Ace Attorney Character Designer Highlights Unused Dark Phoenix & Dark Layton Concept Designs for Crossover’s 10th Anniversary

Character Designer, Illustrator, and Art Director Kazuya Nuri, known for his work on The Great Ace Attorney 1 and 2, Apollo Justice Ace Attorney, and more, recently highlighted unused concept designs for Phoenix Wright vs. Professor Layton due to the game’s 10-year anniversary.

These concept illustrations depict dark doppelgangers of Phoenix Wright and Professor Layton, who were initially meant to appear before being scrapped entirely. Nuri stated that coolness was an emphasized factor in these designs.

While this artwork reveal isn’t new, as they were shown in the title’s official art book, this is, to our knowledge, one of the few times, if not the only time, where a staff member has posted clean images of them. Further, the art book isn’t exactly readily accessible anymore, so we figured it was worthwhile to share these illustrations. Plus, they look pretty cool.

You can view the unused Dark Phoenix and Dark Layton concept designs below:

If you missed it, check out our review of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles has players assume the role of Ryunosuke Naruhodo, an aspiring Japanese attorney. This character is meant to be an ancestor of Phoenix Wright and will need to solve 10 cases in the late 19th century during Japan’s Meiji Period and England’s Victorian Era. However, he does have the help of his Judicial Assistant Susato Mikatoba, and legendary detective Herlock Sholmes.

The title is available on PlayStation 4, PC via Steam, and Nintendo Switch.