TheAce Attorneyfranchise thrives on the strength of its story and characters. Each murder mystery comes with twists and turns, as well as a cast of highly memorable witnesses, defendants, and victims. But in this courtroom dramedy of truth versus lies, it’s the true culprit that usually takes center stage.
Ace Attorneyvillains run the gambit of motivations and morality. Some of them are sympathetic characters who commit crimes out of fear or necessity. Most, however, are purely selfish criminals who frame innocent people for their despicable crimes. But of all the murderers this 23-year-old franchise has seen, these culprits stand out as the most heinous.
7Kristoph Gavin
The Devil You Know
While theApollo Justicegame left fans divided, no one can deny it opened up with one heck of a plot twist. The titular Apollo’s own mentor, Kristoph Gavin, initially comes across likeMia Fey from the original trilogy, before it’s revealed that he was actually the real murderer.
It only gets worse from there. The game’s final case delves into even more vile deeds Kristoph committed for the sake of his own pride and reputation. He’d do anything to cover his tracks, too, even plotting to murder a 13-year-old girl. Plenty ofAce Attorneycharacters are killers, butchild murderhas, until now, been a step too far for most.
6Queen Ga’ran Sigatar Khura’in
One Slippery Sovereign
Thisqueen of Khura’inisn’t just above the law: sheisthe law. Her decrees are gospel the moment they’re written down. ThroughoutSpirit of Justice, players discover all the murderous deeds Queen Ga’ran did to gain her unchecked power, and what she’s willing to do in order tokeepit.
Her husband isn’t much better off, but evenhehas the redeeming quality of genuinely loving their adoptive daughter, Princess Rayfa. Not Queen Ga’ran, though. Family means nothing to this tyrant. All she cares about is her own power.
5The Phantom
Gaze Into The Endless Abyss
Unlike other two-faced villains in the series, players never learn the true identity of this international spy. Simply put: thereisno “real” identity to be had. The criminal known only as “The Phantom” cast aside their identity years ago, forgetting themselves so they could carry out their work.
That “work” in question also happens to include murder and international terrorism, by the way. The Phantom rigged a spacecraft to explode and, to cover up his tracks, murdered a mother right before her child’s eyes. That child, a youngAthena Cykes, may have been his next victim as well if she hadn’t fought back. The Phantom feels nothing for the evils he’s committed, too. He’d do it all again if it meant completing his mission.
4Redd White
He Deserves Being Beaten Red, Black, and Blue
Redd White of Bluecorp is a man who’s made millions blackmailing hundreds of people. His company is built on finding the dirt on rich, powerful people and lording their dirty deeds over their heads. His rotten business has destroyed countless lives, including that of Mia and Maya’s mother, Misty Fey.
Mia tried valiantly to bring White to justice, only for him to murder her, leavingWrightwithout a mentor and Maya without her sister. He’s a man who, by his own admission, lives solely for personal profit. He even has the gall to be arrogant about his own greatness, knowing full well the suffering he’s inflicted.
3Matt Engarge
Soulless and Two-Faced
Matt Engarge first appears to be an air-headed pretty boy celebrity, the kind of multimillionaire actor who seems nice enough, albeit utterly disconnected from reality. In truth, this friendly facade is just part of his acting.
Underneath it all, Matt Engarde is a complete monster who drove an innocent woman past the brink of despair, then ordered a hit on his biggest rival. He’s the ultimate example of celebrity corruption: a rich man who values his reputation over anything and everything. He truly cares for no one but himself, viewing everyone around him as tools to use and throw away.
2Manfred von Karma
The OG Baddie Of The Entire Series
If Miles Edgeworth was once known as the “Demon Prosecutor,” then Manfred von Karma is the devil himself. This absolute terror of a man has convicted every defendant he’s ever prosecuted in his 40-year-long career. His methods of obtaining these verdicts range from ruthless to illegal, all to meet his twisted ideals of “perfection.”
When Miles’s father, Gregory Edgeworth, evenscratchedthis man’s flawless record, Manfred’s payback was absolutely devastating. His actions ended up having a snowball effect on the rest of the series’ story, ruining the lives of multiple characters. His name is synonymous with fear. Even his own hero-worshipping daughter has very little real love for him (and vice versa).
1Dahlia Hawthorne
People Are Not Always Who They Appear To Be
Dahlia Hawthornemay be beautiful, but players better not let that fool them. This woman’s angelic appearance hides a true demon inside, an utterly remorseless killer with the highest body count of anyAce Attorneyculprit. She’s poisoned, stabbed, and manipulated her way through crime after crime, all with a sickeningly sweet smile plastered on her face.
And while otherAce Attorneyvillains only had ill intentions towards specific people, or were corrupted by power, Dahlia has no excuse for her behavior. Sure, her upbringing wasn’t easy, but her crime spree began as early as 14 years old. By her own admission, she’s always been a demon. Even death couldn’t contain Dahlia Hawthorne’s evil forever.
