Phoenix Wright is a surprisingly engaging adventure game with a flair for the comedic. While the game is marred somewhat by unpredictable event scripting, it makes a genuine effort to be accessible. All told, Phoenix Wright is probably the most fun you can have with five murders.

Hotel Dusk adds a number of fresh and interesting wrinkles to the adventure formula without fixing any of its established problems. It’s a pleasant enough diversion, but it overstays its welcome and commits too many old errors to be a truly great game.