- For the equivalent gameplay mode in the main Ace Attorney series, see trial. For Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, see witch trial.
An example of an argument.
Arguments are gameplay phases in the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection games that serve as the equivalent to the cross-examinations of the main Ace Attorney series. They even have their own series of themes commonly translated as "Confrontation", with "Moderato" and "Allegro" versions, as well as a "Presto" version, usually reserved for the last arguments of a case. However, none of the elements of the larger context of a trial in the main series are present, with arguments instead being encountered at various points in the investigation.
Process[]
During arguments, the protagonist confronts a suspect, person of interest, witness, or rival investigator, and questions them in order to acquire more information for their investigation. Rival investigators generally put "arguments" forward, while witnesses submit "testimonies", but the difference is merely cosmetic as the two function in an identical manner. The player then has an opportunity to give a "rebuttal", in which they press on certain statements or present evidence from the organizer contradicting the argument or testimony. Each testimony or argument consists of multiple statements, and on each one, the player can either press it for more information or present evidence to contradict it. Incorrect inferences incur a penalty on the "truth gauge". If the penalty bar is depleted, the truth becomes irretrievable, and the game ends in defeat.