u/TheRiverian31

In retrospect, the main reason this game's story is the least interesting is that the central plot is thematically superficial.

To put it simply: the story is about Edgeworth dealing with a smuggling ring across his cases—and that’s all. There isn't anything particularly personal or compelling driving the plot, aside from the flashback case or the Yatagarasu plot twist.

It’s not that I wanted stakes that were intensely personal or massive character development for Miles—at least not in this specific game. Rather, I wish the game had made us care more about the consequences of the smuggling and counterfeiting in Zheng Fa (beyond Lang's perspective).

I think Kay is the character they should have given a thematic arc—specifically, one centered on "the desire for revenge and its consequences." Basically, she could have harbored a deep-seated grudge against Calisto Yew—one that grew and became more apparent as the investigation unfolded.

Then, once Shin-na is cornered and holding a gun, Kay could have snatched the weapon away in a sudden move and poiting it at her. That would have been a high-tension turning point for her: if she chose not shoot, she’d be letting her father’s murderer go; but if she did shoot, she’d be permanently branded as a murderer, just like the woman she hated.

Edgeworth and Gumshoe would try to talk some sense into her so she wouldn't ruin her life, while she struggled to suppress her own thirst for vengeance... until she remembered her father's promises and finally relented.

Doing this would also mean changing Calisto Yew's character and ditching that lame "No-Identity Spy" twist. Her connection to Cece Yew should have been real—meaning she killed out of a genuine desire for revenge. That would have created a perfect contrast between her and Kay.

But those are just my ideas. What are yours? And what do you think is the game's biggest problem? (I still liked it, though.)

I really like the game, but I can understand the most common complaints. I don't have an issue with Apollo's arc here—except for the fact that it literally kicks off in the final episode (and only works because of the episode's massive length).

I say this because, with the exception of Nahyuta (both cuz they already knew each other and cuz his arc sucks), the Khura'in characters like Rayfa don't really share a deep connection or development with Apollo; they connect more with Phoenix. Add to that the fact that the two episodes set in America feel more like a "breather" from Khura'in story rather than a the narrative pacing.

I feel like those episodes should have served as a contrast to the Khura'in trials... but they didn't. The only difference is the lack of a death and Divination Séances; everything else remains the same: bias favoring the prosecution, an obnoxious audience that won't shut up, and Nahyuta acting like a total jerk.

But to the point, my idea for making the game flow better within the main story would be to have all five cases take place in Khura'in. The premise would be that Phoenix isn't as worried about Maya; when the time comes to visit her, Trucy, Athena and Apollo decide to join him on the trip (Apollo is the only one who ought to stay behind 'cause he needs to watch the office... but given his backstory there, he thinks twice about it).

This would allow for further development: the corrupt system of the kingdom and the deep history Apollo shares with it. Honestly, it would be an interesting premise. The entire Wright Agency—not just Phoenix—would have to face life-or-death cases.

Furthermore, even with the change in setting, Trucy’s case could still take place here (after all, the defendants need to be worth risking one's life for). Plus, unlike og, Phoenix would have no excuse not to defend her in court. Athena wouldn't participate, cuz they don't want to put her in danger.

Speaking of her, her own individual case could work here too. Let's say she's left alone while the others go on a trip—to I-dont-know-where—and a boy shows up asking for representation for his uncle (a scenario similar to RFTA.). Athena knows it's dangerous, but realizing the boy would be left all alone reminds her of her own childhood, so she decides to take the case.

To ensure this not be just a filler episode, the case would tie into a plot I just came up with for this AU: the sabotage of the Divination Séances. Have you ever wondered why the verdict in every case since that incident has been "Guilty"? It’s as if there’s no chance of anyone being innocent—and in fact, it’s because of corruption.

To ensure criminals fear the courts, the Crown sends someone to prevent any Séance that doesn't point to the defendant's guilt from being shown in court. To achieve this, they even go so far as to incapacitate Rayfa.

In the second case, she has an "accident" involving her foot that prevents her from performing the dance. In the fourth case, someone poisons her (not to death) right before the trial begins. Later in that case, Athena uncovers the person responsible for this (and all the other incidents)—who also turns out to be the culprit of the case itself. This would deliver a second shockwave to Khura'in, creating the perfect moment for the revolution to unfold.

But that’s all I can think of for now. What do you think? Do you think it’s a good idea to focus on Khura'in for the entire game? Or not?

Personal opinion: I prefer how things turned out in the final product. After all, I like "The Magical Turnabout" and "Turnabout Storyteller," so I wouldn't want to scrapt them. And yes, I don't like Khura'in—or rather, the direction taken with it—so I much prefer the cases set back home. So, just take this as an AU idea.

By concept, I mean things like:

- Narrative theme.

- Athena's main arc.

- The main villain.

For now, and to avoid spoilers of my mind, I'll only answer the first one:

The game's theme would be that Athena highlights the importance of mental health for those involved in trials. This includes defendants, witnesses, and even culprits, all under a system that punishes indiscriminately and without mercy.

And what would you like it to be like? (In the hypothetical case that we never get an Athena game.)