Professor Layton's Return: A New Adventure Fueled by Nintendo
The renowned Professor Layton is back, ready to tackle a new mystery, and Nintendo played a pivotal role in bringing him back. This article delves into the details of LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino's comments regarding the long-awaited sequel's development.
A Decade-Long Hiatus Ends Thanks to Nintendo
After a near decade-long absence, Professor Layton's return was announced at Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024. LEVEL-5 revealed that while they considered the series concluded with Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, Nintendo's influence proved instrumental in reviving the steampunk world of Professor Layton.
LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino, in conversation with Yuji Horii (Dragon Quest creator), stated that Nintendo ("Company ‘N’") strongly encouraged the studio to create a new game. Hino acknowledged the series' previous conclusion but recognized the industry's desire, particularly from Nintendo, for a new installment. This support is understandable given Nintendo's significant role in the franchise's success on the Nintendo DS and 3DS platforms. Nintendo not only published many Professor Layton titles but also values the series as a key DS exclusive.
Hino emphasized that Nintendo's input led to the decision to create a new game worthy of modern consoles, ensuring fans would experience the same high-quality experience.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam: A Glimpse into the New Adventure
Set a year after Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam reunites Professor Layton and Luke Triton in Steam Bison, a vibrant American city powered by steam technology. Their new adventure involves solving a mystery surrounding Gunman King Joe, a legendary gunslinger.
The game retains the series' signature challenging puzzles, enhanced this time by collaboration with QuizKnock, a renowned puzzle-creation team. This partnership is particularly exciting for fans, given the mixed reception of Layton's Mystery Journey, which shifted focus to Layton's daughter.
Learn more about the gameplay and story in our detailed article!