Professor Layton Series Revival Sparks Back to Life

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 is returning, largely due to the encouragement of a certain influential gaming company. At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, LEVEL-5 revealed that while they considered the series concluded with Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, "Company ‘N’" (widely understood to be Nintendo) strongly advocated for a new installment.

LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino stated (as reported by AUTOMATON) that the series' conclusion felt "beautiful," but significant industry figures, particularly from "Company ‘N’," pushed for a new game. This support was crucial in the decision to create Professor Layton and the New World of Steam.

Nintendo's involvement is unsurprising given their close relationship with the franchise, which flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS. Nintendo published many Professor Layton titles and considers the series a flagship title for the DS. Hino emphasized that hearing this support inspired the creation of a new game, aiming to deliver the same quality 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 Luke Triton in Steam Bison, a vibrant American city powered by steam technology. Their new adventure involves solving a complex mystery surrounding Gunman King Joe, a legendary gunslinger.

The game maintains 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. Learn more about the gameplay and storyline in our related article!