Layton's Legacy Preserved by Nintendo's Intervention

Professor Layton is back! A brand new adventure is on the horizon, and Nintendo played a key role in making it happen. Discover the story behind the long-awaited sequel.

Professor Layton's Puzzle-Solving Adventures Continue

Nintendo's Influence on the Sequel

After a nearly decade-long absence, Professor Layton returns. LEVEL-5, the developer behind the popular puzzle-adventure series, revealed at Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024 that Nintendo's encouragement was crucial to the creation of 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 Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy felt like a satisfying conclusion, Nintendo ("Company ‘N’") urged the studio to revisit the steampunk world.

According to AUTOMATON, Hino stated, "The series concluded, but individuals in the industry, particularly from ‘Company N’, strongly encouraged us to develop a new game."

Nintendo's involvement isn't surprising, given their close ties to the franchise. The series flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS, with Nintendo publishing many of the titles. The company also recognizes the series as a significant DS exclusive.

Hino added, "Their feedback led me to believe a new game, leveraging the capabilities of the latest consoles, would allow fans to experience the series at its best."

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam: A Closer Look

Set one 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. They'll tackle a new mystery involving Gunman King Joe, a legendary gunslinger lost to time.

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

Learn more about the gameplay and story in our related article!