Professor Layton's Return: A New Adventure Fueled by Nintendo
The renowned Professor Layton is back with a brand new adventure, and Nintendo played a pivotal role in making it happen. This article delves into LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino's comments regarding the long-awaited sequel.
A Decade-Long Hiatus Ends Thanks to "Company N"
After a nearly ten-year absence, Professor Layton returns in Professor Layton and the New World of Steam. At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, LEVEL-5 revealed that while they considered the series concluded with Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, Nintendo ("Company ‘N’") encouraged a revival.
LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino stated that Nintendo's influence was significant in the decision to create a new entry. The strong push from Nintendo, according to AUTOMATON, was instrumental in bringing the Professor back.
This involvement isn't surprising, considering Nintendo's close ties to the franchise. The series flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS, with Nintendo publishing many titles and recognizing its importance as a key DS exclusive. Hino emphasized that Nintendo's support led to the decision to create a new game that would meet the quality standards of modern consoles.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam: A Glimpse into the Adventure
Set a year after Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, the game reunites Professor Layton and Luke Triton in Steam Bison, a vibrant American city powered by steam technology. Their new adventure involves unraveling a mystery surrounding Gunman King Joe, a gunslinger lost to time.
The game retains its signature challenging puzzles, this time enhanced through a 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 featured Layton's daughter.
For a deeper dive into the gameplay and story of Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, please see our related article.