Professor Layton Series: "Puzzles that make your head explode" - Games

[img]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4291590/professorlayton.png[/img] [release]The Professor Layton series is a puzzle video game series for the Nintendo DS and is developed by Nintendo and Level-5. The series currently consists of four games and one film. Each title is based in a series of puzzles and mysteries given by the citizens of towns that the main characters visit. It is not necessary to solve all the puzzles to progress, but some are mandatory and at certain points in the game a minimum number of puzzles must be solved before the story will continue. The next three games and the film are prequels and are about how Luke and Layton met and their "original" adventures. Although only the first trilogy is available outside of Japan, Level 5 has stated that eventually the other games and films will be localized. Professor Layton is always accompanied by his apprentice Luke, a cheerful child who brings a touch of humor to the story of Layton, and occasionally by his adopted daughter, Flora, an orphan who was placed under Layton's care under the orders of her late father.[/release] [release][b]Gameplay[/b] The game is essentially a collection of puzzles with exploration sections between them. The puzzles take the form of brain teasers and are only loosely tied to the plot, although the player must solve a certain number to progress. A hint system is included, which requires the use of "hint coins", found hidden in the landscape of the game and in limited quantity, to reveal each hint. The player is given ten hint coins at the start of the game. All puzzles were created for this series by Akira Tago, who is famous for his best-selling Mental Gymnastics series. Curious Village contains 135 puzzles. The Diabolical Box and Unwound Future contain 153 puzzles each (Plus a special puzzle obtained via the use of codes found in the previous game).[/release] [release][b]Features[/b] [LIST] [*][b]Picarats[/b] are gained after completing a puzzle in the game, if you give an incorrect answer it costs you some picarats but it eventually will stop decreasing if you've given too many incorrect answers. Picarats basically represent your score, they also unlock (based on the number of picarats) art, music, character profiles, voice and movies in the Top Secret section. [*][b]Hint Coins[/b] can be found in every place you visit. There is a maximum of three or four in every place, they are hidden and you must tap a suspicious place and a hint coin may appear. Hint coins can be used when stuck on a puzzle and need some hints on getting the answers. Only a maximum of three hints can be seen on a puzzle. In Unwound Future, they introduced Super Hint which gives you a very detailed hint but costs 2 hint coins instead of one. [*][b]Memo[/b] is a feature that can be used while completing puzzles, it is a great use if you want to plan out or do equations on. In Unwound Future, they introduced different colors and different sizes of strokes. [/LIST][/release] [release][b]Games[/b] [img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1b/Professor_Layton_and_the_Curious_Village_NA_Boxart.JPG/250px-Professor_Layton_and_the_Curious_Village_NA_Boxart.JPG[/img] [B]Professor Layton and the Curious Village[/B] - [highlight](Released)[/highlight] In the first game of the series, Layton and his apprentice Luke are invited to the town of St. Mystere by the family of late Baron Augustus Reinhold to figure out the secret behind his last will and testament where he stated that whoever solves the mystery of the elusive "Golden Apple" will inherit his entire fortune. However, it does not take long for the duo to find that the mystery around the golden apple is just one among the many secrets involving its estranged inhabitants. [img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/6d/Diabolical_Box.jpg/250px-Diabolical_Box.jpg[/img] [B]Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box[/B] - [highlight](Released)[/highlight] The main story revolves around Professor Layton and his young apprentice Luke traveling to meet Layton's mentor, who has sent them a letter about a mysterious box. Layton's mentor writes that he wishes to have Layton take care of his information if anything were to happen to him. Professor Layton and Luke rush to the mentor's home to find him dead under mysterious circumstances. From there the pair travel to discover the secrets of the "Diabolical box". Their only clue is a train ticket with no destination. The game contains 138 puzzles in the main story. However, there are a complete total of 153 puzzles to be unlocked. The European and Australian version of this game is entitled Pandora's Box. It is substantially the same but a few puzzles are different. [img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7b/Professor_Layton_and_the_Unwound_Future.png[/img] [B]Professor Layton and the Unwound Future - [/B][highlight](Released)[/highlight] Layton and Luke go see a demonstration of new invention known as the Time Machine. A new mystery also unfolds when Layton receives a letter supposedly sent from Luke ten years into the future. Chronologically, the game will be the last adventure in the series, but not the last game released. The game was unveiled at E3 2010 and was released on September 12, 2010 in the US. The game will be released in Europe on October 22nd 2010. The European version of this game is entitled Professor Layton and the Lost Future. [img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/83/Layton-ky%C5%8Dju_to_Majin_no_Fue_Cover.jpg/250px-Layton-ky%C5%8Dju_to_Majin_no_Fue_Cover.jpg[/img] [B]Professor Layton and the Specter's Flute[/b] - [highlight](Released in Japan ONLY)[/highlight] Announced on March 11, 2009 by Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu, it appears to be the first installment in a new trilogy of prequels, set when Luke first became Layton's apprentice. The story starts when Layton stumbles upon a mysterious fog-enshrouded town, home of the legend of a great giant who menaces the countryside whenever the Specter's Flute is played. The young Luke plays a key role in this legend, and so does Remi Altava a female colleague of Layton's and a new main character introduced in the game. The game was released in Japan in November 2009. [img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/93/Professor_Layton_and_The_Mask_of_Miracle.png/256px-Professor_Layton_and_The_Mask_of_Miracle.png[/img] [B]Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle[/B] - [highlight](Working Title)[/highlight] Announced on November 25, 2009 by Level-5, this will be the fifth game in the Professor Layton series but take place after The Specter's Flute. Professor Layton and Luke follow Jean Descole to the mysterious Casino City in search of the mask he wears. Casino City was created by the powers of the Mask of Miracle. Layton and Luke must uncover the truth about the Mask of Miracle. The Truth is hidden deep within the Mask. The game was showcased during E3 2010 as a Nintendo 3DS title, as Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle. [img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/44/Professor_Layton_and_the_Eternal_Diva_Poster.jpg/220px-Professor_Layton_and_the_Eternal_Diva_Poster.jpg[/img] [b]Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva: Movie[/b] Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva also known as Professor Layton: The First Movie and Professor Layton and the Immortal Songstress, is a Japanese animated film, and a continuation of the Professor Layton series. The movie takes place directly after the events of Professor Layton and the Specter's Flute, in which Layton's apprentice, Luke, is investigating the concept of immortality. However, the trailers of the movie have suggested that the entire film may be a flashback. According to Level-5 the movie will stay true to the games, with music, puzzles, and characters. It remains to be seen if the film will be distributed overseas, though Level-5 is keen on making the distribution. The movie was released in Singapore on March 18, 2010 showing in Japanese with English and Chinese subtitles. [/release] [release] [B]Main Characters[/B] [img]http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/professorlayton_narrowweb__300x642,0.jpg[/img] [B]Professor Layton[/B] Professor Hershel Layton is the series' main character. He is a stereotypical English gentleman, who enjoys solving puzzles and drinking tea. He is a professor of archaeology at London's Gressenheller University. Because of his prowess at solving puzzles and mysteries, he is well-known throughout London and the world. He also has a recurring quote, being: 'That's what a gentleman does'. The signature feature of his appearance would be his brown top hat, complete with a red sash, which he wears along with an orange shirt under a brown high collared coat with matching pants. He is voiced by Yo Oizumi in Japanese and Christopher Miller in English. [img_thumb]http://www.videogamesblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/luke-triton-character-artwork-diabolical-box1.jpg[/img_thumb] [B]Luke Triton[/B] Luke Triton is Professor Layton's apprentice and number one fan. He aspires to be a gentleman like his professor, though like all boys his age, he has a tendency to let a cheeky remark slip out. He is fond of puzzles, animals, teddy bears, and the color blue. Luke is also able to understand and converse with animals, which has proven helpful in his adventures with Layton. He is voiced by Maki Horikita in Japanese, Lani Minella in US English and Maria Darling in UK English. [IMG]http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20091017211311/layton/images/5/5c/Flora.PNG[/IMG] [B]Flora Reinhold[/B] Flora Reinhold is the daughter of the wealthy Augustus Reinhold. She is sweet, shy, and reserved, but can show her stubborn side when dealing with others' concerns for her safety. After the events in the Curious Village, she becomes Layton's ward and sometimes accompanies Layton and Luke on their adventures. Flora also loves to cook, but to the dismay of Layton and Luke, she's rather bad at it. She is voiced by Mamiko Noto in Japanese, and Lani Minella in English. [img]http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100531223045/layton/images/thumb/a/a2/PLArtbookDonPaolo.png/160px-PLArtbookDonPaolo.png[/img] [B]Don Paolo[/B] Don Paolo is the main villain of the first two games. Don is a scientist and inventor, though because he uses his research and inventions for evil purposes, he's - understandably - rather disliked. He despises Layton with a fierceness that baffles even said professor. His hate harbored for Layton is revealed in Professor Layton and the Unwound Future. When he is not plotting evil, Don Paolo enjoys listening to and making music. He is voiced by Christopher Miller in English. [img]http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090818083641/layton/images/thumb/2/2c/Inspector_Chelmey.jpg/180px-Inspector_Chelmey.jpg[/img] [B]Inspector Chelmey[/B] Inspector Chelmey is the police chief of London's Scotland Yard. It is said that he strikes fear into the heart of all criminals in London. Despite this, it seems that Layton and Luke always manage to be one step ahead of the inspector. When not working, he enjoys his wife's sweet potato fritters. He is voiced by Christopher Miller in English.[/release] [release][B]Videos[/B] [B]Curious Village Trailer[/B] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xy_Q4k-kCmc[/media] [b]Diabolical Box Trailer[/b] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQSSa-xSFkw[/media] [b]Unwound Future Trailer[/b] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RomUMzTzbEM[/media] [b]Specter's Flute Subbed Trailer[/b] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1rT3j0c0bM[/media] [/release] [release][B]Useful Links[/B] [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professor_Layton"]Wikipedia Page[/URL] [URL="http://layton.wikia.com/wiki/Professor_Layton_Wiki"]Wikia Page[/URL] [URL="http://professorlaytonwalkthrough.blogspot.com/"]Curious Village Walkthrough[/URL] [URL="http://professorlayton2walkthrough.blogspot.com/"]Diabolical Box Walkthrough[/URL] [URL="http://professorlayton3walkthrough.blogspot.com/"]Unwound Future Walkthrough[/URL] [/release]

Best game on DS IMO.

"Nothing satisfies like a puzzle solved" You should kinda put Flora's background information in spoiler tags.

[QUOTE=Blueplastic;25088452]Best game on DS IMO.[/QUOTE] I agree. I've finished all three games, still waiting for Specter's Flute to be released in English.

Flora's hot.

[img]http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/254126408_82Zob-L-2.jpg[/img]

FINALLY. I was waiting for this thread to happen. Definitely one of my favorite series.

layton is a pedo and luke is his shota slave

[QUOTE=Xylem;25088537]I agree. I've finished all three games, still waiting for Specter's Flute to be released in English.[/QUOTE] I wouldn't call it the best, but definitely top 10.

I wouldn't call the puzzles that hard as the title suggests, I have failed to complete only two from the first game. That aside, I'm currently playing the second one, this is one of my favorite DS series.

Still playing the Unwound Future, but this is one of my favorite series.

This saga is the only one I think that can make me angry and my head explode.

[QUOTE=Denmen707;25089137]Still playing the Unwound Future, but this is one of my favorite series.[/QUOTE] Unwound Future is personally in my opinion, the best game in the Series. The story is amazing and the ending is an absolute twist. Ending made me teary.

After finishing Unwound Future, I've realized, they better change the plot outline in the 4th game. (Whole series spoilers)[sp]All games are based in a fake environment. The village in the first game isn't real, and the residents are robots, Folsense is an illusion in the 2nd one and Future London isn't real too.[/sp] Still a good story, but I was kind of dissapointed when the (Unwound Future spoilers)[sp]Future Layton turned out to be a fake. I was really looking forward to seeing what Layton would be like in the future[/sp]

[QUOTE=ashxu;25089573]After finishing Unwound Future, I've realized, they better change the plot outline in the 4th game. (Whole series spoilers)[sp]All games are based in a fake environment. The village in the first game isn't real, and the residents are robots, Folsense is an illusion in the 2nd one and Future London isn't real too.[/sp] Still a good story, but I was kind of dissapointed when the (Unwound Future spoilers)[sp]Future Layton turned out to be a fake. I was really looking forward to seeing what Layton would be like in the future[/sp][/QUOTE] That sounds like a bad movie plot

The whole series spoilers or the unwound future spoilers?

[QUOTE=ashxu;25089638]The whole series spoilers or the unwound future spoilers?[/QUOTE] Whole series. I enjoyed the games I just never really liked the story behind it. Puzzles kick ass

[QUOTE=ashxu;25089573]Still a good story, but I was kind of dissapointed when the (Unwound Future spoilers)[sp]Future Layton turned out to be a fake. I was really looking forward to seeing what Layton would be like in the future[/sp][/QUOTE] I agree too. Though, I do want them to continue on where Unwound Future left off. See what is will be like (Unwound Future spoilers) [sp]with Luke not with him anymore, and see how he copes by himself.[/sp]Instead of making the fourth game back how Luke and Layton first met.

Just finished Curious Village 2 weeks ago. Fucking awesome game. Need the 2 other games... hnnnnnng...

I went searching through every page just for this thread, I love this series. Curious Village absolutely blew my mind the first time I played it and I fell in love with with the series. Right now, I'm guessing I'm about 3/4 done with Unwound Future, I'm just past[sp]finding out that future Layton is a fake.[/sp] I'm not coming anywhere near those spoiler tags in this thread, but I'm preparing to shit bricks pretty soon here as with the last games. [editline]Edited:[/editline] Beat the game last night. Shat bricks and whatnot.

I fucking love these games to hell. They are amazing.