Puzzle Master Layton Lives On: Nintendo's Revival

Professor Layton Returns: A New Steam-Powered Adventure Thanks to Nintendo!

The famed Professor Layton is back with a new adventure, and we have Nintendo to thank! LEVEL-5, the studio behind the beloved puzzle series, has revealed the story behind the long-awaited sequel, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam.

The Series' Unexpected Revival

After a nearly decade-long absence, Professor Layton's return is a surprise, even to LEVEL-5. During Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, CEO Akihiro Hino shared that while Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy felt like a fitting conclusion, Nintendo’s influence played a key role in bringing the series back.

Hino stated that Nintendo’s strong encouragement convinced LEVEL-5 to revisit the steampunk world. The company's deep involvement with the franchise, which flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS, makes their influence understandable. Nintendo not only published many Layton titles but also recognizes the series as a DS flagship.

Hino explained that positive feedback from Nintendo sparked the idea of a new game, ensuring fans would experience the same high quality on a modern console.

A New Mystery Awaits

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, set one year after Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, reunites the professor and Luke Triton in the vibrant American city of Steam Bison. This new adventure involves a captivating mystery surrounding Gunman King Joe, a gunslinger lost to time.

The game retains its signature challenging puzzles, enhanced this time by the collaboration with QuizKnock, renowned for their innovative brain teasers. This partnership aims to recapture the magic of the series, addressing some of the criticisms leveled at Layton's Mystery Journey.

Learn more about the gameplay and story in our follow-up article!