MrSmartGuy posted... Looking at Murders on the Yangtze River and wondering if I oughta try that one next.
I finished it the other day.
I'd say it plays more like the AAI games but with a better presentation (and arguably better story). The Ace Attorney segments don't have any pressing at all and the investigation segments do not have Y-axis movement at all. Even though I've compared this to the two AAI games, there are courtroom segments.
What it does do well is the presentation and the ideas they present, even if they can be a little difficult at times. Although there's no pressing in the Ace Attorney stuff, sometimes what you're cross-examining might not even be a witness at all in which case you'll be given background images for each statement. Other unique mechanics are in this game that you likely won't ever see in an Ace Attorney game. The game also has a glossary for detailed descriptions of notable events or people in Chinese history (particularly the Qing Dynasty, this takes place in early 20th century China) and explanations for some homicide investigation terms (example: defense wounds).
Length-wise, this game is six cases but realistically six and a half. You can extend the length of the game by going for all the achievements, about half of which are about presenting wrong and getting all the game overs (Papers Please endings).
Personally speaking, I ended up loving Murders on the Yangtze River and consider it a must-play for people who are okay with the idea of "Ace Attorney Investigations But Better"