Professor Layton and the Unwound Future

UPC: 045496741075

Platform: Nintendo DS

Publisher: Nintendo of America, Inc.

Developer: Level-5

Category: Traditional

Style(s): Logic Game

Synopsis: The third game in Level-5's brain teaser series, Professor Layton and the Unwound Future takes the Professor's adventures into the fourth dimension after he and his apprentice Luke receive a strange letter from ten years in the future. Gamers then guide the duo through more than 165 math, science, logic, and visual puzzles, winding their way through a time-hopping mystery that threatens to destroy London. Hand-drawn cinematics help advance the game's plot, and the enhanced Memo Pad lets players use the touch screen to work out math problems and take notes using "pens" of different colors and widths. Online gamers have the added bonus of using Nintendo's wireless network to download one new puzzle for the first 30 weeks after the game is released. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

Package Contents: Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Instruction Booklet

Controls: Joystick/Gamepad

Colorful and detailed, the manual explains everything the players will encounter during the course of the game.

While the graphics aren't groundbreaking, the animation is smooth as well as the transitions. They are bright and colorful, which will hold the attention of the gamers.

The puzzle-solving Professor Layton and his self-appointed apprentice, Luke, return to the Nintendo DS for another adventure in Professor Layton and the Unwound Future. Developed by Level-5 and published by Nintendo of America, this successful series once again drops players in the middle of a perplexing mystery that can only be solved by the greatest puzzle solver in the world. Although frustrating at times Professor Layton and the Unwound Future will certainly enchant newcomers and fans alike with its intriguing storyline and cartoon approach, which boasts colorful and smooth animation, clever sound effects, and original music and dialog. The directional pad is used sparingly, but the game makes full use of the dual screens, allowing players to view maps, directions, and game status on the top screen while choosing destinations, menus, and solving puzzles on the touch screen. Puzzles range from visual, mathematical, and logic-based, with many being extremely difficult. Fortunately there is no time limit to solve these brain teasers as many of the puzzles require lateral thinking, while some may drive some players to hurl their Nintendo DS' out of frustration, especially younger players who may get lost in the game's increasing complexity. The fun doesn't stop after the mystery is solved. New challenges become available as the game progresses, puzzles can be downloaded each week via Wi-Fi, and character biographies, music, and animations unlock as players solve puzzles. There are also three mini-games that can be played after certain items are acquired from the main quest. Despite the difficulty of some of the puzzles, new players, and original fans will find Professor Layton and the Unwound Future is a must for their gaming library.

Downloadable content, mini-games, and unlockable menus will make players come back again and again.

The voice acting is superb and really lends itself to the atmosphere of the game. The music is original and remains true to the series.

Fans will find this an enjoyable addition to the series. The game will also bring in some new players with its engaging story and addictive puzzles.

the game requires Joystick/Gamepad.