Professor Layton's Return: A New Adventure Fueled by Nintendo

Professor Layton is back! A brand new adventure awaits, and we have Nintendo to thank for making it happen. LEVEL-5's CEO sheds light on the long-awaited sequel's development.

The Professor's Puzzle-Solving Continues

Nintendo's Encouragement Brings Layton Back

After a nearly decade-long absence, Professor Layton returns in Professor Layton and the New World of Steam. At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, LEVEL-5 revealed the story behind the game's creation.

LEVEL-5 CEO Akihiro Hino, speaking with Yuji Horii (creator of the Dragon Quest series), explained that while they considered Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy a fitting conclusion, Nintendo ("Company ‘N’") played a key role in bringing the series back.

According to AUTOMATON, Hino stated that "the series concluded briefly," but "certain individual(s) from the industry really wanted us to release a new game… we had a strong push coming from company ‘N’."

This involvement isn't surprising given Nintendo's close ties to the franchise, which flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS. Nintendo published many Layton titles and recognizes the series as a DS highlight.

Hino added, "When I heard these opinions, I started to think it would be good to make a new game so that fans could enjoy the series at the level of quality provided by the latest console."

Exploring Professor Layton and the New World of Steam

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 a mysterious "ghost of a gunslinger," Gunman King Joe, lost to the march of progress.

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, especially following the mixed reception of Layton's Mystery Journey, which starred Katrielle Layton.

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