From Surviban to Gyakuten Saiban (2017)

Title: From Surviban to Gyakuten Saiban / 「『サバイバン』から『逆転裁判』へ」
Source: 15th Anniversary Gyakuten Saiban Series Encyclopedia 2001-2016

Summary: 15th Anniversary Gyakuten Saiban Series Encyclopedia 2001-2016 includes a small section about Surviban, the prototype game which would eventually become the first Gyakuten Saiban (Ace Attorney GBA) game released in 2001. While still the same courtroom mystery adventure game at heart, Surviban also has a few distinctive differences from the final product, including the game title, the cast of main characters and the stories themselves. The article quotes from the original game proposal for internal Capcom use, and includes the character descriptions for the original five cast members. Both protagonist Naruhodō Ryūichi (Phoenix Wright) and rival Mitsurugi Reiji (Miles Edgeworth) retained their original names, but the assistant, mentor and police detective have different names from their Gyakuten Saiban counterparts and all five characters feature completely different backstories. Includes are also three proposal pages where the use of the camera in the game is explained and what the concept behind the witnesses is.

Uncovering the Illustrious Proposal!

Surviban - Bengoshi Tantei Naruhodō Ryūichi-kun (Surviban – Attorney Detective Naruhodō Ryūichi)

Excerpt 1

〇 The courtroom is modeled with polygons. Users are given the feeling they are really there at the confrontation through camera work.

* The camera moves in confrontation scenes.

[Diagram 1]

* Zooming in during important scenes.

[Diagram 2] “Da—damn!” →  “I… I admit it.”

Excerpt 2

〇 Basic Screen

The trial starts with this screen. The judge starts the trial and asks prosecution to begin the procedure. The game returns to this screen whenever the gallery is surprised or the judge speaks.

[Diagram 1] : Judge: “The defendant has a right to not answer the question.”

The screen is full-size. Text appears in a semi-transparent textbox in the lower half of the screen.

〇 Camera Work During Testimonies

In 1 on 1 scenes like Attorney vs. Witness or Attorney vs. Prosecutor, the camera is moved around to convey motion.

[Diagram 2]  “How about it!”(Defense) → “You don’t have to snap at me.” (Witness Stand)

Excerpt 3

Witnesses - People connected to the case

The persons who are connected to the case. A quirky lot. Every one of them is hiding their true colors. People who suddenly become less friendly with you or who try sweet-talk you to gain a favorable image. Very ordinary people who at times show their ugly sides.

Surviban Character Introduction

Naruhodō Ryūichi
Age: 20

Naruhodō used to be a detective working at a detective agency, but he became a private attorney because of a certain case. A complete rookie when it comes to law. His weapon in the courtroom battlefield is his ability to instinctively sniff out lies and what’s on other people’s minds. He likes his time off and can remain all focused on doing absolutely nothing. Has a pet hamster.

Kanoyama Usagi
Age: 19

Kanoyama is studying for the bar examination while working at the office of a charismatic attorney. She’s cheerful and positive, but also hates to lose. She has a careless, meddling side to her. She is jealous of Naruhodō  because he was scouted by the charismatic attorney, and often bugs him. She’s easily excited and a natural scatterbraine so she often only brings more chaos to the case.

Kasuma Ryōzan
Age: 41

A legendary undefeated private attorney. Six years ago, he walked away from the courtroom forever due to a certain case. Currently the head of a small law agency. Hobby: (bad) pottery. Often calls his weird-looking ceramic pieces names like ‘teacup.’ He is a very sharp person who can perceive the truth instantly, but he hides that behind a façade of ignorance and bad jokes.

Mitsurugi Reiji
Age: 36

The number one prosecutor of the district court, boasting the greatest number of handled cases. Believes that the end justifies the means when it comes to getting the defendants pronounced guilty. An extremely heartless person who more-or-less makes his witnesses provide false evidence for him. He believes all defendants are guilty and therefore hates the attorneys who try to defend them. It is believed that he became such an extreme person because he lost a case six years ago against Kasuma Ryōzan.

Ayashi Kaori
Age: 25

An imperturbable elite police detective of the Metropolitan Police Department. Always has a look in her eyes as if she can peer straight into your mind. Also seems to be slightly looking down at others. She has a tendency to analyze any event objectively. Believes in the power of data. However, unlike the prosecutor she has a very flexible mind and if she believes the protagonist is correct, she’ll secretly help him. But always in a cynical manner.