Unfortunately, for those with bright minds or access to GameFAQs, the experience is a short one. I completed more than half the game in just over two hours, and as a whole, you'll get a minimum of five hours out of the title. There is a feature that lets you download a new weekly puzzle, as well as bonus puzzles to keep you entertained, but it still feels a bit short.

The game's art style is rather unique in that it feels more like a European comic book, and with the novel-like adventure the story takes you on, along with the British setting of the series, it fits well. Some of the characters are indeed the kinds of stock characters you'll find in the works of mystery novelists like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but at the same time, there are some rather unique characters in St. Mystere. There are cut scenes and voice acting in this title, and both are superb. Layton has some of the best cut scenes you've ever seen on the DS, and the voice-acting cast for this title really adds to the overall feel of the game. I have no qualms in this department.

I do, however, have a few issues with the actual controls themselves. Now, the in-game controls are all simple and use the touch screen at the bottom to tap on doors, people, etc., as this is a "point-and click"-style affair. But entering any of your answers in the game requires you to draw the numbers or letters out, apparently using the same recognition software that pissed me off in Brain Age. I literally could not write my name out at the beginning of the game because it wasn't picking up the lower-case a in my first name as anything but a lower-case q. Thankfully, if you put a wrong answer in you can delete it, but this is still a bit infuriating.

All in all, a solid title on the DS at a time when Nintendo's handheld needs solid titles to keep it relevant in the battle against the PSP. There's a few things that need changing, but whether or not Level 5 addressed then in Professor Layton and Pandora's Box remains to be seen. I enjoyed the game and look forward to seeing where the series goes in its next installment.

Don't be surprised if Layton one day jumps to the Wii, though. It's certainly the kind of franchise that could make Nintendo a lot of money and work well with the Wii remote.

Pros: A fun, engaging title from Level 5 that combines good design, a diversity of puzzles and decent use of the stylus make Layton a title worth looking into for all DS owners.

Cons: A bit shorter than I would have liked. Recognition software is sometimes a little infuriating.

Professor Layton and the Curious Village is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB for Mild Violence.