Professor Layton and the Curious Village
Developer: Level 5
Publisher: Nintendo
Formats: DS
Genre: Adventure/Puzzle
More info: Professor Layton at GAME
The initial pitch for Professor Layton and the Curious Village must have been something along the lines of 'hey, let's make Brain Training with a story!'. In truth though, that's only telling you half of what this incredibly well put-together puzzler can offer.
Unlike Brain Training, numbers aren't the order of the day here - instead, the prof proffers up brainbending logic and lateral thinking conundrums to have you well and truly stumped with a stylus in your hand - and more besides available for download.
Perhaps the most surprising thing here though is the story. A wealthy Baron in the curious village of St. Mystere has passed away and left his legacy locked in a series of puzzles that only the intrepid Professor and his trusty sidekick Luke can solve! Packed with genuinely deft twists and likeable characters, this delightful game was deservedly the must-have DS game last Christmas. Brilliant.
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