Professor Layton and the Curious Village (DS)

GameSpot editors' review

• Reviewed by:
  Lark Anderson
• Reviewed on: 08/24/2009
• Updated on: 10/16/2009

With a combination of whimsical storytelling, captivating visuals, and challenging-but-fair logic puzzles, Professor Layton and the Curious Village was a welcome surprise that infused the brainteaser game genre with entirely new types of fun. Nearly two years later, the dapper professor is back with another mystery to unravel, more eccentric individuals to meet, and, of course, more puzzles to solve. With some minor interface improvements and the addition of varied locations, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box delivers more of the same classic mindbenders blended with adventure. Controlling the Sherlock Holmes of puzzles and his assistant as they unravel a preponderance of perplexity is as amusing and engaging as ever, so put on your top hat and polish your gentlemanly manners.

6216144A true gentleman leaves no puzzle unsolved.none

When the refined Professor Hershel Layton, renowned archaeologist and puzzle enthusiast, receives a letter from his mentor indicating that the legendary Elysian Box has been found, Layton grabs his assistant and self-styled apprentice, Luke, and leaves with all due haste. Knowing that the box has been said to kill anyone who opens it, the professor fears the worst and, alas, arrives too late. Going by the only piece of evidence found--a ticket for the famous Molentary Express train without a destination listed--the puzzle-busting duo embarks on a journey determined to track down the artifact and uncover its secrets.

Unlike its predecessor, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box features several major areas to visit, offering a welcome variety of locations to explore, including the interior of the fancy Molentary Express and the bright and cheery village of Dropstone. Simple point-and-tap controls let you move about, talk to villagers, and investigate the many nooks and crannies you come across for hidden brainteasers or hint coins (which are spent to purchase hints in case you get stuck). Puzzles seem to be the currency in the world of Professor Layton, and as you search for information on the Elysian Box, many of the colorful people you speak to will keep key bits of gossip or information under their hats until you help them out with a tricky mindbender.

To solve some of these brainteasers, you'll find yourself dividing parcels of land into equal parts, working out ages, unraveling patterns, piecing together torn photos, and much, much more. One welcome new feature is the addition of a memo pad, which lets you doodle over the screen and eliminates the need for paper and a pen. Deciphering the many brainteasers can be done at your leisure because there are no time limits, and if you get stumped, you can always purchase up to three clues with the hint coins you discover while walking around. Though the overwhelming majority of these hints are helpful, it's a waste to use your coins on some of the more difficult series-based puzzles because the hints don't really offer any insights, which can be frustrating. Nonetheless, these situations are few and far between, and unless you're looking to complete every puzzle, you rarely have to deal with this issue.

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• 3.0 stars

  "Who said this puzzler was easy????"

  by ladymedpro on December 3, 2008

• 3.5 stars

  1 out of 1 people found this helpful

  "Test your skills and knowledge!"

  by JoyceNgo-218335993631273378369 on April 2, 2008

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