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

Professor Layton is back! A brand new adventure is on the horizon, and Nintendo played a key role in making it happen. Read on for details from LEVEL-5's CEO on the long-awaited sequel.

The Professor's Puzzle-Solving Continues

After a nearly decade-long absence, Professor Layton returns. LEVEL-5, the studio behind the popular puzzle-adventure series, revealed at Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024 that Nintendo's influence was crucial in the development of Professor Layton and the New World of Steam.

LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino stated that while they considered Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy a fitting conclusion to the series, Nintendo ("Company ‘N’") strongly encouraged a return to the steampunk world. Hino explained that the push from Nintendo was significant in restarting the series.

Nintendo's involvement is unsurprising, given their close relationship with the franchise. The series flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS, with Nintendo publishing many of the titles. The Professor Layton games are considered iconic DS exclusives. Hino emphasized that the encouragement from Nintendo spurred the creation of a new game that would meet the quality standards of modern consoles.

A New Steam-Powered Mystery

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 solving a mystery connected to Gunman King Joe, a gunslinger lost to time.

The game retains the series' signature challenging puzzles, this time enhanced by QuizKnock, a team known for innovative brain teasers. This collaboration is particularly exciting for fans, following the mixed reception of Layton's Mystery Journey, which featured Layton's daughter.

Learn more about the gameplay and story of Professor Layton and the New World of Steam in our related article!