In the latest investors’ meeting, Capcom revealed, in addition to an excellent economic and fiscal performance, what their future plans are. Aiming to take care of a specific series of brands to grow in the future, they have decided to focus on seven of them. Six are not very surprising, as there had already been announcements about them, namely Devil May Cry, Mega Man, Dead Rising, Onimusha, Dragon’s Dogma, and Okami. But the surprising part is that the seventh is Ace Attorney. Ace Attorney is a series of visual novels that began its publication on Game Boy Advance in 2001 […]
In the latest investors’ meeting, Capcom revealed, in addition to an excellent economic and fiscal performance, what their future plans are. Looking to nurture a specific series of franchises to grow in the future, they have decided to focus on seven of them. Six are not surprising, as there had already been announcements about them, namely Devil May Cry, Mega Man, Dead Rising, Onimusha, Dragon’s Dogma, and Okami. But the surprising part is that the seventh is Ace Attorney.
Ace Attorney the future of Capcom
Ace Attorney is a series of visual novels that began its publication on Game Boy Advance in 2001 and has had six main games, as well as multiple spinoffs, based on acting in trials, searching for clues, and confronting rival prosecutors. The franchise, tremendously popular both in the West and in Japan, has not had a new installment since Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney − Spirit of Justice, released in 2016 and which never came out in Europe.
That doesn’t mean the franchise has been forgotten. The last game in the franchise, a spinoff, was The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve, which never left Japan, in 2017. And since then they have released numerous ports and remasters, in addition to huge amounts of merchandise, with great success.
With 2026 marking ten years since the last main title of the franchise, many fans are hoping that Capcom will announce Phoenix Wright 7 this year. Something that seems to be bolstered by the fact that it is one of the central pieces of Capcom’s strategy, which will focus, in their own words, on “new IPs, ports, remakes, remasters, and new installments of well-known franchises”. So there is hope for a new Phoenix Wright. Although it may not seem like it.
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, a puzzle game released 15 years ago by Capcom, has gained new relevance among video game enthusiasts. Created by Shu Takumi, known primarily for the successful Ace Attorney franchise, this title has been rediscovered and elevated to the status of a masterpiece, after having gone unnoticed at the time. In Ghost Trick, players take on the role of Sissel, a spirit who can possess inanimate objects to solve puzzles and alter events in his environment. A ghost capable of the most amusing antics The game stands out for its stylized art and […]
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, a puzzle game released 15 years ago by Capcom, has gained new relevance among video game enthusiasts. Created by Shu Takumi, known primarily for the successful Ace Attorney franchise, this title has been rediscovered and elevated to the status of a masterpiece, after having gone unnoticed at the time of its release. In Ghost Trick, players take on the role of Sissel, a spirit who can possess inanimate objects to solve puzzles and alter events in his environment.
A ghost capable of the funniest craziness
The game stands out for its stylized art and a narrative that blends humor and tragic plots, very much in line with Takumi’s distinctive style. The story begins when Sissel wakes up in a dump, discovers a corpse, and realizes that the body is his own. With the help of another spirit, Ray, Sissel must save a young detective, Lynne, from an assassination attempt while seeking answers about his own death.
One of the most innovative features of the game is its mechanics in which players have four minutes to influence the events leading up to a character’s death. This interactivity not only adds depth to the gameplay but also enriches the narrative, turning the game into a dynamic puzzle. Characters like the eternal Pomeranian Sissel and the eccentric detective Cabanela add a lightness that contrasts with the seriousness of the central plot.
Fifteen years after its release, Ghost Trick continues to be a benchmark in the puzzle genre, highlighting the video game industry’s ability to create unique and memorable experiences. It is clear that, although the game was initially underestimated, it is now recognized as a classic, a testament to the potential of video game design and creative storytelling.
Capcom has presented a report highlighting its financial growth, showing 12 years of increase in operating profit and 40 years of steady expansion in the video game industry. In a context where competition is fierce, the Japanese company emphasizes the need to expand its production to remain competitive, citing the franchises Mega Man, Devil May Cry, and Ace Attorney as high-value properties that should receive new releases, remakes, and adaptations to new platforms. 12 years of success for the Japanese company In statements from Capcom’s COO, Haruhiro Tsujimoto, the goal is emphasized […]
Capcom has presented a report highlighting its financial growth, showing 12 years of increase in operating profit and 40 years of steady expansion in the video game industry. In a context where competition is fierce, the Japanese company emphasizes the need to expand its production to remain competitive, citing the franchises Mega Man, Devil May Cry, and Ace Attorney as high-value properties that should receive new releases, remakes, and adaptations to new platforms.
12 years of success for the Japanese company
In statements from Capcom’s COO, Haruhiro Tsujimoto, the goal of improving the user base and performance through strengthening “brand power” and fan loyalty is emphasized. Tsujimoto notes that “Capcom has a wealth of popular brands globally” and aims to expand this follower base by introducing new titles and updated versions of its most beloved franchises.
Although these IP lines are not inactive, their release frequency does not compare to that of their most successful titles, such as Monster Hunter and Resident Evil. Recently, Capcom has released some Ace Attorney games and Mega Man spin-offs in retro collections, but the general perception is that a consistent pace has not been maintained to meet fan expectations. This situation may change positively, as there is optimism about the return to popularity of grid-based JRPGs, which could herald a new era for these series.
In summary, although the report is presented in a financial and formal tone, the news of new releases and the renewed interest in its classic franchises is a reason for hope for fans. Capcom followers could find themselves in an exciting period if the company’s intentions translate into concrete results.
The recent remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics and Octopath Traveller 0 has generated discontent among fans, as both titles lack a Spanish translation. This decision by Square Enix limits access for a significant segment of players who do not master other languages such as Japanese, English, German, or French. Despite being considered classics of the JRPG genre, language barriers could affect the commercial performance of Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles. Matsuno always fighting for the players Yasumi Matsuno, the original director of Final Fantasy Tactics, has addressed this issue on his account of […]
The recent remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics and Octopath Traveller 0 has generated discontent among fans, as neither title has a Spanish translation. This decision by Square Enix limits access for a significant segment of players who do not master other languages such as Japanese, English, German, or French. Despite being considered classics of the JRPG genre, language barriers could affect the commercial performance of Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles.
Matsuno always fighting for the players
Yasumi Matsuno, original director of Final Fantasy Tactics, has addressed this issue on his Twitter account, apologizing for the lack of support in Spanish. Matsuno, who has worked as a writer and script supervisor on this remaster, has expressed that he has communicated to Square Enix the need to include more languages to broaden access to the game. Although he cannot guarantee when this translation will be implemented, he urged fans to be patient while the situation is reviewed.
This is not the first time that players have encountered a lack of support in their language, so many point to Sega and Capcom as positive examples, as they have successfully translated several of their titles into Spanish, including the iconic games of the Yakuza series and the Ace Attorney franchise. This suggests that Square Enix has the opportunity to improve its image through similar decisions.
Meanwhile, the gaming community has taken the initiative, creating their own translations and dubbings of other titles such as Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core and Kingdom Hearts, highlighting the dedication of fans to fill the void left by the developers. The lack of an official translation could be a significant oversight that Square Enix will need to consider in future releases.
Capcom is on a winning streak. Everything they touch turns to gold or, at least, works well for them. And that’s why it’s not surprising that they have decided to revive some of their franchises. Between remasters, remakes, and also new installments, it seems that Capcom is confident in returning to their roots. Picking up where they left off years ago, now that they once again have the financial muscle and a capable graphics engine, like the RE Engine. Now then, which franchises should they bring back? That’s a bit more complicated. Capcom has many franchises, […]
Capcom is on a winning streak. Everything they touch turns to gold or, at least, works well for them. And that’s why it’s not surprising that they have decided to resurrect some of their franchises. Among remasters, remakes, and also new installments, it seems that Capcom is confident in returning to its roots. Picking up where they left off years ago, now that they once again have the financial muscle and a capable graphics engine to support it, like the RE Engine.
Now then, which franchises should it bring back? That’s a bit more complicated. Capcom has many franchises, but not all of them would work equally well today. Although some would undoubtedly be a success just by announcing their return. That’s why we’ve chosen five franchises that Capcom should bring back. Because, hear us out: there’s a path here for a bright future, Capcom.
Ace Attorney
If it were another company, this would be a shot in the dark. If the world were fair, it would have to be. But the reality is that, although we would love to say that the world’s largest attorney franchise is sure to return, Ace Attorney has been dormant for many years. And without any good reason for it.
Having already compiled all its games, having sold all of them excellently, the last game of the franchise dates back to 2016. 8 years without a new Ace Attorney. Is the fact that they have compiled all the games an indication that it will return? They have gone eight years without making a new game for a franchise that has always sold like hotcakes. It’s impossible to know. But if we had to decide, the answer would be yes. The franchise they should bring back right now is Ace Attorney.
Breath of Fire
Capcom has never been famous for its RPGs. But one of its RPGs is tremendously famous. Although the Breath of Fire series wouldn’t really become famous until its third installment and wouldn’t reach cult status until the fourth, that doesn’t mean it isn’t remembered with great affection. Particularly for its incredible pixel art and the interesting nature of its story. Additionally, its fifth and final installment is an absolutely fascinating game that, although very different from the previous ones, is a title to be reclaimed.
Bringing back Breath of Fire is something they shouldn’t even have to think about for half a second. If Square Enix is successful with making RPGs with the HD-2D aesthetic, that is the path they should follow: a new Breath of Fire with that same aesthetic. If they don’t want to take risks, they can do a remaster of the fourth installment. But a reboot of Breath of Fire with HD-2D aesthetics is a guaranteed success.
Dino Crisis
Resident Evil is at a crossroads. After making remakes of all its major games, they have three options: make another remake of the first one, make a remake of Code Veronica, or make a remake of Resident Evil 5. Although the best option is to make a remake of Code Veronica, refining the aspects of the original that were left unfinished, it is becoming more difficult for Capcom to release a game every year. Unless they look in the direction of another franchise.
Dino Crisis has potential for new installments. And Dino Crisis 1 and 2 Remake would not only be celebrated, but they would have everything to succeed, especially if they serve as a sandwich for a new installment. Could Dino Crisis be their new Resident Evil? In terms of remakes, we don’t see why not. And at Capcom, we don’t see why they don’t see it either.
Lost Planet
There was a time when the Japanese decided that if they wanted to compete with Westerners, they should resemble them more. That went quite poorly. But after the first half of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 generation, they regained their footing and demonstrated that the Japanese industry was far from being in a bad situation. And even so, they succeeded in some of their approaches, although they were not recognized for it. Like the case of Lost Planet.
Lost Planet are excellent third person shooters that could perfectly be revived today. Although they didn’t sweep the critics, they sold quite well, and the idea of abandoning the franchise was due to Capcom’s decision to leave behind anything that didn’t work entirely for them. But it worked. And they are very good games that, in co-op, were among the best games of their generation. So a new opportunity for this peculiar mix of East and West would be welcome.
Mega Man
We leave the obvious for the end. What must happen. What, if it doesn’t happen, will make us angrier than ever with Capcom. Because it’s been six years since the last Mega Man. And we want Mega Man 12. Or at least, we want some kind of Mega Man, even if it’s not necessarily from the main franchise.
Although today he is no longer the character around which the entire company revolves, Mega Man is still very beloved. And today, more than ever, retro action platformers are highly appreciated. Perhaps it would require a facelift, but there are opportunities with Mega Man to do many different things. Classic style Mega Man. Mega Man Maker. Bringing back Mega Man Zero. Rebooting Mega Man with the sensibilities of modern indies. There are many possibilities. Capcom just needs to realize one thing: all the money they are missing out on. Something that doesn’t seem impossible, considering it has appeared in Secret Level.
With the initial case alone I was already fully immersed in a story of contradictions, evidence, illogical logic, camaraderie and extravagance that has survived over eleven games. A marvel from Capcom… that almost wasn’t made.
I remember perfectly the day I opened my Nintendo DS and inserted a game for the first time that came highly recommended but of which I knew practically nothing: ‘Phoenix Wright.’ Just with the initial case, I was already completely immersed in a story of contradictions, evidence, illogical logic, camaraderie, and extravagance that has survived over eleven games. A marvel from Capcom… that was almost not made.
Let’s go back to the beginning. Year 2000. Shu Takumi has just finished his work on ‘Dino Crisis 2,’ and his boss at Capcom gives him six months to find another project that excites him. The creator had a clear idea: a mystery and adventure game for Game Boy Color about lawyers. That was the great opportunity to leave his mark as a creator. The problem? He had no idea how the law worked.
Not that it was going to stop him, of course. In a short time, he had already planned some cases for ‘Ace Attorney’ (the original title of the game in Japan), which received… the disdain of his colleagues, who believed that people would reject it for not having legal inaccuracies. It was then that, while writing several documents about the game’s design, he received a call from his producer with advice: ‘Let it go.
That’s right: the advice given to Shu Takumi was to completely abandon his idea and dedicate himself to something else. Of course, neither his colleagues nor his producer knew that the game was going to be eccentric and full of iconic characters. Everyone was convinced that it would be a solemn and serious story, more concerned with technical requirements than focusing on pure fun.
Fortunately for everyone, ‘Ace Attorney’ was released for Game Boy Advance, had a remake for DS that eventually made its way out of Japan as ‘Phoenix Wright.’ However, it was almost named ‘Roger Wright,’ which sounded much more heroic. It was saved simply because they were afraid people would associate it with ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit?’. Happy coincidences. There you go!
What is the most iconic phrase in Capcom history? Although it’s easy to think of it as Shoryuken, you actually have to think of a certain lawyer…
Capcom has been with us for forty years. Forty years of making video games have resulted in many things, but above all, it has led to the creation of iconic moments that we all remember. Unique characters, unforgettable situations, and memorable songs. Of course, there are also catchphrases that we all repeat almost comically because they have stuck with us. That’s why Capcom has decided to discover the most iconic phrase in its history. And for its fortieth birthday, they have found it.
To discover it, they decided to conduct a survey on their website, Capcom Town, asking fans to vote for their favorite dialogue line – the one they felt best represented their games. Unfortunately, some very memorable lines were left out, such as Ryu’s “Shoryuken,” but the five nominees were:
“Objection!” from Ace Attorney
“Itchy. Tasty.” from Resident Evil
“So tasty” from Monster Hunter
“Let’s party!” from Sengoku Basara
“Tiun Tiun” (the sound effect when we die) from Mega Man
While the selection could have been better and less focused on Japanese culture, the result shouldn’t surprise anyone. With a massive 52% of the votes, the winning phrase was “Objection!” from Ace Attorney. A line Phoenix Wright shouted during trials, which has indeed become a meme and an extremely common catchphrase for an entire generation.
To celebrate the victory of this phrase, Capcom has created four wallpapers featuring characters from the other four games shouting “Objection!” as a tribute to the winner, in a heartfelt homage to the franchise. It’s a very endearing way to celebrate Capcom’s fortieth anniversary and, in the process, remind us that Ace Attorney is a great game that has recently arrived on Xbox Game Pass, in case you haven’t played it yet.
The Tokyo Games Show has started and, although it still lasts until Sunday, Xbox has already given us a few surprising announcements
From September 21st to 24th, the Tokyo Game Show takes place. As the largest video game fair in Asia, many companies don’t want to miss it, which is why many game announcements and novelties are made, especially targeting an Asian audience. That’s why, in addition to announcements that come to us little by little, we also have some larger conferences. For example, the one from Xbox. Since they are keen on breaking into the Japanese market, they attach special importance to this event and allocate more resources to it than one might expect.
This year has been no exception. And the most interesting part has undoubtedly been the games that have been confirmed to be coming to Game Pass that we didn’t know about.
From Capcom, they have announced Ace Attorney Trilogy for September 26th. Additionally, they have announced that the next compilation in the franchise, Apollo Justice: Trilogy, will be released for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S in early 2024. On the other hand, SEGA has made two announcements. Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name will come to Xbox Game Pass on its release day, November 9th, and Like A Dragon: Ishin!, the spin-off set in feudal Japan from the franchise, will arrive on the service at some point in 2023.
Unfortunately, while the Game Pass announcements have been exciting, Xbox’s own announcements have been forgettable. They showed a circuit from Forza Motorsport, the Hakone circuit, provided more details about the new location in Fallout 76, Atlantic City, and confirmed that The Elder Scrolls Online will have a Japanese translation available on November 15th. Not much of interest for us here.
On the other hand, the third-party announcements have been more interesting. They’ve shown more of previously announced games like Persona 5 Tactica, Persona 3 Reload, Palworld, Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai, and Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. But there have also been updates on known games. Exoprimal has showcased its second season, Party Animals has confirmed a collaboration with Ori, and the second DLC for Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, titled Conqueror of Jiangdong, has been confirmed. Additionally, Octopath Traveler II will arrive on Xbox and PC consoles in early 2024.
There haven’t been many new games, but there have been some very interesting ones. On one hand, they’ve announced My Lovely Empress, the third part of the My Lovely saga, an empire management game coming to Xbox and PC consoles in 2024. On the other hand, they’ve announced Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi, an adventure and action game about two siblings exploring temple ruins inspired by the works of Hayao Miyazaki and Mamoru Hosoda. However, the biggest announcement has been Hotel Barcelona. It’s a crazy hack ‘n’ slash game born from the minds of Swery65 and Suda51 that will have us facing the most notorious serial killers in the U.S. with our past selves.
With that, they’ve concluded forty-five intense minutes, clearly targeted at the Japanese audience, but with some very interesting things for us as well. It was an intriguing conference that leaves a positive impression about the future of Japanese franchises in the Xbox ecosystem.
