Professor Layton and the Last Specter
SCORE: 85
The latest Professor Layton game goes back
to the beginning. See how it all started. Professor Layton and the Last
Specter is part mystery, and part Brain Age. It is astounding how well
Nintendo wove those two together. The presentation of this game is top
notch - which is probably why this franchise has had so many games in
it. Four games to be precise.
If you have already played a previous game in the franchise then you
know exactly what to expect. A mystery is afoot and the professor is on
the hunt. Along the way players have to solve a wide array of puzzles.
These will test your brain in ways I can barely explain. You might want
to have some Tylenol ready if you have not stretched your brain
recently.
The artwork in Professor Layton and the Last Specter is very
distinctive. It has a certain anime feel to it. There are various little
movies shown throughout the game. The puzzles range in visual acuity.
The background screens on every screen look hand drawn. There is some
violent content for the players to watch in Professor Layton and the
Last Specter. Scenes involving the specter are particularly scary.
The voice acting in Professor Layton and the Last Specter exhibits
layers of emotion. I really enjoyed listening to the characters
converse. In fact it would be great if Professor Layton became a regular
television show in my opinion. But the upcoming movie might start that
ball rolling. The music in Professor Layton and the Last Specter is very
moody. The themes of the Nintendo DS game are followed exquisitely in
the audio department.
There are enough puzzles in Professor Layton and the Last Specter to
warrant the price. There are extras to unlock, mini games to play, and
all kinds of things to collect. Level 5 could have stopped right there.
But they didn't. They added Professor Layton's London Life - a small
role playing game. I could not believe they added in a completely new
game with it. They could have sold Professor Layton's London Life as a
downloadable game. So I am very impressed with all of the content
included on this DC cartridge.
I lost track of how many puzzles in Professor Layton and the Last
Specter I got correct by accident. The logic behind every single puzzle
is insane. There was an intelligent creator behind the puzzles in this
game. The hints are generally very helpful. I tried to save them for
trickier puzzles later. Solving puzzles right the first time is
rewarded. How? Each puzzle is worth so many Picarat points. Get it right
the first time, and you get the entire value for that puzzle. Get it
wrong, then the value drops and you have to try it again.
Those Picarats become important after beating the game. They unlock
bonus content. Puzzles are hidden in various locations. Don't worry if
you miss one, because it will become available to you later. As long as
you talk to all the characters you see. One of them is very important in
playing those puzzles you missed.
Ultimately Professor Layton and the Last Specter is a game that will
exercise your brain. I appreciate that aspect of this hand held title.
There are some adult issues to discuss with this game. Alcohol and
gambling have both ruined countless families. As has violence and
enticement to lust. There is that content in this game as well. On top
of that there is supernatural content in Professor Layton and the Last
Specter. Parents need to be aware of this before letting their children
play. I recommend playing the game yourself first.
- Frank
Graphics: 80%
Sound: 85%
Replay/Extras: 100%
Gameplay: 92%
Family Friendly Factor: 69%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Nintendo
Rating: ‘E10+’ - Everyone 10+
{Alcohol Reference, Mild Suggestive Themes, Mild Violence, Simulated
Gambling}
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