Layton's Return: Nintendo Revives Beloved Puzzle Franchise

Professor Layton is back! A new adventure is on the horizon, and Nintendo played a key role in making it happen. Read on to discover what LEVEL-5's CEO revealed about the long-awaited sequel's development.

The Professor's Puzzle-Solving Continues

Nintendo's Influence on the Revival

After a nearly decade-long absence, Professor Layton returns. Thanks to a certain influential gaming company, the beloved puzzle series is back. At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, LEVEL-5, the series' developer, shared insights into the decision to create 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 Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy felt like a satisfying conclusion, "Company ‘N’" (widely understood to be Nintendo) encouraged a return to the steampunk world.

Hino stated (according to AUTOMATON), "The series concluded, but ‘Company N’ really wanted a new game...we had strong encouragement from them."

Nintendo's involvement is understandable, considering their close ties to the franchise. The series flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS, with Nintendo publishing many titles. The company also recognizes the series as a significant DS exclusive.

Hino added, "Hearing their views, I felt creating a new game, leveraging the capabilities of the latest consoles, would allow fans to enjoy the series at its best."

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam: A Glimpse

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. They'll tackle a new mystery involving Gunman King Joe, a "ghost gunslinger" lost to time.

The game retains the series' signature brain-bending puzzles, this time crafted with QuizKnock, a renowned puzzle-creation team. This collaboration is exciting for fans, especially following the mixed reception of Layton's Mystery Journey, which starred Layton's daughter.

Learn more about Professor Layton and the New World of Steam's gameplay and storyline in our related article!