Layton’s Mystery Journey

A PUZZLE GAME MADE OF RIDDLES.

$24.99 | laytonseries.com

THE LAYTON GAMES, usually found on Nintendo’s 3DS system, revolve around solving logic-based puzzles as the main character, Professor Layton. Now, for the series’ second outing on mobile, the character focus shifts to his daughter, Katrielle, and with it, the puzzles go from requiring logic and thought to being more like riddles. However, nothing has been lost in style. The developer, Level-5, is known for its beautiful, Ghibli-esque animation, and this game does not disappoint, with animated cutscenes and background art depicting an imagined pastel version of London. Although the puzzles are a bit of a letdown, the rest of the game is pleasant enough to justify its rather large price.

There are also minigames that are unlocked as you progress, and although these are few and far between, they offer satisfaction that the puzzles don’t quite offer. The controls for moving the character around can feel fiddly and repetitive from time to time.

While this title is a shadow of previous Layton games, by no means is Katrielle’s first outing a bad one. It’s charming and beautiful, though perhaps not as suited to mobile as it is to Nintendo’s consoles.

Cinema-quality animation is gorgeous, but ultimate let down by disappointing puzzle-style riddles.