Part 3: Episode 1, Trial: A Little Test

Part 3: Episode 1, Trial: A Little Test



It's 13 minutes later, and we're now in the courtroom to defend our pal Larry Butz from charges of murdering his girlfriend. Wait, did that say August 3rd? Didn't the autopsy report say the murder happened on July 31st? Did our knucklehead of a friend get himself arrested so bad that the trial is somehow starting just three days later?



There we are, in that beautiful blue suit. Odd courtroom layout; is the jury already seated, and split onto two sides?



I love this animation and I will show it off every chance I get. Order in the court! It comes with a nice loud sound effect, too!

Music: Trial



This judge looks like he should be meditating at a shrine atop a lonely mountain somewhere.



Payne strikes me as the model of competence, like every prosecutor in a media form about defense attorneys.



Wait, Mia said this was our first trial. She meant with her firm, right? Not that it's our first trial ever? We're just going to jump straight into a murder trial?



The judge apparently slept through the introductions. No, really, his eyes were closed for the that whole line.

Mr. Wright?

This is your first trial, is it not?



Oh boy, we're screwed, aren't we?



Murder is a serious charge. For your client's sake, I hope you can control your nerves.

Thank... thank you, Your Honor.

...

Mr. Wright, given the circumstances...

I think we should have a test to ascertain your readiness.

Yes, it's called the bar exam. Well, I smell a tutorial coming, bring it on.

Yes, Your Honor.



Uh, are we gonna be okay, here? I hope that was an internal expression to go along with that internal monologue...



One moment, Your Honor.



Look, I have no idea what's coming, all right?



I just saved, so I guess we can check out the joke options. First... are we the defendant ourselves?



I know this is a tutorial and maybe not every player would know this, but really? No one passing the bar isn't going to know this one.



Mia is likewise less than impressed.



You're his lawyer!

I like how her sprite flips from sad to mad here.

Um, er, eh? Oh yeah, right! Eh heh heh.



You did pass the bar, didn't you?



Fortunately, the judge kindly pretends to not hear what an idiot we are and just asks the same question again. This time let's pretend we're stupid enough to think Mia is the defendant:





I have to go home. I'm... I'm expecting a delivery.

Mia knows a train wreck when she sees one.

Aw, c'mon Chief. There's no need to be going so soon, is there?



The defendant is the one on trial--your client!

More screen-shaking for the last two lines. I think I'll stop reporting on that now; it's not really adding much.

I mean, that's about as basic as you can get!

(I put my foot in it this time! I've got to relax!)

Sorry, I couldn't hear your answer. I'll ask once more:

Same reaction from the judge, and we're back at the same question. Selecting the wrong option multiple times doesn't change any of the dialogue, so let's go with the correct answer this time:



We literally met Larry in the last scene, if the player can't remember that then I doubt the rest of the game is going to be a picnic.



Just keep your wits about you and you'll do fine.

Next question:





I think we're going to cover the "Court Record" menu I peeked at earlier. I didn't see a "case report", though. Should I have?



I like how we don't even get prompted yet and we're still freaking out.

(No... no way! I forgot! I'm drawing a total blank here!)



I thought we might get prompted and I legitimately couldn't remember this woman's name, so I snuck a peek at the record again. The autopsy just mentions "Cindy", but the profiles here have the full names. Here's our goofy defendant.



And our victim.



The prosecutor's profile is... unkind.



You don't even know the victim's name!?



I, um, just forgot. ...Temporarily.

I think I feel a migraine coming on.



Just press "Tab" to check it at any time, okay?

Remember to check it often. Do it for me, please. I'm begging you.

Relax, we've got this.



It's Mia, right?

Um... Mia Fey?

W-W-What!? How can I be the victim!?

Oh! Right! Sorry! I, er, it was the first name that popped into my head, and--





Same options here. I'm pretty sure it started with a "C", and Cinder Block sounds like the kind of goofy name that'd show up in an anime style like this game, so let's go with that!









A mistake in court could cost you the case.

Okay, I get it, the court record is going to be important here.



It's Cindy Stone!



Yikes even when we know the answer he's not real confident.



Now, tell me, what was the cause of death?



If you really don't know, go back to the last update and check the autopsy report again. Maybe she was poisoned?







Mia just can't with this guy anymore.

Check the court record.

(Geez. Give a guy a break!)

Let me ask again.

Right, how about strangled?







Even the judge has to shake his head at that one.



Ouch.

I suppose there's nothing to do but give you another try:

And the correct answer is:



Correct.



Plus, if we lose, at least our client can appeal on the grounds of having an incompetent defense attorney!

You seem much more relaxed, Mr. Wright. Good for you.

Thank you, Your Honor.

(Because I don't FEEL relaxed, that's for sure.)

I'm sure this will go great. Next time: The first witness!