Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box

Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box (DS)

(Co-authors: John Teti and Ryan Kuo ) Ryan Kuo didn't like the first Layton game, Professor Layton and the Curious Village . I loved it. So when we were assigning the review of Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box , it was a little awkward. After all, the sequel looked much the same as the original. We all head into these reviews with open minds, but we knew that if Ryan wrote up Diabolical Box , a "Fry It" was likely, and that I would probably "Buy It." Before the... Read more

This reminds us of a puzzle. And last year’s game…

Level-5 knows what we want. Luke and Layton argue about tea. Layton goes ice skating. An old face returns in a ridiculous twist. Layton has a swordfight. A train conductor roars out station names like a rock god. And it all builds to a revelation of such colossal silliness that it makes the original game’s denouement look like Steven Spielberg at his most serious. To top it off, it concludes on a genuinely sweet note and a lovely little ditty over the credits. It’s... Read more

In early 2008, Nintendo unleashed the English translation of Professor Layton and the Curious Village (Snackbar rating: Niche) on the western gaming world. Thanks to a rabid fan following and some surprising sales (mostly in Europe, where it was actually advertised) sixteen months later we finally received the sequel that had been out in Japan for ages (they're almost on their fourth installment, actually). If you were one of those fans, you already have this game and... Read more

Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box

It's not a difficult assignment to puzzle together a conclusion. Just like its predecessor this game is beautifully put together, you get tons of fun and varied puzzles and a funny story to keep everything together. Those looking for innovation may be a bit disappointed but why out criticism on such a decent unique, magical, intelligent and immersive game!? Read more

Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box

The Elysian Box is cursed. That’s what everyone thinks, anyway. It’s an evil container capable of killing anyone who opens it. Just imagine owning such a thing. You could spend hours gazing at its superb craftsmanship and ornate design, trying to figure out some inkling of its true nature. How can something so beautiful be so deadly? How did it get its powers? Where did it come from? It wouldn’t take long for your questions to consume you; curiosity is a powerful... Read more