Professor Layton, the master of puzzles and deduction, is returning for a brand new adventure, and we have Nintendo to thank. Read on to discover what LEVEL-5's CEO revealed about the long-awaited sequel's development.

Professor Layton's Puzzle-Solving Adventures Continue

A Little Help from "Company N"

After a nearly decade-long absence, Professor Layton is back! At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2024, LEVEL-5, the creators of the beloved puzzle-adventure series, shared the story behind 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 revealed that while they considered Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy a satisfying conclusion, the influential "Company ‘N’"— widely understood to be Nintendo—encouraged a return to the steampunk world.

"The series concluded, almost ten years ago," Hino stated, according to AUTOMATON. "But individuals within the industry, particularly from ‘Company N’, strongly encouraged us to create a new game."

Nintendo's involvement isn't surprising, considering their close relationship with the franchise. The series flourished on the Nintendo DS and 3DS, with Nintendo publishing many of the titles and recognizing it as a key success for those platforms.

"Their support convinced me that creating a new game, leveraging the capabilities of the latest consoles, would allow fans to experience the series at its best," Hino explained.

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

Set a year after Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam reunites Professor Layton and his apprentice, Luke Triton, in Steam Bison, a vibrant American city powered by steam technology. They'll face a new mystery involving Gunman King Joe, a legendary gunslinger lost to time.

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

Learn more about the gameplay and story in our detailed article (link to be inserted here).