According to Siliconera’s translation of the official AA5 website, this new info includes a look at Phoenix’s new partner and the advantages the 3DS’ hardware will bring to investigations. No new info has been given about Apollo’s role in the game or how he’s come to sustain his injuries (but I’m guessing it has something to do with the courtroom explosion), although the devs have placed some importance on his new jacket.

 

Wright’s new partner (and the newest employee of the Wright Anything Agency) is a young attorney, fresh from an American law school named Kizuki Kokone (expect her named to be changed in the localization), who hates to lose. She also has a special talent in the form of the “Heart Scope”, which allows her to listen to the “heart’s testimony” of any witness. 

 

 

This is where things begin to get a bit tricky. While the “Heart Scope” can be used to tap into the witness’ heart, you’ll first have to solve its puzzle, in order properly point the lies and contradictions that lay within. Basically, when the game is in “Heart Scope” mode, a variety of different (likely heart beat related) noises will be played over the testimony and you’ll have to use your wits in order to match the sounds playing over different statements with one of four emoticons displayed on screen. Once you match them all correctly, the noise level will be reduced to 0 and then you’ll discover the truth within the piece of testimony. 

 

The developers have also stated that thanks to the 3DS hardware, players will be to fully investigate every nook and cranny of each environment since they’ve been fully rendered in 3D. This is certainly better than tapping a single screenshot until you stumble upon something.

 

 

 

As an Ace Attorney fan, I have to say I’m quite excited to finally jump back into the series’ universe. I know the whole “Heart Scope” thing sounds kinda complicated but come on. Could it be anymore difficult to use than the Psyche-Lock, Perceive, or Logic mechanics? Personally, I can’t wait to match my wits against it!