Professor Layton Was Supposed to End Until Nintendo Stepped In

Professor Layton's Return: A New Adventure Fueled by Nintendo

Professor Layton is back! The renowned puzzle-solving professor is embarking on a new adventure, and we have Nintendo to thank. LEVEL-5's CEO recently revealed the story behind the long-awaited sequel.

The Professor's Puzzle-Solving Continues

After a nearly decade-long absence, Professor Layton is returning, and a certain gaming giant played a key role. 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.

LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino, in conversation with Yuji Horii (Dragon Quest creator), explained that while they considered Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy a satisfying conclusion, Nintendo ("Company ‘N’") encouraged them to revisit the steampunk world. Hino stated that Nintendo's influence was significant in the decision to create a new game, citing a strong push from the company.

Nintendo's Crucial Role

Nintendo's involvement is unsurprising, given their close ties to the franchise. The series flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS, and Nintendo published many Professor Layton titles. They also recognize the series' 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 one 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 a mysterious "ghost gunslinger," Gunman King Joe, and promises more challenging puzzles. This time, the puzzles are designed in collaboration with QuizKnock, a team renowned for innovative brain teasers. This collaboration aims to address the mixed reception of Layton's Mystery Journey, which starred Katrielle Layton.

For more details on gameplay and storyline, check out our related article!