Nintendo Rescues 'Professor Layton' Franchise from Retirement

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

The renowned Professor Layton is back with a 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 highly anticipated sequel's development.

The Professor's Puzzle-Solving Continues

After a nearly decade-long absence, Professor Layton's return is a testament to the influence of a certain "Company ‘N’," widely understood to be Nintendo. 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 (creator of the Dragon Quest series), explained that while Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy felt like a satisfying conclusion, Nintendo's encouragement proved instrumental. Hino stated (as reported by AUTOMATON) that "Company ‘N’" strongly urged the studio to revisit the steampunk world of Professor Layton, citing the series' long absence.

This involvement is unsurprising, given Nintendo's significant history with the franchise. The Professor Layton series flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS, with Nintendo publishing many titles and recognizing the series as a key DS exclusive. Hino emphasized that the positive feedback prompted the decision to create a new game, aiming for the high-quality standards expected on modern consoles.

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

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 the American city of Steam Bison. Their new investigation involves Gunman King Joe, a mysterious figure from the past.

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

For more details on gameplay and storyline, explore our related article.