Professor Layton Was Supposed to End Until Nintendo Stepped In

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.

The Professor's Puzzle-Solving Continues

After a nearly decade-long hiatus, Professor Layton's return is largely attributed to Nintendo's influence. At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, LEVEL-5 revealed the behind-the-scenes story leading to Professor Layton and the New World of Steam.

LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino, in conversation with Yuji Horii (Dragon Quest creator), explained that while they considered Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy a satisfying conclusion, Nintendo ("Company ‘N’") strongly encouraged a return to the steampunk world. Hino stated (as reported by AUTOMATON) that the series' conclusion was "brief" due to the significant push from Nintendo.

Nintendo's Crucial Role

Nintendo's involvement is unsurprising, given their close ties to the franchise, which flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS. Nintendo not only published many Layton titles but also values the series as a key DS exclusive. Hino emphasized that Nintendo's encouragement prompted him to create a new game leveraging the capabilities of modern consoles to deliver a high-quality experience for fans.

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam: A Glimpse

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 "ghost gunslinger," as revealed in the game's trailer.

The game retains its signature challenging puzzles, this time enhanced by QuizKnock, a team renowned for innovative brain teasers. This collaboration is particularly exciting for fans, given the mixed reception of Layton's Mystery Journey due to its altered focus.

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