Throwback Thursday - Professor Layton (series)

Welcome to another Throwback Thursday, our weekly look into my Top 100 games and general nostalgia.  Cracking the case this week: The games of a gentleman calling for dubious puzzle solving that is the Professor Layton series.

Released in the US on February 10th, 2008, the world was soon introduced to the esteemed archaeologist and professor that is Hershel Layton and his young assistant, Luke, as they investigate the last will and testament of a rich baroness in Professor Layton and the Curious Village.  Using point-and-click adventure-like mechanics, players explore the intriguing village of St. Mystere, poking around for hidden secrets and chatting with the puzzle-obsessed resident.  These little puzzles and brain teasers serve to test the player's/professor's wits and are required to progress the captivating Sherlock-like story, complete with gorgeously animated scenes fit for a movie itself.  The whole experience is a delightfully engaging and relaxing experience that gives your brain muscles a stimulating workout along with the ride.

Fortunately for the developers at Level 5, the game found tremendous success and went on to be the best selling series for the company.  The series continued with The Diabolical Box and The Unwound Future, which served as a trilogy of connected, but independent narratives of the Professor and Luke.  The series then continued with a prequel trilogy of games (The Last Specter, The Miracle Mask, and The Azran Legacy), which all take place before the events of The Curious Village.  Each game in the series retains the same basic formula of point-and-click exploration, puzzle solving, and stunningly animated cut-scenes.  You will notice though with each new addition to the series, the worlds in which to explore became more animated and intricate, even if still point-and-click.  Likewise, the puzzles became more fluid and effectively incorporated into the narrative.  Speaking of the narratives, the plot of each game walks a fine line between fantastically far-fetched and a dash of reasonable explanation that makes for a riveting and memorable experience.

"Every puzzle has an answer" ~ Hershel Layton

The series has since continued with numerous movie adaptations and spin-offs featuring other Layton characters, but it seems the exploits of this gentleman professor are closed for now.  With that said, if you've never had the pleasure of experiencing this delightful series, you have hundreds upon hundreds of puzzles to be enjoyed.  Whether you decide to play in order of actual release or narrative chronology, you're bound to have extraordinary adventures either way.