up, as a "Court Ends" theme as well. The same piece of music evokes way more different feelings in that scenario. When played at the beginning, it's more of a "Am I prepared?" kind of feeling, the ending makes it feel like a "Did we really just win?" feeling. It's great. When Trials and Tribulations' Court Begins plays for the last time at the end of case 5, I physically sighed as if it was finally over.

The first time I heard the Pursuit theme from the original PW game, I couldn't stop laughing since the beginning reminds so much of the Mortal Kombat theme I kept thinking the judge was going to climb down from his chair and try to kick my ass.

I was so afraid the great ace attorney wouldn’t get the love it deserved because it’s newer. That games soundtrack kicks so much ass. Especially the cross examination and pursuit themes.

I only realised the last couple years that the Suspense theme has literally never been changed throughout the entire series, and I'm so glad you caught that because it's such a perfect simple simmering tension that they knew they could not improve it without being too complicated. Half of the Ace Attorney themes seem to rely on being perfect background noise, allowing the player to focus on the important case whilst keeping their nerves incensed. It's fantastic.

Legit got so emotional watching this - I don’t feel like people really give this series enough credit for its incredible music. I regularly put the Apollo Justice OST or the original game’s OST on while I work hahhah - and it does such a perfect job of linking itself with my memories of the characters/moments. Damon Gant’s theme??? Who writes character themes like that???

Hot dang the original Pursuit theme really embodies that "cornered and back's to the wall" feeling holy crap

I love how the first case of Great Ace Attorney uses the music to showcase Ryunosuke's development and growing confidence. He has a more subdued "prelude" Objection theme that plays for the first few contradictions, only using his real Objection theme about halfway through the trial, and the Pursuit theme doesn't play until the final nail in the culprit's coffin. The more high-energy themes hit so much harder when they're saved like this. An aspect of Ace Attorney's soundtracks that wasn't discussed here is the "Reminiscence" or "Recollections" themes. These are formulaic only in the sense that they follow a naming scheme and that every major past incident has one, but they're also unique for each instance. These songs can't be separated from their contexts because each one does an amazing job of acting as the musical "theme" for a specific tragedy or unsolved case. In some cases they're rearrangements of character themes, sometimes they're new but take cues from other songs. Sometimes these songs are your "reward" for discovering a long-hidden truth, I think my personal favourite was the one from the end of Spirit of Justice Case 3. The opening notes of that song hit so hard you can almost FEEL it, and it matched my mood once I realized what REALLY happened in that case and why.

You just made me realize why I love Maya's theme so much. With all trial songs being in minor keys, it's extremely satisfactory to hear Maya's theme in a major key after all that tension, bringing a huge sense of relief and resolution. Excellent video.

Im so sad that 'Lying Coldly' from the Miles Edgeworth spinoffs wasn't included with the pursuit themes! It's so full of hype and if you haven't heard it go listen to it!

Fun aside: if you listen to the soundtrack of Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, you can find some striking similarities with the Ace Attorney framework. Despite being extremely different in gameplay, Masakazu Sugimori used the same tools to create the tense, slowly amping-up music in both games, using it to aide the story's impact (Please play Ghost Trick it's fantastic)

Phoenix Wright, a visual novel game that has a better "hitting feeling" than a lot of the RPG or even fighting games. Capcom does know how to get this right!

Some honorable mentions from the formula: -Suspense from The Great Ace Attorney/Ace Attorney Chronicles. It isn't as suspenseful as the original Suspense structure, but it nails the feeling of trying to catch the melody, while everyone else in the room watches you, expecting for you to catch the melody, and judging you for not doing so. -Thrill from Apollo Justice. Another variation of the original Suspense, but a lot more dramatic. There's no minnuendos, just crescendos at the background, as if something important is trying to reach the surface, but suddenly falls without being noticed. The melody, however, while keeping the Suspense rhythm, plays with the double notes with no rest or breath, also trying to scale higher and escape the somber notes, but falling abruptly in the process. It's an anticipation, but for a huge drop of information. -Courtroom Revolutionnaire, from Dual Destinies. Instead of using the classic rhythm as her base, she uses her own theme (Let's Do This!) to object, being the only "main character" to leave the formula (it will be official when she gets her game). With this, the tone changes. It's optimistic in the way that you know you've found something important to the case, but it's too good to be the end of the story; however, you've progressed a lot into the case, and you know you can progress more. Almost like an anime opening sounding in the middle of the battle, but not quite. -All the Pursuit variations. The embodiment of comeback, not letting your prey go, and the philosophy of "other point of view", just by skipping right to the momentum (sometimes), and making the background sounds slightly different, and even more epic if they want to. This is more noticeable in Trials and Tribulations (by a mile, you know why), Dual Destinies and Spirit of Justice.

I would love to see a follow up to this talking about prosecutor themes and maybe the two presto cross examination themes from the investigation games. The fact that this video is solely focused on general court themes and there’s still so much to talk about is a testament to how fantastic this franchise’s music is. I can’t really talk like I know anything about how music is constructed, but I can say for sure that the emotional depth of “The Dark Fragrance of Coffee” carries changes completely as you play the game. Every character theme has weight in every measure which I absolutely adore. And the prestos? What can I say that hasn’t already been said, other than the first investigation uses it’s music extremely poorly. The prestos get you GOING, it’s the signal of “this is it” before you get the pursuit. You’ve backed them into a corner they can’t weasel out of, and the songs signal that effortlessly.

I had such a big smile on my face through this whole video, the Ace Attorney soundtrack is one of my all time favourites from all gaming. Thank you for covering it!

You can't praise the music in Ace Attorney high enough. And then... you discover the two official jazz cover albums, and it blows your mind once again, starting with the banger opening track: Court Begins on a Blue Note Scale.

I visited Minneapolis over the summer and saw a Phoenix Wright musical written by a local theatre there. It was a lot of fun, and some of these themes were in there! Check out the Minnesota Fringe if you’re ever around there!

The spinoff series Ace Attorney Investigations also has some of the best music in the Ace Attorney line, the second in particular stands out as an outstanding score with how it uses music to convey the personality of characters. While both games are outstanding in this right, the second is supreme here. Could be something to look at, mayhaps? :)

The added flourishes in T&T's Pursuit theme almost feel like the defense throwing "punches" after pushing for so long just to stand their ground. It gives off the vibe of finally being in a position to go on the offensive without any complications.

Huh. I genuinely didn't notice that the bass rhythm in PWAA's Objection theme was the same as the opening rhythm in the cornered theme until 16:06

It's interesting that there are many different composers throughout the series, because the music gives each game its own voice and character. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney often has fairly simple, uncluttered themes. It does a great job of making it feel like Phoenix is still a rookie, and the upbeat, almost aggressive melodies that come in when you expose a lie or corner a witness emphasise that. Justice for All feels a lot darker in tone to me, which suits the setting and story. Phoenix learns all too painfully in this game that it's not just about catching the bad guy, that there are times when difficult decisions have to be made with consequences attached. The music reflects this, it feels a bit edgier, less "Huzzah! I've caught you!" and more "What are you trying to hide from me and why?". Trials and Tribulations is just, *chef's kiss*. I love the soundtrack for this game. As the culmination of the original trilogy, the way the music elevates the story is really incredible to me. Phoenix has come a long way since the first game, but has to face the demons from his past and this game leans a lot harder into some of the spiritual and emotional feelings which I think the soundtrack does an excellent job of reflecting. It also feels like some of the courtroom themes echo Mia's character, which is fitting. Bridge to the Turnabout was such a wild adventure of twists and turns and story threads coming together in ways I never expected, and remains one of my favourite cases in the series to this day. There's a throwback to a particular piece of music in this trial that is just masterfully done. Thank you for this analysis!

You got me at "table legs are drilling holes" love the dissection of pressure!

I'm going to reveal something here: I don't play any instrument, nor do I study music theory or even do anything music-related as a hobby. However, this channel is so goddamn good at analysis and explaining things that it doesn't leave me alienated and even has my urges to get into music rising up as I watch. I think this is really just a sign that this is 100% top shelf video content.

My only complaint is that you credit Bach with the constant-pedal-tone-counterpoint-thingy, when us gamers know that the TRUE platonic ideal of that style is Bloody Tears from Castlevania II by Kenichi Matsubara

6:25 "The Lick" BMV 850, Op. 21 - J.S. Bach

Capcom's greatest attorney that ever lived. I am so glad they decided to localize this franchise. It became one of my favorites ever...from the music, characters, and of course the cases/story. Despite knowing what happens, I've replayed the series so many times. Patiently waiting for that Spirit of Justice sequel.

The composers from The Great Ace Attorny wrote some comments about their journy and goals in the extras for the Nintendo Switch bundle. You could basically feel the fun, determination, respect and personalities they have through these texts and I think it shows in the beautiful music.

This video has confirmed to me that the reason I like this channel is because I can hear somebody who knows music theory tell me how great the soundtracks I already love are, in terms that I only vaguely understand but make me feel vindicated and cultured in my opinions about the music

The original trilogy of Ace Attorney games are complete masterpieces that as a set, I revere no less than any hallowed game in history. The music is a huge contributing factor to that, with the emotional turmoil of the stories captured perfectly in sound in all 3 games. The trilogy is on just about every console that there is right now, and while I’m sure 90% of people here have played it already, if you haven’t, just do it.

If anything I'd love to stress people to listen to the 'oddballs' amongst Phoenix Wright. Like Layton's game being much more orchestral, or Great Ace Attorney being more oriental or even better, being in Edgeworth's shoes where it's not just moderato and allegro but also Presto which kicks it into high gear as opposed to his normal calm self. And since we ended on Great Ace Attorney in the video. Everyone should listen to Samurai With a Mission just to get a sense of how unique these soundtracks get within their own "offspin" world of it not being in Phoenix' homeland yet still sounding like a Phoneix Wright song without any doubt.

Few games manage to elevate the hype to such degree as this series with the Pursuit themes. It makes me wanna scream everytime and rub all the evidence in the prosecutor's face while I dance on the stand and jump kick the liar in the witness stand

whenever I hear the first game's objection theme I can't help but start grinning and bobbing my head. It's just so good. And the moment when Phoenix gets behind the bar in Apollo Justice and it plays for the first time in the game? Absolutely amazing!

I don’t understand anything about music theory and such but Ace Attorney is my reason for living and I love the fact that a video like this exists. Thank you.

I like how in this series (my favorite), there’s rarely any major chords. I used the “Closing Argument” theme from The Great Ace Attorney and told my buddy to point out a dominant chord. We couldn’t lol

Once you know the Phoenix Wright musical formula, the next thing to see is really Ghost Trick, where you can hear how Sugimori adapted the musical formula to an also altered take of Shu Takumi's narrative formula. Oh, and because it's a masterpiece of a game, of course.

I think it's a huge testimate to these games that just these little clips of the music can put you right back into the cases you first heard them.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles's OST really shines imo, favorite soundtrack in the series with its approach to character themes and leitmotifs and how they change over the course of the duology

The music from these games and it’s spiritual counterpart game series, Professor Layton, instantly transport me back to those moments in game and invoke the same feelings I had during those moments in game. They will never get old

14:05 the original "Confess the truth" also re-uses the theme from the cross-examination themes. I don't know if it's the same for other games, but I find it cool

One other cool thing about the later games (especially Great Ace Attorney) is the variations on certain themes. During the last case, when they hit you with a different, even more somber version of that game’s Courtroom Lobby theme, MAN, that just makes that last case, which you are already ramped up for, even MORE hype. They do this once. And MAN, it makes you stand up and take notice, sending chills up your spine. And Great Ace Attorney’s Overture to the Pursuit theme is really really cool. There are a couple of times in Great Ace Attorney 2 when they start playing this Overture to Pursuit, usually right when Ryunosuke starts in character putting something BIG together in his case. This song is quieter, but is basically rhythmically the same as GAA’s pursuit. When I first heard that, I was like “wait, I know something big is about to happen! It’s coming. It’s coming!” There’s just some violins playing as overture loops in anticipation, and you are like “things are about to break WIDE OPEN!”

Aww I can't believe you didn't bring up my favourite pursuit theme - prelude to pursuit from the great ace attorney 2 resolve! (Its got a really fun part that I can't hear if it's in the main pursuit theme lol, plus I think the whole track is a much smugger vibe than the main pursuit themes, perfect for when you've noticed the discrepancy in someone's words and are waiting for the game to prompt you to answer!)

I love the evolution of the trial themes! By the third game, it conveys a feeling of duty and that Phoenix already knows the truth and that it's now a battle of proving it versus the first trial theme which I think feels more curious and uncertain.

I love the music of these games as well as Ghost Trick

My favorite moment of the original trilogy is when the original pursuit theme kicks in during at the end of the last game last case. Such a great soundtrack and the throwback hits so hard

Woohoo! I'm so glad you took the time to talk about Apollo Justice's 'Tell The Truth' theme, it's my absolute favourite across all of Ace Attorney and gets me all the way hyped!

I love how the stories are lovingly crafted to give you, the player, that moment when everything falls into place, you see the whole event laid out in your mind's eye, and you can effortlessly fend off every objection from the prosecution. And then Pursuit ~ Cornered kicks in.

ooooo, love seeing TGA music in this too

An amazing video for a series of games that means so much to me and its fans. Would love an entire video just for The Great Ace Attorney. The music is incredible!

I think that the Ace Attorney Investigations Duology deserves its own video regarding the music, as both games have an insanely strong OST. This video was fantastic, great work!

I would certainly love more of this for Phoenix Wright. Perhaps one for the themes of the characters, especially Matt Engarde. His song may have been reused in Trials and Tribulations, but the song is so fixed to him for anyone who played Justice for All that looking up "Matt Engarde theme" on KZfaq brings you to that song and some videos even feature his face. If not character themes, perhaps Miles Edgeworth's solo games would be worth looking into, as they are a fusion of both investigation and trial questioning with a "new" main character and thus a new perspective for the songs to work through. And I would love to hear your thoughts on the character theme songs of those games too, especially the final bosses.

Man I love great ace attorney and the professor Layton crossover’s soundtracks so much Not enough people have played the crossover Go do it now it’s actually good The allegro themes from those games are some of my favourites

Another really important use of silence is whenever you answer a question or make an objection. It builds tension for the next melody, and more importantly gives you *instant* feedback that you gave the right answer. It's so important that the one time the game *doesn't* do this (when Godot does that "you only get one shot" gimmick and throws his coffee at you when you get it wrong), I ended up resetting the game instead of seeing how it played out.

I feel it's worth mentioning that the original Pursuit theme is so iconic that at the very end of the third game, for the final turnabout, they bring it back to really drive home that "this is it, there is no possible way they can escape the truth now". Such an amazing moment.

I've always been amazed at how well Ace Attorney's score reflects where you are in the trial, always enhancing your worry, or your intrigue, or your cheer at finally figuring out the case. There's never a dull moment in the courtroom with this music!

YES! The Suspense theme! First time I heard that I had to lean back in my chair cuz A) This is some tense shit happening in the game and B) This is theme is so damn good for making things tense.

I was little disappointed when he didn't mention the Pursuit ~ "Variations" when one extra instrument gets added for more intensity, but It's ok

I'd been hoping for you to tackle some Ace Attorney material for YEARS, and while there are over ten games with awesome full soundtracks to choose from, I think you picked the best possible format and presentation to discuss the overall sound of the series. Great video!

Im so so glad you mentioned The Great Ace Attorney's pursuit. Its so different form the other ones yet it has the same strength. I love it so much

Dear god the trial theme of the first game it's perfect, or the cross examination theme of justice for all (moderato), amazing

THANK U FOR THIS HAHA WHAT IF U DID MORE ACE ATTORNEY WOULDNT THAT BE SOOOO FUNNY

I want you to know the game called Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, in which Masakazu Sugimori, who was in charge of the song for Ace Attorney 1, is involved! The Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is also very good. In addition, Ghost Trick has characters modeled after Ace Attorney characters, and there are conversations and props related to Ace Attorney! I'm translating, so I'm sorry if there is something strange.

A shame he didn't talk about the presto themes of the spin-offs. They really get you cause it's justa a different melody, really clear, just for you to figure things out

I am glad you snuck Turnabout Sisters in there at the end, considering how much the first three games are really the story of the Fey family

I'd also like to add that The Great Ace Attorney is the only game in the series to have a "leadup" track to it's pursuit theme, aptly titled "Overture to Pursuit." It provides great context for the piece and makes the moment when the strings and horns explode out even more impactful.

20:20 is the reason why this game will be forever in my heart

I'd never even heard of this game or this kind of game, looks interesting.

When New Frame Plus did a video on the animation of Ace Attorney, I ended up replaying the entire franchise after having my love for it reawakened. Can't wait to do that again!

I wish more people loved the Ace Attorney series as much as the fans (and Capcom occasionally) do 😔 Great video!! I was confused by the title and thought you were gonna talk about the actual Ace Attorney musical lmao

I've absolutely adored these games-music, characters, humour, narrative tension-since I discovered them when I was... 14 or so? I arranged a suite for concert band of the first game's court music back in high school, and the Pursuit theme has to be one of the most exciting bits of music I'd worked with back then. (Unfortunately that suite never got played-I dunno if my band director would've been willing, but it was definitely too complex for my school's band. The entire trumpet section would have had a *time* in particular with it, given how not into band they were.) ... if I were to rewrite that arrangement, I'd be tempted to put in a trumpet or sax cadenza/solo section in the Pursuit theme. Maybe it'd be better to write it for big band in that case.

I'm a bit sad you didn't discuss the Presto themes or any of the music from the Ace Attorney Investigations games, but otherwise I like the video!

For fans of ace attorney music, I recommend some of the games scored by Ryu Umemoto, especially his work on eve: burst error. While I don’t know if a direct connection has ever been officially made, I know Umemoto was one of the most influential VN composers, so it wouldn’t surprise me if it was intentional similarity.

Great video! I love the ones where you describe a narrative and show how the music outlines that narrative, building up to an amazing climax at the end. (Gusty Garden Galaxy and the BotW main theme come to mind.) Keep up the great work!

12:32 Actually, in Apollo Justice, the 4th game, there is another suspense theme. And its GLORIOUS. Super intense, if anxiety were be a sound it would be that theme

10:00 with the beat written like a heart beat, it's like musically saying that "my heart skipped a beat".

this was so fascinating!

You made me add most of the OST from the game into my playlist.

I've just begun my Ace Attorney journey and I'm loving it.

The music here is so good that I'd surely wince and gasp in pain if I could never hear it again.

Excellent video! Could you do a video on why Pokémon’s 5th generation’s music is so effective? It has the most unique of the series’s soundtracks and is one of the best soundtracks in video games.

Never played these games, but wow. I think I need to.

This is a perfect new year present, I wanted this video to exist so much. Thank you!

The great turnabout is the best pursuit theme in the whole series~~~

This was a very enjoyable and enlightening episode! Thanks!

I've been waiting for a video like this for like forever. Thank you.

Great job tying all the primary themes together, and your narration was just so excited I got goosebumps at times. Excellent video!

Glad I finally got the chance to watch your new video 😊😊 loved it!!

Fantastic video, thanks for going through it!

I have always loved these games and their music! This is definitely one of my favorite videos of yours!!

I've been waiting for this video for a long time. Not disappointed at all, enjoyed the ride!

This is such a sick breakdown of my favorite OSTs in gaming. Great stuff!

dude i loved this!! looking forward to more soundtrack analyses :D

This is the best video I've watched in quite a while. Well done!

the video I didn't know I needed but absolutely loved

Watching your videos has really helped me to find what I like in music and gain some concrete goals for my own composition learning process. Thanks for your consistent breakdowns and insights!