Professor Layton's Return: Nintendo Revives Beloved Franchise

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

The renowned Professor Layton is back with a new adventure, and Nintendo played a pivotal role in making it happen. Read on to discover LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino's account of the long-awaited sequel's development.

The Professor's Puzzle-Solving Continues

After a nearly decade-long absence, Professor Layton makes a triumphant return, largely thanks to the influence of a certain big-name gaming company. At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, LEVEL-5, the creators of the puzzle-adventure series, shed light on the decisions leading to the announcement of Professor Layton and the New World of Steam.

LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino, in conversation with Yuji Horii (creator of the Dragon Quest series) at TGS 2024, revealed that while Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy was considered a satisfying conclusion, "Company ‘N’" (widely understood to be Nintendo) strongly encouraged the studio to revisit the steampunk world of Professor Layton.

Hino stated, according to AUTOMATON, that the series had concluded, but a significant push from "Company ‘N’" prompted the creation of a new game.

Nintendo's involvement is unsurprising, given their strong association with the franchise. The series flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS, with Nintendo publishing many titles and recognizing Professor Layton as a key DS exclusive.

Hino explained that this industry feedback influenced his decision to develop a new game, aiming to deliver a high-quality experience on the latest consoles.

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam: A Glimpse into the Adventure

Set a year after Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam reunites Professor Layton and his apprentice, Luke Triton, in Steam Bison, a vibrant American city powered by steam technology. They'll tackle a new mystery involving Gunman King Joe, a legendary gunslinger lost to time.

The game maintains the series' signature challenging puzzles, this time enhanced by QuizKnock, renowned for innovative brain teasers. This collaboration is particularly exciting for fans, especially following the mixed reception of Layton's Mystery Journey, which starred Layton's daughter.

For further details on gameplay and storyline, explore our dedicated article on Professor Layton and the New World of Steam!