I suppose when a series gets as many entries as Ace Attorney seems to, changing up the premise is a smart thing to try and do. As it turns out, Capcom intends to do exactly that, if leaked pages from the most recent Famitsu are to be believed.
The pages contain an assortment of new info, most notably that the game will take place during the Meiji period in Japan (1868-1912). This period represents Japan’s transition from a feudal society to its modern and current form, so there’s probably a lot of fascinating history for the plot to grab on to. I don’t know much about it myself, which makes me all the more interested in the game.
Additionally, the new title will feature not Phoenix Wright, but an ancestor of his — a man by the name of Naruhodou Ryuunosuke. He’s shown carrying a sword, and is described as having a “keen sense of justice.” Hey Famitsu, watch it with the spoilers! Still, there’s bound to be much more to learn about our friend Naruodou, and just how crucial his swordsman abilities end up being to the plot and gameplay is something I greatly look forward to learning.
The new game is titled Dai Gyakuten Saiban – Naruhodou Ryuunosuke no Bouken, which translates roughly to Grand Turnabout Trial – The Adventures of Naruhodou Ryuunosuke, and frankly, I’m not sure if that tells us anything. We do know that series creator Shu Takumi will reclaim his directorial throne for the game, so if you prefer the older Ace Attorney entries to newer games like Dual Destinies, then that will probably come as good news. It’s not like Takumi was slacking during that time, though — he was mostly focused on a crossover game with Professor Layton.
That’s about all we know at this point, but we’ll be sure to post an update if more info on the game is made available. In the meantime, start reading up on the Meiji Period, and hey, why not try some other visual novels? It’s a great genre, you know.