Video Game of the Week – Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box
Although he first made an appearance in Japan in 2007, Professor Layton didn’t make it to North America until early 2008 with the release of Professor Layton and the Curious Village. That title quickly established the Professor Layton series as one of the best single-person puzzle games on the market. The second release for North America – Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box – is just out and it will not disappoint!
For those not familiar with the earlier version, the game’s story line revolves around Professor Layton, an English gentleman and a professor of archaeology, and his young assistant Luke Triton. In Diabolical Box, they travel to meet the professor’s mentor, who has sent them a letter about a mysterious box. When they arrive at his home they find him dead under suspicious circumstances. From there, they board the Molentary Express and start their journey to discover the secrets of the diabolical box.
Gameplay consists of solving a series of intriguing and highly-entertaining puzzles. The puzzles take the form of brain teasers which are only loosely tied to the plot, although the player must solve a certain number to progress. A hint system is included, which requires the use of “hint coins” found hidden in the landscape of the game.
Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box contains over 150 brain teasers, riddles and logic puzzles. As you travel through the game, you observe animated movie scenes and enjoy voice work that’s much improved from the earlier release. Nintendo DSi owners can even connect wirelessly to download bonus puzzles.
With Diabolical Box, Nintendo has quickly established the Professor Layton series as the gold standard for hand-held puzzle games. Whether you are on a long journey or just have a little down time for a few brain exercises, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box is a well- constructed, entertaining ride that will keep you coming back for more!
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: Nintendo DS
RRP: $29.99
ESRB Rating: “E10+” for Everyone 10 and over
Comments:
Comment by Zergrinch, posted 9/28/2009, 10:39 AM:
Blow into the NDS microphone.
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Comment by Wayne, posted 9/13/2009, 2:33 PM:
I'm stuck and need help. On the Elysian Box puzzle, the hints suggest you blow into the hole to make the sun rise or shake. I cannot get it to move regardless of how hard a blow. What is the trick to solving this?
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