Nintendo Rescues 'Professor Layton' from Retirement

Professor Layton is back! A new adventure is on the horizon, and we have Nintendo to thank for making it happen. Read on to discover what LEVEL-5's CEO revealed about the long-awaited sequel.

The Professor's Puzzle-Solving Continues

Nintendo's Influence on the Sequel

After a nearly decade-long absence, Professor Layton returns. At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, LEVEL-5, the developers behind the series, shared insights into the decision to create Professor Layton and the New World of Steam.

In a conversation with Yuji Horii (creator of the Dragon Quest series), LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino explained that while they considered Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy a satisfying conclusion, Nintendo’s encouragement proved pivotal.

Hino stated (via AUTOMATON), "The series concluded, but then we received strong support from 'Company N' [Nintendo] to create a new game. Industry figures really wanted us to make another."

This involvement isn't surprising, given Nintendo's significant role in the franchise's success on the Nintendo DS and 3DS. Nintendo published many Layton titles and considered the series a key part of the DS's success.

Hino added, "Hearing this feedback, I believed a new game, leveraging the latest console technology, would allow fans to enjoy the series at its best."

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

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 unraveling a mystery surrounding Gunman King Joe, a legendary gunslinger.

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

Learn more about the gameplay and storyline in our featured article!