Kazuma Asogi: How To Subvert Expectations
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- Опубликовано: 30 июн 2024
- Kazuma Asogi is easily one of the most prominent characters in The Great Ace Attorney and has become a fan favorite in the community. He is everywhere in promotional material and fan art, even being voted the best character in the entire game by fans in Japan.
But, it would be quite shocking if I would tell you he would barely even show up in the duology at all, only being featured as a character for only three or four cases at most. So, why is he so beloved?
And on first meetings, it would be entire understandable: he is cool, fun, likable, and interesting. Yet digging deeper into the storyline and the progression of this character, we start to see that there is a lot more than meets the eye to this Samurai with a Mission...
A character that starts off quite strong, but where will his journey go from there?
The Great Ace Attorney is a Masterpiece: • The Great Ace Attorney...
Introduction: 0:00
Part 1: The Great Kazuma Asogi [DGS-1]3:00
Part 2: The Early Departure [DGS-2] 6:10
Part 3: The Great Revival [DGS2-3] 10:41
Part 4: Reborn...? [DGS2-4] 19:05
Part 5: The Trial of the Century [DGS2-4] 22:20
Part 6: Ryunosuke's Resolve [DGS2-5] 30:50
Conclusion: 40:24 
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Thank you everyone who watched it and were here for the premiere! Genuinely really means a lot to me. This video has been in the works for this entire summer, and I am so glad it turned out as great as it did.
But most importantly, I'm glad that this video can spark discussion about the series that I love so much, so sharing this video or just putting your thoughts about this wonderful series is all I really ask for.
Once again, thank you for sticking with me on this journey and here's to talking more Ace Attorney (and other stuff probably) in the future.
As a guy with a short attention span, I think this is one of my favorite video essays(tho I really find the cast of the great ace attorney very facinating. It's like with 221 b baker street, the game outside the court feels like a sitcom lol)
This subversion of expectations especially works because it never leaves the fans disappointed. Kazuma is still a character that wishes to change the legal system but now we see that he's a flawed human being that has his own demons.
I really do like Kazuma. He's a true prosecutor, prosecuting not for the sake of fame or keeping an image, but for the sake of the truth. And when he broke down because he thought his mission had ended in failure, only to get picked back up by the courtroom audience, I really felt for him. More Ace Attorney prosecutors need to be like Kazuma.
Absolutely! The scene is amazing. Kazuma has broken down. Stronghart is going to get away with everything. But suddenly, in walks Herlock Sholmes. Instead of addressing Stronghart, Sholmes puts it to the judiciary. As they begin to chant: TESTIFY! TESTIFY! Kazuma looks up with hope in his eyes. The scene gives me the chills.
"Ryunosuke, please take Karuma, for I am afraid what I might do with it"
"What about your other sword"
"No that one's fine I can keep that"
i mean it's kinda different because karuma is his entire ass soul
I read that in NicoB's voices
there's something poetic about how he doesn't trust anyone but ryuunosuke with his soul. Like. the second karuma was back in his possession he damaged it. He knows ryuunosuke will care about his soul more than he could ever do for himself. Gahhh. I'm so unnormal about these characters
SPOILER WARNING
Just a minor detail in the overall scheme of things but something I’m so glad you touched on: Jigoku and Kazuma having an EXTREMELY similar laughing animation was so unsettling to me in game, especially as the truth was progressively uncovered. (Especially because I would say with both characters, it’s the most “disarming“ of their animations, something that makes them look more affable and kind-hearted.)
As we learn more about the ACTUAL link between Jigoku and Kazuma, it sets a very sinister tone for the nature of the two characters’ mutual behaviors. After all, Jigoku was one of the students who visited alongside Genshin and Yujin, so it’s only natural that Kazuma would know him, as Susato does. Jigoku potentially leveraging that position as Kazuma’s father’s former friend to get close to him and be the one to convince him to take on the plot is especially heartbreaking once you learn the truth of what REALLY happened to Genshin.
The fact that their mannerisms were that similar means that Kazuma really seemed to trust/ “know” Jigoku as much as Genshin or Yujin did. And the fact that Jigoku would use him in a plot like this means he was confident Kazuma would never find out the reality of the Professor’s demise, indicating that he was totally ok using him to cover up his own crimes without really helping him “find the truth” he promised. All of that DESPITE the guilt he bears for what he did to Genshin (or perhaps due to it, in an attempt to rid himself of the last evidence of his betrayal…not Gregson, but Kazuma himself).
Imo jigoku is more of a piece of shit than stronghart, just because we know more personal shitty evil things he did. Yeah, Stronghart blackmailed Klint into all of those crimes, and did other bad things, but jigoku KILLED HIS CLOSE FRIEND for a promotion, then manipulated said friends son into an assassination, then killed a man and HID HIS BODY IN A SUITCASE THAT HE LUGGED AROUND CASUALLY. He’s an evil asshole and I honestly liked taking him down more than Stronghart.
Yes wow, seeing that transition was wild (and a brilliant bit of editing) because I realised that when I first saw than animation on Jigoku it gave me the impression of him being friendly and somebody trustworthy (probably because it reminded me of the Kazuma animation) only for that link to be turned on it's head.
Both Kazuma and Van Zieks were driven by the death of a loved one they idolized, and in both cases, it set them down a dark path. Ryunosuke was impacted strongly by Kazuma's supposed death as well, and while you can argue that Ryunosuke lost his identity, he was still the character with the most positive change after that death, picking up Kazuma's legacy: a true defender of the people, as Godot would say. Letting someone's death motivate you is not inherently a bad thing, it can be quite powerful in fact. But like with every power, you must ensure to use it im the right way.
While personally I think that Van Zieks is the best written main character in Great Ace Attorney, Kazuma is up there as well. One of my few gripes with his arc in particular though is that I _really_ wish he had more screentime in the second game after coming back, because while his flaws are very apparent and on full display and he has a nice resolution with Ryuunosuke at the very end, I really wanted to see some moments with him being able to be.... I don't know, more fragile and vulnerable with his friends/family, to show more of how broken and human he really is, and show how strong his bond with Ryuunosuke and Susato and Mikotoba really is. It always really bothered me that Mikotoba, Kazuma's _adopted father,_ never really seems to be upset by the sudden death of his best friend's son, now _his_ son, and when Ryuunosuke tells him in 2-4 that he's turned up alive in London, he doesn't show more than mild surprise.... Kazuma's sibling relationship with Susato is quite glossed over as well, and overall it just feels like the game really downplays the sheer _grief_ these three characters went through after Kazuma's supposed death, as well as Kazuma's own grief over everything _he's_ been through, in the end. My favorite moment of Kazuma's is without a doubt the scene where he breaks down in the courtroom and then has renewed hope when the crowd starts rallying for the trial to continue; his expression there simply breaks my _heart,_ because he truly feels like nothing more than a scared, grieving, broken child there, more than ever before, who has felt so alone for so much of his life -- alone without his parents, alone in a foreign country that's racist towards him and his kind, and even alone when with his family and friends, due to everything he's forced to hide from them in order to carry out his mission and get the closure he needs, with the threat of Jigoku looming over him -- who is then so shocked and touched by witnessing other people finally, _finally_ being in his corner and supporting his cause and lifting him up for the first time in... so long. It's such a short moment but it says _so_ much about him, to me, is the most vulnerable and human we ever see him, and I desperately wish we'd gotten more of _that_ Kazuma, to humanize him even more. He is extremely flawed and makes many, many mistakes, for sure, but he's also so terribly tragic as well, like so many other characters in Great Ace Attorney, and I wish there had been more of a balance between showing his harshness and callousness in the second game, and his tragedy and continued kindness as well, to humanize him even more (I also wish there'd been a follow-up with him and Nikomina in the second game, because to me the kindness he shows her in case 1-2 even right in the middle of his mission is so telling of his character, but... we can't have everything *sigh* ). TGAA is an incredible game, without a doubt, and I love it to death, but you can still sadly tell where the budget constraints in the second game held it back just a bit, and I feel like if it had had better pacing and more money and time to work with, Kazuma's character arc could have been even better than it already is.
That's just my long two cents though a;lsdjgfkdlsa;skdf, this is a fantastic video!!! I'd definitely love to see more like it breaking down and analyzing TGAA, since there's so much to talk about with it ❤
I think a lot of Kazuma's arc is due to him trying to reserve his emotions as much as possible. The more he commits sins, the more distant he becomes from his humility. And with his darker actions trying to mask his pain, I feel it makes sense that he would become ever more distant from everyone, even his best friends. He feels like he has to resolve his pain alone which is why he continues to withheld crucial information from Ryunosuke. And that distancing from reality is why that breakdown of his is so effective like what you said.
I do agree that I wish there was more time spent on Kazuma venting his own grievances and mistakes and just let loose of all of the suffering he faced and sins he committed. Just I feel once again, they were limited on time and wanted to close out the case. But while you can see them clearly cutting parts whether for budget or just to keep the case from dragging on too long, I feel they did an excellent job at just implying all of those parts of him. There's a lot of details that are never explicitly said, yet from the dialogue to animations you get to get that part of the story. It's why there is so much to talk about Kazuma because there are a lot of things that are heavily implied just never fully delve into. And I feel for the sake of keeping the story from dragging on too long or if they need to cut their loses due to budget, it's a good concession to have.
And that's also the thing with Ace Attorney. These characters and their stories are so complex that there is so much more to explore past the insane mysteries and convoluted cases that you sometimes don't have time to fully experience those other aspects, especially in a linear story structures and gameplay like the visual novel format does. So these concessions need to be made, but there is so much more to explore with these characters in general, even with the other games with characters like Godot and Franziska. Just says so much about how interesting and really realistic all of these characters are. I would love to have another TGAA just to kind of talk to these characters some more. Because there is so much to dissect with these characters that the story and really everyone can't really do justice on portraying.
it's definitely a symptom of the second game having been intended to be two games and the whole lot a trilogy... before budget and lack of interest in the first (I assume) shot those chances. ending off a game on say, the ending of the 3rd case in the second game, and then having a whole game to lead up to the final massive case, would have been incredible and we'd have had more kazuma while he knows he's kazuma in general.
the cases we got in TGAA2 were all stellar and a rollercoaster from start to finish to go through, but they were meant to be spread across two games, and i'm so so sad every day we didn't get that
@@e_cube4631 i'm sorry but i still don't get this. The game was supposed to be longer, yes, but no one EVER said it was supposed to be a trilogy, it was supposed to be one incredibly long game.
You can tell Kazuma is something special cuz in only 2 games they gave him 4 theme songs.
Fantastic vid tho, your editing is sublime, the great deduction transitions are actually so sick. Kazuma is such a cool dude and I love how just morally grey he is compared to AA's usual fare of pure heroes and cackling villains. One to be discussed and dissected for the ages, I'd say.
I think what's most impressive is that the only other characters in these games to have 4 (or more) songs each are Ryuunosuke and Susato. Y'know, the literal main character and the only character to be in every case. And yet Kazuma is only in, at the very most, 5 cases
@@MagicWhiskers13 Yeah, Susato is definitely the main character.
Kazuma felt so real. He was glorious and admirable, a few times kinda problematic and dare I say, annoying, sometimes silly and amusing. He was not super rigid with his arc like many previous Ace Attorney characters were. Like, Edgeworth was one of those I think. "Oh I faced my childhood friend in court and now I do not see my main goal as getting every prime suspect declared guilty anymore. Yay. The main character and the player loves me now."
Tbf it was the first rival and c'mon Miles has a good development all way justice for all to prosecutor's path
22:10 But that’s the question. Has he changed, or was he always like this deep down, and we were just blinded by his legacy?
Looking at the first case... he kind of always was. At least, he has been for a long time. It’s just harder to see when you’re on the receiving end of his more immoral tendencies.
In the first case of the game we see Kazuma through Ryunosuke's eyes and he held him in very high regard by glorifying it a little too much. They have only known each other for a while (1-escapade bonus) but consider themselves best friends. However, Ryunosuke did not have the opportunity to see who Asogi really was and when the latter told him about his "mission" Ruy concluded that it must be an honorable cause reflecting Asogi. But, as Mael asked him several times: did he really know what this mission consisted of?
Upon re-meeting Asogi, Ryunosuke did not expect to feel a distance between them. He didn't understand why his friend was behaving this way and thought he had changed for some reason.But the reality is that Asogi did not change, his mask only suddenly fell and Ryunosuke did not know how to look through this mask and was confronted by this reality: he didn't really know his friend.
(I would also like to talk about Asogi's musical themes, for me it really reflects how Ryunosuke saw him (1 theme), how he will remember him (2 theme), and how he sees him now that he begins to know WHO is really Asogi (4 theme, where we can hear similarities with the Professor's theme)
You've fulfilled my need for a Kazuma-analysis video. (No joke, I've been searching every once in a while because I just find him so interesting and the way it plays with Naruhodo's/the player's perception of him.) I can't stress enough what an absolute gem this ended up being, thank you for your hard work. I never realized how much his authority figures or/and lack of reliable ones messed him up as well, I suppose that's another Edgeworth-parallel (since he has a few).
I have to say though - as someone else here already pointed out - I think Kazuma does genuinely want to change the legal system. He doesn't only sound like a politician at times, but has a genuine interest in politics from what is implied. The DLC-case from Kazuma's pov does have him scold Ryunosuke about not reading the newspaper and how he's consciously chosen to be a defense attorney despite their situation (so I don't think becoming a defense attorney was for the goal of revenge only, a prosecutor would have made much more sense then from the start). I've also seen a post once that the Randst-episode about his headband has kind of lost the political implications of his speech in the official localization. While they both talk essentially about the 'filial piety'-thing in English, Kazuma's original one was apparently about how low-income worker and women should rise and fight (considering this is basically set during Japanese industrialisation). Of course that underlines his rebellious nature, but also is heartwarming in relation to Susato when her limited rights in Japan are brought up occasionally and adds a bit of depth where her respect and affection for Kazuma comes from.
Talking about that episode and having you lay it out like this made me think it's kind of ironic how much Ryunosuke belittles himself when he compares himself to Kazuma, because Kazuma is probably that one person who never saw it that way. I mean this man made friends with Ryunosuke after losing to him (!) in the speech contest, he immediately saw Ryunosuke's talent as an attorney (and holds it in such a high regard that he played with the thought of having Ryunosuke defend him in case of.... things, questionable as that might be). I always felt like he respected Ryunosuke a lot, even if he playfully disses him at times, so my feelings on Ryunosuke's "asserting himself"-scene are kind of a mixed bag. On the one hand I'm proud of Ryunosuke for getting there, on the other hand I'm kind of like "couldn't he just think that". I mean his best friend is in an already emotional draining trial and then comes the extra kick of your friend basically telling you he is not your ally. I don't think he ever intended for Ryunosuke to feel that way in the first place when he asks him for favors so it just feels a bit weird to me. The other line he drops on Kazuma, though, the "Did you want me to see you like this?"-line, now that one was fitting, powerful and I'd argue the true wake-up call for Kazuma where Kazuma truly changes the way he approaches the trial (and underlines his respect for Ryunosuke again. Ryunosuke's opinion is important to him). The former one probably keeps bothering me because of the fact that Ryunosuke never really reaches out to Kazuma after that trial (like he's asking Van Zieks how he's doing and what he's going to do now, but not his friend? Even the farewell-scene is Kazuma reaching out to Ryunosuke, not Ryunosuke telling him that he will be leaving). It just feels weird and kind of leaves their relationship unresolved in my opinion, considering we also don't get to see if Ryunosuke is really okay with the things he saw from Kazuma. Maybe I'm too negative on this, but I think such a drop from idealization to what he ended up seeing (broken) is hard to deal with.
Kazuma certainly has crossed a line when he questioned Vigil, but I liked that the game made sure you know that his moral compass isn't completely broken, considering Vigil tells you Kazuma came to him to apologize (unlike Edgey back in JfA who didn't give any *** with Adrian as long as he reached his goal). Hell, you could even put making sure Barok has a lawyer into this, depending on how you view that action (a small sort of gratefulness for taking care of his amnesiac self maybe? Without Kazuma's push that whole trial might have ended very differently, ironically.) I genuinely wished they would have shown more of the amnesiac apprentice-time with Van Zieks, like how did they communicate, did he make Kazuma take special bottle-opening sessions with the sword? xD
Okay, before my comment devolves into complete silliness I still want to add that I appreciate the bit where you point out how much Kazuma and Barok mirror in their actions and how Ryunsoke was the deciding factor that there wasn't a repeat of that tragedy. They did that so well, subtly without shoving that into your face all the time. AA sometimes likes to shove things like that in your face sometimes.
I also loved how they used Kazuma's original traits but twisted them into sth negative. You already highlighted a few of them quite well but one that stood out to me was "belief". Kazuma once said there is no battle without belief and follows Mia's defense attorney modus operandi of "belief in the innocence of your client" and it felt to me like they twisted it around in having that "belief in the guilt of the prosecuted no matter what" with him as a prosecutor. Though I guess you brought belief somewhat up when you said that it's one of the only times in AA when the prosecutor has sth personal he believes and fights for.
I'm sorry this comment is so long and I hope it makes some semblance of sense but I wasn't kidding when I said I wanted one. Again, thank you very much for your great analysis.
I agree with everything you said you described everything perfectly!
One point you mentioned that also irked me when I finished the game was the fact Ryunosuke was in fact the one who became kind of ‘cold’ towards Kazuma not the other way around? Kazuma (unlike the popular opinion in the fandom ) if you pay enough attention to detail, was not hostile towards Ryunosuke at all. He was acting a bit distant at first when they were in presence of others like lord stronghart and van zeiks but the moment they were alone he was the same old Kazuma who loves his friend and trusted him the most as we can see from his dialogue. He thanked Susato and Ryunosuke multiple times and he really appreciates and values Ryunosuke.
In court, the times he was ‘rude’ towards Ryunosuke was only when he was actually friendly bantering with him and teasing him jokingly but his real hostility was fully focused on van zeiks.
I find it surprising that many in the fandom did not realize this.
He also trusted that Ryunosuke would trust him that he in fact was genuine and would never lie.
And throughout the trial, he is looking up to Ryunosuke as the one who will arrive at the truth and never actively oppose him and in fact seemed as if he was pleading for his help.
Back to the first point of Ryunosuke being the one kind of distant towards his friend by the end compared to Kazuma himself who never changed towards Ryunosuke, I think if that was kind of intended by the authors is that Ryunosuke is still trying to process all the supposed ‘change’ Kazuma went through? Maybe that was the case.
Dunno, maybe it was just the game having to many things to end and really there was no time to fit everything and there was no time for a more genuine ‘reconciliation’ between the two 😂💔💔
Also I felt the comment he said to Kazuma about going after the truth and not doing this for Kazuma I was slightly sad to be honest. I felt that Kazuma really was beaten down and in despair I think this is the last thing he would have wanted to hear from the friend he respects the most. Like I felt Ryunosuke can still find his own path and resolve albeit without separating this from his strong belief in his friend that he was attached to for most of the game before Kazuma’s return. The same way Kazuma throughout firmly believes in Ryunosuke. Ryunosuke’s resolve and his relationship with Kazuma are not mutually exclusive in my opinion.
In any case I am still very happy by the ending these two got together and how their relationship IS the main focus and the driving force of this story.
Edit: I guess ‘cold’ is a little harsh to describe how Ryunosuke interacted with Kazuma XD, confused is more accurate. And Ryunosuke is also not that expressive about his emotions honestly so this plays a part.
16:30 I'm going to have to disagree with the assessment that we never knew Kazuma. I believe that he had genuine friendships and intentions when it came to Ryunosuke, but when he comes back, he doesn't change, he simply shows another side.
Ryunosuke says it best towards the end of the first game:
"It seems to me... There are many facets to people's personalities... And like a Jewel a light plays off them in complex patterns, illuminating their actions and their motives. But we only see a small number of the total facets, and what is illuminated is only a small part of the whole story. What lies in the shadows? What do those facets that we cannot see look like? Perhaps there are some parts we will never lay eyes on, for as long as we live. Sometimes I feel as though I'm blind to so much. But I keep hoping that one day, it will all become clear. That all the facets will be illuminated and I'll finally understand how everything fits together. I suppose what matters, is that we keep our eyes open, and keep moving forward, even if the way sometimes seems dark."
This not only explains the characterisation in these games, but also shows that Ryunosuke has grown. He's not just a vessel for Kazuma, he's learned his own lessons and forged his own moral philosophy. We even see him carry that philosophy towards the end of the second game, where he inspires others to keep moving forward to a brighter future. He's gained something that outshines Kazuma's "goal".
Otherwise, great video. We need more Chronicles analysis on RUclips.
Hey thanks for your input! I honestly didn't remember that quote but I agree totally that he has grown.
I think what I was getting at there however is that there was another side to Kazuma veiled behind his inglorious exterior that Ryunosuke has yet to see until Kazuma's revival. And while I do agree Ryunosuke has proven he has grown from the end of the first game, I felt that the next step was finally breaking free from Kazuma's shadow instead of trying to replicate what Kazuma was doing or thinking Kazuma is just the superior one in general. It is in character for him to do those said things as a sign of respect to him, but until Ryunosuke finally shown he can put his foot down in the wake of Kazuma's dark turn is where I felt he truly began to show he has forged his own path. Not just what we have seen, but his perception in himself.
I think I perceive a quote like you mentioned as just the beginning of him becoming the best lawyer he can be. And that does mean finally accepting he has surpassed Kazuma following his return.
@@CoolCarGuy I brought it up because the video is quite clear on the point that Kazuma is a different person, which I disagree (or maybe he isn't and you mean "changed" in terms of Ryunosuke's perception?) . Especially 22:12 . I brought up the quote as well to illustrate the point that he didn't change. We just saw a new "light" that showed us new "facets". You may have clarified it in the video, so forgive me if I'm overlooking something.
The overall point is sound, that Ryunosuke idolised Kazuma and comes to learn that he's weak and flawed like anyone else, and it's the turning point in Ryunosuke's perception of himself. And that Kazuma's own change begins when he can look past his predetermined goals and fight on everyone's side. it ties in to the themes of the professor case, where many of our characters come to learn that the people they looked up to were, in fact, flawed.
I hope you don't see this as me attacking the video or anything, I really enjoyed the video and I can see amount of effort that was put in to it. I just really love these games and talking about them. I look forward to seeing more ace attorney stuff you put out👍.
@@danielsher5439 No no I see it as the opposite. I love just having conversations so thanks for bring it up!
kazuma asogi my beloved
I was initially really mad at Kazuma when I first beat The Resolve of Ryunosuke Naruhodo. I thought he was out of character.
Then I went back to the first few case and realized he was always like this. He just happened to be right before. His determination wasn't a wholely good thing. It was dangerous if he aimed it in the wrong direction.
Nothing builds Kazuma quite like his musical leitmotiv.
i genuinely think this is one of the loveliest, most compelling explorations i’ve ever seen of an ace attorney character, and frankly it’s what asougi kazuma deserves. his journey is both heartbreaking is inspiring to me, and i truly adore the lengths to which you pick apart and inspect his flaws and where they came from, as well as regarding them as a vital part of his character. wonderfully done, thanks for the video
I think Enoch drebber could be a fun video. Personally, one of the most done-dirty characters in the game, and one of the best driving forces for me in Return of the great departed soul. Definitely my favourite one-case character in the entire series
I think I almost cried watching this analysis and reliving the events of this story.
I LOVE THIS GAME AND ITS STORYTELLING
Same! 😭
for over a year now kazuma has been my biggest comfort character and he means so much to me despite only really being in... 3 cases? 4 if you count 2-3. he's quite literally one of the greatest characters in the history of fiction
When Kazuma gives up in court, the hope returning to him due to the actions of Sholmes and the judiciary attending is significant on many levels. But I was always hit by the look of surprise in his eyes. The man had given up entirely. After all, the English judiciary betrayed Genshin completely. When his father walked this road, he was stabbed in the back by the English judicial system. While Stronghart is the force behind these actions, he uses everyone around him, including Jigoku, a fellow legal student and counrtyman, a friend, to kill Genshin and hide the truth. In his mind, why on earth would those same systems and people ever do something that would uncover the truth about the Professor or help Asogi, a foreign prosecutor who is going against the entire legal system? I think Asogi knew that Genshin was betrayed by the judiciary even if he didn't know why or how. And many of his actions up to that point, most notably his threats toward Gregson and villifying of Barok, show that he was sure of his conviction that they were corrupt and in the wrong. This conviction is what ended up clouding his vision until he couldn't see his true enemy until the very end, as you mentioned in your analysis. I loved that moment and this analysis was great. :)
u r fr carrying ace attorney content on yt this is such a great video
I've finished TGAA2 a week ago. Kazuma was my favourite character all along, even when he wasnt there. It's very interesting at his revival : did he change or not ? Ryunosuke and Susato thinks so but never really find what really changed imo. Kazuma thinks he hasn't changed but it's hard to believe either.
He never changed. The negative persona he expressed was the result of submerged feeling he had gotten from growing up knowing there was something wrong with his father's death. This persona came out more obvious when he was closer to the truth about his father as how he acted ruthless and mercilessly. Since Kazuma finally faced the truth, I feel like only time could heal his wounded heart, he also wanted to keep working as prosecutor so one day he could help more people to not end up like him.
There is a japanese DLC case for DGS2 featuring susato and kazuma. I don't know if it's a "joke" case or if it's important, but maybe we can learn more about his pre-london personality there
One thing I really like about Kazuma is that when you do eventually replay it, there are so many things you come to realize. For example, at the beginning of the game you learn that Kazuma was going to sacrifice his study tour to Britain if he lost Ryunosuke's trial. When you're first playing through, it doesn't really seem to have too much impact for the player, as you don't yet know how much it means, you just see Kazuma as a good friend. But after finishing the second game, you really come to see just how much Ryunosuke means to Kazuma. As Kazuma was going to sacrifice his chance to find out the truth about his father. And as we saw, he likely would have lost the trial. Other than things like this, there are also some fun things to see, especially if you played/watched all dlc. Such as how Kazuma basically got traumatized by tongue twister, and in the first trial he was always stressing how you shouldn't fumble your words. There are so many little details in the game's story, and I think that is what makes it such a masterpiece. And if you're still reading, be sure to watch the 2nd games dlc if you haven't, as it still wasn't translated to this day.
EXPERTLY DONE!! i love how you went ham with those edits and drawings, they made this video so engaging! my favorite part is something you brought up in part 6: "his truth isn't the one that matters, because this case is everyone's battle [....] and just like that, the old kazuma would begin to resurface once again." i LOVE how you built up to this point by pointing out that several characters had a stake in this case, and the only way for kazuma to fight for justice is to pursue everyone's truth and not only his own. the "the old kazuma would begin to resurface once again" line hit me hard because it's such a hopeful and optimistic point. kazuma made a lot of enemies, but he also shares other characters' common goal of wanting to find the truth, and those people are the ones who push him to be better. it's such a heartwarming sentiment in comparison to the "kazuma is evil now" and "kazuma has always been evil" points that i see a lot, because it shows that kazuma has a support system of people who will change him back into his old self. you did an incredible job of discussing kazuma's impact on the whole cast, as well as the casts' impact on him. such an excellent analysis!!!
Susato analysis please! And I love how develops relationship between Susato and Ryunosuke from stranger - forced partners to bonding out of tragedy and as time goes by it just feels so natural to seem them alongside each other, which makes both the time when they go apart for 6 months and when they get back together feel so strongly
romance analysis, what a good idea for an awesome series such as ace attorney
I fucking cried when he "died" and when i learned he was alive made me really happy.
Kazuma is my favourite AA character of all time now.
Is he a hero,Villain? No he's hot.
Great video! There’s a really nice scene in 2-4 where Professor Mikotoba praises Ryunosuke for his defence, but Ryunosuke thinks he’s talking about Kazuma instead to which he is surprised when Mikotoba corrects him. Your points in the video about Naruhodo rejecting Kazuma’s path and forging his own later in the trial re-contextualise that scene and make it better for me
25:45 you know this part just made me realize, vigil probably had black psyche locks that we broke accidentally 😭😭 poor guy
this is absolutely the best character video essay i've seen, and i was so excited to click on it, bc kazuma truly was my favorite character in tgaac! i really liked his tenacity and shift in the second game--he was still the same as he ever was, we're just seeing a subverted version of him.
this vid made me realize how ryunosuke before the last case was mirroring the image of kazuma, or rather, the idealized image of kazuma he knew. he really was shadowed by kazuma which just makes *his* resolve all the more rewarding. i still remember reading the interaction with him and mikotoba ("i'm sure you're ommiting 'by kazuma...'") and being like oh nooo poor ryunosuke ):
this game was truly a gem to play and i keep finding out more about the character's motivations from watching videos like these. thank you, i'm subbing! also props to you for the insane editing, i loved the drawings and idk man the style of it was really nice and fun to watch!
OMG that editing was divine
man broke the black psyche locks without a magatama lol
I love kazuma a lot, and I thought his actions made sense butvthe people I was watching play through the ending were a little mad about this sudden change, but thinking back on it, his character in the ending made sense, although I do believe there could have been more leading up to it but idk I'm not a writer
This video object to have 1 million views, the edition and script are amazing, a trully well documentated video, as for the game, the first i have played tgaac i was amazed with the story and the importance of Kazuma and the role in the game, also Ryunosuke is definitely one of the best characters in the entire franchaise, the story of this game never dissapoints!
Fair warning to people: spoilers for DGS 1 & 2.
Otherwise, great video ❤️
Edit: the fully dubbed scene gave me goosebumps the first time I saw it (with Japanese voices), and I'm all the more glad we were able to get this awesome game localized.
Edit 2: just finished the premiere so here's my thoughts : when you say that the game is a masterpiece because of Kazuma's character arc as a mentor and then way MORE, I feel that Shu Takumi explored something he may have wanted to explore with Mia Fey but couldn't. Sure, Nick/Ryu got influenced by Mia, as well as his way of looking for the truth. But that was it, because despite being channeled by Maya, Mia wasn't t there anymore. Everything that concerned her was part of the past, while with Asougi being alive, and going face to face with Ryunosuke, there's way more than just growth for both of these characters. There's a promise that they'll do better for the future, despite all that happened beforehand. It's as if Shu Takumi wanted to say that we have to let go of our regrets to do better.
Stellar editing, and amazing analysis. Thank you so much for this in depth analysis ❤️.
Great stuff!!
One thing though Jigoku didn’t groom Kazuma since we learn that Mikotoba kind of unofficially adopted / raised him and he only accepted the assassination mission to get to London and investigate to clear his father’s name he wasn’t planning to go through with it (as said by himself he went to see gregson only to question him but actually finding out about the forged evidence and gregson being in infuriated him so much that in that minute he thought of taking his life but just as it crossed his mind he knew he had to leave the place asap, his mind was dark but in the right place). I know you probably meant the fact that he confided in Jigoku rather than Mikotoba and the guy now thinks he can make him do things but I think the fact that he signed him on an assassination mission was enough to tell him the kind of man he was dealing with while also revealing how far kazuma was also willing to go.
It boogles me the amount of people who think he was playing Ryuunosuke and co as in /lying coldly/ and wanted some help to clear HIS name after doing the dirty work in London like?? It is all written here in the squares. This man actually hasn’t changed, he is the very same except now everything is out and he can’t face his friends yet, now in London finding the truth is the only thing to do, all his life led to this. How can a man like that laugh and smile as he usually does?
I don’t think anybody would reveal anything about their dad being a supposed serial killer or having accepted an assassination mission, he definitely had all the rights to be in turmoil and lost while prosecuting that case in particular, this is his story as much as it is Van Zieks too or anybody whom the professors existence impacted. Asking for empathy might be a lot when people can’t exactly relate. But I feel like we are easily downplaying the kind of strength one would need to get on with life being in the middle of all this chaos. To be able to still show compassion etc, it is unfair to compare his situation to that of Ryuunosuke in my opinion. At the end of the day, with the truth revealed by the help of Holmes and his friends, he picks himself up and with a new resolution to work on himself to never stray again and that’s great in itself.
I barely get to interact with all the problematic comments I saw (not on this video!) because they are all so old being posted some years ago lol and just wanted to mention that it is incredible to see people acting like him not saying anything to his friends is the crime of the century as if we haven’t seen him try so many times and fail to convey even just needing Ryuunosuke’s presence in London as a hope to keep his mind clear as he is scared to stray from the right path, he trusts him so much, they both do.
Also need to clarify that he was indeed going to present himself to court the day after the final case to be judged for his errors, as he said himself even for « accepting » the mission and questioning gregson before his death (needed to throw this out there since some people seem to completely disregard a lot of things he said that actually helps his case).
Lastly, not really shocked by how all this rolled on and I can get behind the way the case and adventure ended even though things could have been a lot better imo.
Anyway rambled a lot, I am suddenly attached to this man and I feel like I need to see more of him lol. Thank you so much for this video I think this is the 1st!! (and only?) kazuma character analysis I saw ;))
Kazuma being my permanent Steam PFP shows my adoration for him. He and van Zieks are amazingly well-written. And it really is so ironic, the way Kazuma's legacy is used as a play on the expectations of both the characters and the player. To be made to pick apart our paragons and slowly realize they may be villains, then again to learn it is more than that, is a harrowing yet gripping journey. It's so GOOD. And his motivations make sense too. Every reason, every threat, every secret dangled over his head so he would walk ahead of himself into the abyss that is his murderous rage, it compels me to care about him. It makes me understand.
And even with all that, he's not my favorite character.
Too bad Steam doesn't have a Daley Vigil profile picture I'd be all over that shit.
Ok this comment is two months old but I must know, why is Daley vigil your favourite? Not a hostile question I’m genuinely curious! ( is it because of his wife?)
Kazuma is my favorite, not only because of his entire characterization and story, but how he influenced Ryunosuke. He was Kazuma's shadow. Once Kazuma returned and didn't take his previous route-- Ryunosuke was back at square one, a blank slate. I related so much to that. And I also related to Kazuma's character.
Also, I too made the Genshin Impact joke when the name Genshin Asogi dropped.
hi!!! this was a really nice video and as an asougi kazuma liker myself, i liked how you described things and didnt demonize him. how you kept highlighting he wasnt a demon, he was just human.
although, i do have some opposing thoughts to things youve said. for starters, i do think ryuu idolized kazuma. but not to the extent everyone thinks he did. if you watch the first escapade, kazumas already portrayed and someone who has flaws and strives to fix them (ie, the tongue twisters lmao). even if that was a silly situation, ryuu knows that kazuma isnt perfect. ryuu thinks kazuma is better than him, yes, but not perfect. they even exchange back and forths like normal best friends, poking fun at eachothers flaws and shooting sassy remarks.
ryuus "idolization" of kazuma truly started after he died, because grief twists you even if you dont mean it to happen. and kazuma was a positive force in ryuu and susatos life. youre of course going to look up to your best friend who died and pushed you to reach your full potential.
i also believe that kazumas intentions of reforming the legal system were true, and not a lie. he *did* want to reform the legal system, we just lacked the whole picture on why he wanted to do that. additionally, i dont think kazuma ever really meant to maliciously keep the secrets he kept. he cares about his sister and partner and doesnt want them involved in whatever he himself got himself into. actually, if you think about it, him signing up for the assassination exchange was a suicide mission. because how was he ever planning to get himself out of his mess. people say he brought ryuu to defend him for that but its more plausible that he brought ryuu and susato for support.
this all goes back to the demonizing kazuma thing i talked about earlier. which im glad you didnt do, because kazuma is genuinely kind. why else would he let a teenage girl in his cabin just to try and help her? hes a kind person who cares about others, hes just shackled by grief like everyone else in this game is. i think people forget about the positive parts about kazuma because of those last two trials.
anywho, im just rambling at this point and hoping it makes sense. i think asougi kazuma is neat. i also think he needs to be wrapped in a warm blanket by his family and be brought to therapy. go let yourself be happy my guy this isnt healthy. ANYWAY i enjoyed your analysis op!!
((sidenote: i really like how this was kind of a ryuu analysis video alongside kazuma. you truly cannot analyze one without the other because of how much they impacted eachothers lives. one might even say theyre…. partners.))
Hey there! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
All of your points are valid and I wanted to make them clear in the video. Because Kazuma is quite a complex character where it both pre and post "death" Kazuma are very much still Kazuma. Just different parts of Kazuma's character presented in a positive and negative outlook. And I wanted to make that the point through this video because, while Ryunouske didn't necessarily idealized him to the point of a godly stature until after his death, the way the game sets him up initially clearly wanted us to go down that direction, but also not portray it as Kazuma being entirely evil because he was evil all along. And that is what I am glad about how they tackled Kazuma in this game: they subverted this perfect outlook on him but not entirely kill that old positive self who was willing to help everyone around him because "he was evil all along lol" and call it a day like other subversion of expectations do.
The best you can call him is some form of a anti-hero/flawed hero. He is clearly kind and determined to bring change, but the close he got to his real goal, the more that darkness/demons start to overtake his will while the more amicable-self begins to subside.
And once again, I love how you brought up that you can't really tell Kazuma's story without also talking about Ryunosuke. But also personally, you need those stories of those like Susato and Van Zieks to show the two end of how other's react to Kazuma. One with idealization while the other with disdain. And those two sides are able to portray the impact both sides of Kazuma had on others and the consequences of his actions on both sides.
Once again, Kazuma is defiantly a complex character to judge, but all of his strengths and flaws at the end of the day make him human. Not some evil or pure entity but someone just trying to do what is best for others and himself.
@@CoolCarGuy the part where you mention about how you need different characters stories to fully complete the picture of asougi kazuma is something i agree with! with how interconnected this game is, with its characters, to its story, to even its music. you really cant have one without the other. im just kind of simplifying about how kazuma and ryuu are often the most important points of eachothers character. but of course susato is important to kazuma too, shes his sister afterall. and van zieks provides a compelling a parallel to kazuma.
Banger video, banger character, banger game, banger youtuber, banger chanel.
You know what is special about the ending of DGS2-3? It's the one time where they bring in the voice actors. Every other scene? Speech Blips. DGS2 may not have a single anime cutscene, but this scene shows that they don't need them. The scene is rendered entirely in engine. And it is a hundred more times impactful than any of the anime cutscenes. And that is the scene they chose to fully voice.
I saw the video title a year ago, but hadn’t played the game yet. Now, I’ve just finished Resolve, and am so glad I waited. An excellent video dissecting one of my favorite characters!
Kazuma is the most popular tgaa character? Never knew. You all have amazing opinions on tgaa. I also love Kazuma.
The editing for this video is...wow. Like just WOW
This is the exact reason why i want TGAA to continue 😭
People who haven't beaten the game looking at the thumbnail in confusion because it popped up in their recommended:
really enjoyed this vid, helped me understand asogi as a character
The Great Ace Attorney is the game of all time
This was very great, and your work and the editing and the everything you put into this is greatly appreciated. Thank you for another amazing video!
Very well put together! I love how you use the dance of deduction transitions, very fitting!
definitely looking forward to this
Woahh I love how well-written this analysis video was!! Excellent jobb!!
I've been coming back to this video several times just because of your well thought out analysis. I'd like to see something similar to Barok
Man it's hard to find videos about this game, especially with this quality.
You're a legend.
Thank you for making me re-feel the most impactful moments of TGAA can't forget this masterpiece
Contents aside, I really enjoyed the editing. Made me chuckle a few times.
the writing and editing of this video. holy shit. what a banger
this was the best analysis video about an ace attorney character I ever saw!! really, your editing skills made everything even better, this is a masterpiece ❤
I really enjoyed the video. it summarizes the topic of kazuma's character development very well. one of the best videos covering a certain event, character etc. of DGS i ever watched.
Best wishes for your channel in the future.
Amazing video!
WOW the editing, the writing everything was so good!!!! Honestly such a good video!!! I was just searching through the little bit of TGAA content there is and im so happy i found this!!
You absolutely got his character, i think you put all the pieces together for me to see why hes my favorite character in this game and why kazumas and ryunoskes stories are both so interesting because of what they mean for both eachother and themselves. Amazing analysis!
THIS IS PHENOMENAL i've literally told all my friends abt this game and anyone appreciating the writing just as much makes me so happy omg
this video really made me reremember my love for the great ace attorney. thank you for the amazing video!
This is one of the most brilliant dissections of Kazuma’s character. You made so many observations I never even saw of. Your analysis of his character was so frickin perfect. GREAT VID
thank you so much for this video! as someone who's been a fan of this duology before it got translated, this is incredibly relieving to watch. i'm especially happy that you brought up daley and the trauma that both attorneys brought up, and the consequences of thr truth.
this is one of my favorite videos you explained everything so well!! currently watching this for the 2nd time :3
Great video! I would certainly love to see more videos like this!
This was an absolutely fantasic video, I love Kazuma very dearly and it was great to see such an in depth analysis of him. I also liked how you discussed Ryuunosuke as well bc I think he has way more depth than people give him credit for (no bias here. He’s totally not my favourite character. I like him a normal amount). If you end up doing more Tgaa videos like these I think Sholmes would be fun to analyse bc despite him being a fan favourite I feel like a lot of people completely misunderstand his character and only treat him as silly goofy comic relief. Anyways I’m excited to watch more of your videos in the future!! ^^
I finished TGAA Chronicles yesterday and what a masterpiece of a series it is. Kazuma was a quick favorite of mine and when we lost him at the SS Burya, I felt robbed. His and Ryunosuke made the incredibly long first case be way more bearable. Then we were never going to see Kazuma again...
But of course, I knew nothing. The professor case is the biggest unresolved mystery in Ace Attorney since DL-6 from the very first game, and Kazuya being what Mia Fey was in her case. Best mentor character ever, although I only played the Phoenix Wright trilogy and TGAA.
Side note: 40:15 is literally me.
Although I found your channel through your meme content (which is still top tier, btw) I'm absolutely LOVING these essay pieces of yours! The clear passion you have for Ace Attorney and all the clear energy you put into these videos just shows throughout. Chronicles was my personal introduction to the series, and although the orginal games and spinoffs still hold a place in my heart, I always find myself thinking of Chronicles a lot more. It sounds silly, but I really feel as if the characters, story and world of those games is...*deeper*, if that makes sense? Like as this video shows, characters like Kazuma and Barok feel almost like *real* people, flawed but still with their positive aspects. I know you probably here this a lot, but I honestly hope this gets picked up in the algorithm, as the sheer amount of hard work and effort, and love for the game you put into this essay definitely deserves more attention. I'll stop rambling now, but I hope your channel continues to grow and hopefully you get to have a rest after all the editing I imagine this video took! :)
Ps It was a nice surprise to my see comment at the end of the video!
I haven’t watched this, but I am so happy someone made this. Kazuma deserves a video essay
Holy shit. This might be the best video on this entire platform. The editing, style, storytelling is just amazing. I wish I could like it 10 times, It's that amazing. Thank you for making something this perfect.
Wow this is edited really well! Hope youll post more video-essays in the future!
I have finished TGAA2 just yesterday's night.
Holy shit, that was some unique experience
I want to cry, cause It's one of the most amazing games I ever played, and especially because I want more people to discover this wonderful piece of media themselves.
This story will always stay in my heart, so I'm deeply greatful to you for this short video-essay about Kazuma's character. This is only one little example of how multilayered and deep this game's characters and themes can be.
OHMYGOD. KAZUMA ANALYSIS????? my favourite character of all time, and personally, hes the most relatable character ive ever seen in media.
asogi is such a well-written character. the man who seemed all too altruistic, confident, and perfect... exposed as a flawed man with motives that no one knew except him and himself. someone who wanted the truth, and would go any lenghts, good or bad, to get it into his hands. a soul who broke, fueled with anger and desire. this video captures everything i adore about this man. thank you for this video.
I just finished great ace attorney 2 a few days ago. And I just say. This. This journey of kazuma is one of my fav things. All the main Characters journey. Kazuma, Von zieks and ryonosuke especially.
At the end, they have all changed, yet never fully lost what I loved about them. I am looking forward to hearing you talk about some of the other people
amazing video
amazing... an amazing video!!!!!
Finally, some worthwhile video on my feed thank god
Amazing vid👍 Edit: You made me love TGAA2 more. Thank you for that.
The video was a great watch, but I just want to echo the other comments and concur that WOW, the editing here is absolutely top notch.
Absolute banger of a video. Great editing and pacing. This reignited my memories of playing the game for the first time unspoiled.
Not to mention the fact that Shut Takumi made the first 4 Ace Attornies (PW:AA, JfA, T&T, AJ) and both Great Ace Attorney games. Who knew with a clean slate and some past experience he made two absolute banger games with a great story.
Thank God you put ad breaks in this thing because you deserve to GETCHO MONEY FOR THIS EDITING!! Thanks for this joy of a vid, my dude! If this really is your first attempt at a video essay, I'm looking forward to what you make in the future (though I understand if they're done sparingly because they take a buttload of work).
Honestly, one could make a lengthy analysis for a bunch of the characters in TGAA; they are REALLY well written and there's a ton to unpack. Great video!
Whats up with these small channels with top tier videos? Great work
I wonder if Judge Jigoku asked Mikatoba to see if Naruhodo would take the lead on the trial. After all, he's the one who really wants Kazuma to make the trip to London. He knows Mikatoba will probably 1. want to protect the son of their friend from not being able to go on the trip, and 2. be just idealistic enough to actually think Naruhodo has a shot, even if Jigoku doesn't think this will happen. Who would sell this better? The judge, who would immediately have alarm bells go off by asking for this, or the professor, who is trusted AND probably can be convinced that Naruhodo can win?
Your editing skills are so insane, and I really hope to see more analysis' in the future as a new subscriber! 💞💞
Actually such a masterpiece of a video! Already subbed 5 minutes in
i though we would have gotten adjusted to our mentor getting murdered or exposed in the first or second case, but yet still, what happened to kazuma was shocking.
god damn carguy. your editing is pretty good. Im sad you don't get as many views
Love it
Kazuma was really someone I liked and I think he is well written and really a friend who actually helps you all the time and it is a defense attorney and then a friend who now becomes a prosecutor that can be scary more than an enemy
I always feel that for a subversion to be good, the result needs to more interesting than what we expected. Kazuma is a great example of that.
Hope you do more analysises of the cast, I find it intriguing how it feels like instead of just "Phoenix and Maya" with 2 people, there's basically 4 main characters with sholmes and iris
I think that has to do with tgaa having multiple family lines as a greater theme, the og trilogy is more of a fey saga so it makes sense our protagonists are just phoenix and maya. I think tgaa's quartet symbolizes found family, the union of the asougi and van zieks associated families, as well as probably the main reason: Japan and Britain working together like friendship treaty mentioned in the first trial :)
Yes!
sick
Holy moly... this was an amazing video essay. And to think, I found it because I happened to click under the profile of some guy who liked a tweet of mine on twitter.
This is just phenomenal! i loved the every aspect you brought up on this, about how the smallest details contributed in the grand ending, just like how Mr. takumi had planned. my mind was blown away when you compared how the defence were considered a good overall and how in the end there wasn't any clearance of what is correct!
p.s i'd really love if you do about herlock sholmes and how his great mastermind had worked in the whole of tgaa
26:16 IM SORRY BUT THE RANDOM SOUND EFFECTS WHILE VIGIL WAS SCREAMING NEVER FAILS TO MAKE ME LAUGH AHQJWHAJ2HQ
Is it strange that I liked Kazuma more when he was dead? Just the way that Ryunosuke always thinks about him, and motivates him to keep going... I love it. Then Kazuma turns out to be alive, and I still liked what they did but I didn't like Kazuma as much. He went from #1 on my list of best Great Ace Attorney characters to... #1. Yep, despite me not liking him as much any more, I still love him so much.