This indie game, inspired by Ace Attorney, increases the tension by incorporating elements of poker.

      nth Circle Studios

      The visual novel Of the Devil embraces its inspirations without reservation. It places players in the role of a confident lawyer tackling seemingly unwinnable cases, serving as a heartfelt tribute to Ace Attorney. However, similar to the standout games that draw from well-known sources, Of the Devil aims to expand upon that familiar experience. With the launch of its inaugural episode, the first of five planned episodes, developer nth Circle Studios demonstrates its readiness to do just that through impressive character designs, crisp writing, and an exhilarating cyberpunk setting.

      Set in the year 2086, Of the Devil immerses players in a future where technological advancements have become so entwined with governmental structures that nearly all state power is controlled by corporations (can you imagine?). This has resulted in a judicial system where guilty verdicts are the norm in almost every trial. As the protagonist Morgan notes in the game’s essential prologue episode, trials have turned into a poker game: the state acts as the house, and the house always wins. Nonetheless, it remains Morgan's responsibility to achieve the best possible outcomes for her clients, which she frames not as winning but as avoiding loss.

      Anyone familiar with Ace Attorney or Danganronpa will find themselves at home with the core mechanics of Of the Devil. Morgan receives a case to bring to trial and gathers evidence by interrogating witnesses and investigating the crime scene. Acquiring evidence earns players poker chips, thus encouraging thoroughness. During trials, selecting the right piece of evidence can dismantle the state’s argument and strengthen your own. However, Of the Devil introduces a unique twist to this familiar loop through the law-as-poker metaphor.

      Evidence is represented as playing cards, with the prosecution presenting their case as a poker hand. Players must determine which evidence card they possess that can effectively dismantle the opposing argument. While the mechanics of choosing evidence are similar to those in its inspirations, the theatrical elements of cards and poker chips amplify the stakes and excitement.

      This is particularly true when Morgan faces the choice to either hold her ground or raise the stakes. These moments often suggest that the prosecution might have a surprise waiting for Morgan. Players can choose to wager their chips, but more often than not, Of the Devil tests their understanding of Morgan’s belief that winning isn't synonymous with avoiding loss. Opting to hold will still diminish your chip pile, but it’s preferable to losing a significant amount due to overconfidence.

      While the trial serves as the climax of the first episode, the time spent outside the courtroom is where Of the Devil truly excels. To create an engaging legal mystery, the characters and world must possess depth. Of the Devil offers this depth abundantly. This isn't merely superficial; it continually seeks to critique contemporary issues such as police inefficacy, the influence of corporations on daily life, and more. This intricately developed world extends to the characters Morgan encounters as well. The sharp writing provides each character with a distinct voice and perspective, enriching the complexity of the world’s challenges. The vibrant character designs further enhance the uniqueness of those whom Morgan interacts with.

      Morgan herself is arguably Of the Devil’s standout feature. As the lead of a legal mystery game, she defies the typical altruistic trope. Her character is confident and sardonic, primarily motivated by the thrill of finding loopholes within the highly regulated environment she inhabits. This makes her deeply invested in the law; although the odds are stacked against her, it heightens the excitement of her journey. Accessing Morgan's inner thoughts, which often clash with the personas she presents publicly, gives players insight into her secrets. Yet, there’s still much about Morgan that remains concealed even from the player, rendering her one of Of the Devil’s most captivating mysteries, and I eagerly await uncovering it in future episodes.

      Of the Devil is currently available on PC.

      Willa is a freelance game critic based in New York. She hosts the Girl Mode podcast and has previously contributed to Inverse and Kotaku.

      Why would I ever want to play a video game created by AI?

      The generative AI phenomenon has extended into the realm of video games. While companies like Square Enix and Ubisoft have been exploring the technology for years, Microsoft made significant strides this week by unveiling its AI model, referred to as Muse, which it deems "the first World and Human Action Model." Essentially, Microsoft partnered with Ninja Theory to develop a new generative game development model trained on Bleeding Edge. The outcome is a model capable of generating "gameplay sequences," as demonstrated through a series of low-resolution videos. Microsoft envisions using this tool to assist developers, preserve forgotten games, or even create in-game content dynamically.

      As with AI in general, there exists a significant divide between the practical applications of Muse and the aspirational claims from executives eager to showcase a major investment. The latter serves as an appealing pitch to investors eager to see returns on the substantial funds invested in the technology, but it begs the question for players