Professor Layton's Return: A New Adventure Fueled by Nintendo
The renowned Professor Layton is back, embarking on a brand-new adventure, thanks to the intervention of Nintendo. LEVEL-5's CEO sheds light on the decision-making process behind this long-awaited sequel.
A Puzzle-Solving Comeback
After a nearly decade-long hiatus, Professor Layton's return is a testament to the influence of a certain gaming giant. At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, LEVEL-5 revealed the behind-the-scenes story leading to 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 fitting conclusion, Nintendo's encouragement proved pivotal. Hino stated that "Company ‘N’" (widely understood to be Nintendo) strongly urged the studio to revisit the steampunk world of Professor Layton. The absence of a new title for almost 10 years prompted this push, according to AUTOMATON's reporting.
Nintendo's involvement is unsurprising, given their significant role in the franchise's success on the Nintendo DS and 3DS. They published many Layton titles and recognized the series as a key DS exclusive. Hino emphasized that Nintendo's support inspired the creation of a new game, aiming to deliver the same high-quality experience on modern consoles.
Exploring the New World of Steam
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, set a year after Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, 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 the series' signature challenging puzzles, this time enhanced by QuizKnock, a renowned puzzle-creation team. This collaboration is particularly exciting for fans, following 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, explore our related article.
