The puzzles themselves differ in their difficulty and style. Some are simple math problems, while others involve moving around matchsticks or solving riddles and optical illusions. Earlier in the game, the puzzles are pretty simple, but they do tend to get more difficult as the game progresses. Getting to the end of Professor Layton and the Curious Village is no easy task, but it is a bit fulfilling, at least.
Each puzzle also comes a “picarat” value, which is basically a fancy word for points. Solving a puzzle correctly gets you all the picarats. Fail, and you’ll get to try it again for a lower picarat value. All of the puzzles have no timer, meaning you can take your time. You can also opt out without penalty if you need to back out of a puzzle because your boss is coming by and you don’t want to get fired. Hints are available for each puzzle, but they’ll cost you one hint coin apiece. You start out with ten coins and can find more hidden throughout the village.
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.
Article comments
1 - Brandy
Great review! I liked this game a lot also. You really captured the story, gameplay and attributes it has.
This was one of the more quality games for the casual gamer. And yes, more serious gamers liked it too.