Professor Layton Resurrected by Nintendo Intervention

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

The renowned Professor Layton is back with a brand-new adventure, and Nintendo played a pivotal role in making it happen. This article delves into LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino's comments regarding the long-awaited sequel's development.

A Decade-Long Hiatus Ends Thanks to Nintendo

After a nearly ten-year absence, Professor Layton's return was announced at Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024. LEVEL-5, the developer, revealed that while they considered the prequel, Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, a satisfying conclusion, Nintendo's influence proved instrumental in reviving the series.

During a TGS 2024 conversation with Yuji Horii (creator of the Dragon Quest series), Hino stated that Nintendo ("Company ‘N’") strongly encouraged the studio to revisit the steampunk world of Professor Layton. Hino acknowledged that the series had concluded, but the significant push from Nintendo ultimately led to the creation of Professor Layton and the New World of Steam.

Nintendo's involvement is unsurprising, considering their close relationship with the franchise, which flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS. Nintendo published many Professor Layton titles and recognizes the series as a key exclusive for those platforms. Hino emphasized that Nintendo's support motivated the team to create a new game worthy of modern consoles.

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam: A New Mystery Unfolds

Set a year after Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam reunites Professor Layton and Luke Triton in the American city of Steam Bison. Their new adventure involves unraveling a mystery surrounding Gunman King Joe, a legendary gunslinger.

The game retains the series' hallmark brain-teasing puzzles, enhanced this time by collaboration with QuizKnock, a renowned puzzle creation team. This partnership aims to address the mixed reception of Layton's Mystery Journey, which deviated from the core series formula.

For a deeper dive into the gameplay and story, explore our related article!