Like Sherlock Holme stories, AA cases are based on an incredibly effective formula that provides a proven recipe for storytelling. Yet it is a formula that lends itself to constant reinvention.
We as a community have been part of that reinvention. Not only has our fangame community been vibrant and prolific, it has often been bold and innovative as well.
We have introduced countless gameplay innovations such as counter cross-examinations and super-objections. We’ve experimented new structures that brought new story concepts to life. And we’ve even developed new styles that offered unique takes on the series.
Obviously, a series of European-flavoured, Umineko-inspired, golden age-obsessed cases comes to mind as an example of a successful reinterpretation of AA ... but we’ve also created fangames-as-fanfiction, expanding on every detail of the AA universe to create a modern epic... fangames-as-edutainment, using trivia to teach us about various subjects, and the list goes on.
What we now need is for you to take the next step.
Tasks
In this competition, you will be asked to take the AA formula and pick it apart. You have our permission - the obligation, even - to Break the Rules.
We want you to channel the artist and the inventor in you. To be a pioneer, to try things that have never been tried before.
This time, we’re expecting a flood of entries, complete or otherwise. You have complete license to go crazy, so use this competition as an excuse to produce something - anything.
Nothing is too strange, too avant-garde. The more you think outside the box, the better.
The winning entry will be a case that:
- takes place in an AA inspired universe, with its lawyers and trials
- turns conventions on their heads and introduces at least one groundbreaking innovation to the AA formula. (Both depth and variety of innovation will be appreciated. There are many aspects to games like AA, from story and presentation to graphics and gameplay)
- is a great all-around case (yes, that still counts for something )
BUT - and we really want to emphasize that point - just because you think you might not win doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enter. Your case may not be the best one, but the innovations that it contains may prove particularly interesting, even influential. The only sin in this competition is boring classicism. So be interesting. Be unpredictable.
We’re waiting for you =)
Conditions
- The entry must have been created between October 31, 2012 and January 31, 2013.
- The entry must be submitted to BOTH me and Gumpei.
- The entry must not be showcased until January 31.
- The entry must be Ace Attorney inspired, ie at the very least take place in a universe that features such traditional AA elements as lawyers, courts, objections etc.
- The entry must feature at least one groundbreaking innovation.
- The entry may be a comedy/miscellaneous case.
- The entry may contain GK2 sprites and music, but no story spoilers.
January 31, 2013, 00:00 CET.
Yes, I am also European. That means that when I wake up on the following day, European time, I expect all entries to have been submitted.
Entrants
ZetaAzuel
DWaM and kwando1313
GuardianDreamer
Reyson
eighthbit
CardiaX and drthingums
Shadowsleuth
HariusAwesome
~Dataman~
Lady Wolfenstein
ApprenticeofVoile
clcman, TheWhiteWolfos and Enthalpy
Wampyr and Tap
---
Enjoy!