Professor Layton Returns: A New Adventure Fueled by Nintendo
Get ready for a new Professor Layton adventure! Thanks to a nudge from Nintendo, the beloved puzzle-solving professor is back. Read on to discover the story behind this long-awaited sequel, as revealed by LEVEL-5's CEO.
The Professor's Puzzle-Solving Continues
Nintendo's Key Role in the Revival, Says LEVEL-5 CEO
After a nearly decade-long absence, Professor Layton is making a triumphant return, and we have a certain gaming giant to thank. At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, LEVEL-5, the creators of the puzzle-adventure series, shared insights into the development of Professor Layton and the New World of Steam.
In a conversation with Yuji Horii (creator of the Dragon Quest series) at TGS 2024, LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino explained that, while they considered the prequel, Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, a fitting conclusion, Nintendo ("Company ‘N’") encouraged a return to the steampunk world.
According to AUTOMATON, Hino stated, "The series concluded, briefly, almost 10 years ago. Individuals within the industry strongly desired a new game...we received significant encouragement from Company ‘N’."
Nintendo's involvement is unsurprising, given their close ties to the franchise, which flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS. Nintendo published many Professor Layton titles and values the series as a key DS exclusive.
Hino added, "Hearing this feedback, I felt creating a new game, allowing fans to experience the series with the quality of a modern console, would be beneficial."
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam: A Closer Look
Set one year after Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam reunites Professor Layton and his apprentice, Luke Triton, in Steam Bison, a vibrant American city powered by steam technology. Their new adventure involves a puzzling mystery surrounding Gunman King Joe, a "ghost gunslinger lost to progress," as revealed in the latest trailer.
The game will retain the series' signature challenging puzzles, this time crafted in collaboration with QuizKnock, renowned for their innovative brain teasers. This partnership is highly anticipated by fans, especially following the mixed reception of Layton's Mystery Journey, which starred Layton's daughter, Katrielle, and shifted the series' focus.
For more details on gameplay and story, check out our related article!
