You can tell this is Takumi’s series after all, because it felt like I was playing the original trilogy. There’s something comfortable about the game and the characterization that is reminiscent of the first three games, and the buildup from the lackluster first game paid off here in a very well structured and 王道 Gyakuten Saiban game. Compared to the craziness of Gyakuten Saiban 6 the cases are relatively modest and the final reveals are quite predictable, but the latter is clearly intended due to how well the games laid out clues and foreshadowing.
Entire post is spoilers since it’s impossible to talk about a sequel without spoilers.