The Prof. Layton series are games revolving around solving puzzles. Each game in the series has at least 150 puzzles to solve in the main game.
The games were released on the NDS, and are, IMO must have games if you own an NDS.
There are 5 games in the series atm; 3 of which are available in English-
Prof. Layton and the Curious Village
Prof. Layton and the Diabolical Box (aka Pandora’s Box in Europe)
Prof. Layton and the Unwound Future (released a few weeks ago)
Much of the puzzles in each game are really fun and creative, and you can also download additional weekly puzzles to your NDS via WiFi.
Also each later game has a code that can be used with the previous game to unlock some extra puzzles or susomething
The biggest gripe with the series though, in my opinion
]stories. The initial idea and concept given for the stories are interesting but when you discover the truth about them…they become ridiculous…even more so in the 3rd game [spoiler=U. Future
[details=Spoiler]Time travel is not possible, but building a gigantic robot WITH RUNNING GEARS IN IT AND HUNDREDS OF WEAPONS is possible within 5 years…also an underground city with its own population.
I mean they could’ve made the story about FIXING the time anomalies instead, that would’ve made more sense, especially Claire’s appearance in the game.[/details]
Add to that the random revelations that just seem to come out of nowhere[/details]
Still the characters and interactions are very well done, especially the voice acting.
The 4th game in the series (The Spectre’s Flute) is expected to come out next year in English. This game is a prequel detailing the first meeting of Layton and Luke and their first case/adventure together. This game is part of a trilogy which acts as the prequel to the Layton series.
The 5th entry is an anime movie which you can find online subbed, titled The Eternal Diva.
The 6th game was just announced in Japan as The Mask of Miracles, being the 3rd and final part of the trilogy, here’s it trailer-
[media=youtube]vBf5Hg9djy0&fmt=35[/media]
Looks like they’ll be using the improved processor in the 3DS for the puzzles and the characters are now 3d models. So far I like what I’m seeing, and despite the story elements shown, there will be a very logical, albeit lame reason for all that’s happening.