The Rise of Apollo Justice: A Hero in his Own Right
Hey there, fellow gamers! Let’s talk about one thing that gets our hearts racing: video games. As we bid farewell to the incredible gaming experiences of 2023, I can’t help but look forward to what the year 2024 has in store for us. And there’s one thing in particular that has me absolutely thrilled: the chance for Apollo Justice to finally get the credit he truly deserves.
Apollo Justice: The Underdog
Now, let me paint a picture for you. Imagine Apollo Justice as the Rey of the Ace Attorney series. Just like how Rey had the seemingly impossible task of following in the footsteps of the iconic Luke Skywalker, Apollo faced a similar challenge in stepping into the shoes of Phoenix Wright. Let’s be real, Phoenix stole the show with his captivating presence and character development over the course of three text-heavy games. So when Apollo made his debut back in 2007, he had an uphill battle ahead of him.
But here’s the thing: Apollo never quite managed to reach the summit. Don’t get me wrong, he’s an amazing character with a compelling story. But Phoenix still loomed large in his journey. In fact, the old protagonist, now a seasoned veteran, served as Apollo’s mentor. And let’s not forget about Trucy, Phoenix’s adopted daughter, who became Apollo’s sidekick. It’s clear that Apollo’s story was intertwined with Phoenix’s, especially when the main mystery of Apollo’s first game revolved around what happened to Phoenix during the gap between his trilogy and Apollo’s story.
Apollo’s Journey: A Trio of Lawyers
As the games progressed, fans couldn’t help but wonder if Phoenix would make a comeback as a lawyer. And guess what? Their wish came true. The second trilogy, bearing Apollo’s name, introduced not only him and Phoenix as co-counselors but also a third rising star in the legal world, Athena Cykes. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge fan of both Athena and Phoenix, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that Apollo got the short end of the stick.
It’s clear that Capcom made some smart moves with Apollo, and I have a strong feeling that series creator Shu Takumi was behind them. Shu was heavily involved in writing and supervising Apollo’s first game, which gave it a certain confidence and uniqueness. The game dared to make a bold commentary on Japan’s legal system and introduced us to a protagonist with a different perspective and approach.
Apollo’s Legacy and a Bright Future
As the trilogy continued without Takumi’s direct involvement, the games still maintained their charm, but they leaned more towards sticking with the established formula from Phoenix’s trilogy. With the return of characters like Edgeworth and Maya, it felt like a victory lap for Phoenix’s old games. Don’t get me wrong, those games are amazing in their own right, but I wish the focus had remained solely on Apollo for a little longer.
But fear not, my friends! Apollo and Athena are both incredible characters who have proven themselves as full-time successors to Phoenix. We may never see the series proceed without its iconic protagonist, and that’s okay. We’re now over a decade removed from the release of Apollo’s first game, and it’s the perfect time for us to reassess Apollo’s journey, not in Phoenix’s shadow, but as a brilliant lead in his own right.
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
And here’s the exciting news: the Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is set to release on January 25, coming to almost every major gaming platform. This is the perfect opportunity for both longtime fans and newcomers to dive into Apollo’s world and truly appreciate his story, his growth, and his impact on the Ace Attorney universe. Let’s give Apollo the credit he deserves and celebrate the amazing journey he’s taken us on.
So, my fellow gamers, mark your calendars and get ready to experience the brilliance of Apollo Justice. Let’s show the world that Apollo is a hero in his own right!