Summary

A prequel to the Professor Layton series, detailing the meeting of Layton and Luke as they solve the mystery of the Last Specter in Misthallery.

• Release Year: 2009
• Genres: Point-and-click, Puzzle, Visual Novel
• Platforms: Nintendo DS
• Developers: LEVEL-5
• Publishers: LEVEL-5, Nintendo

Introduction

‘Professor Layton and the Last Specter’ serves as a captivating prequel to the beloved Professor Layton series, offering fans a glimpse into the origins of Professor Layton’s partnership with Luke Triton.

Synopsis

The game introduces us to a much younger Hershel Layton, a renowned archaeologist and puzzle-solver, and his assistant Emmy Altava. The story begins when Layton receives a letter from an old friend, Clark Triton, who is now the mayor of the quaint town of Misthallery. The town is being terrorized by a mysterious specter, and Clark seeks Layton’s help to unravel the mystery.

Upon their arrival in Misthallery, Layton and Emmy meet a young boy named Luke Triton. Luke, who is Clark’s son, possesses a unique ability to communicate with animals and predict the specter’s attacks. This marks the beginning of the enduring partnership between Professor Layton and Luke, setting the stage for their future adventures.

As the trio delves deeper into the mystery, they encounter a series of brain-teasing puzzles scattered throughout their point-and-click adventure. These puzzles, integral to the gameplay, often emerge from conversations or objects in the game. Solving these puzzles not only progresses the plot but also provides a satisfying intellectual challenge to the players.

The specter’s attacks on Misthallery are the central mystery of the game. As Layton, Emmy, and Luke investigate, they uncover secrets about the town and its inhabitants. The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of intrigue, suspense, and revelation, keeping players engaged till the end.

“Professor Layton and the Last Specter” also includes an additional role-playing game titled “Professor Layton’s London Life”. In this game, players can interact with various characters from the series in a town called “Little London”. This bonus content, boasting over 100 hours of gameplay, was, however, removed from the European versions of the game.

Characters

– Professor Hershel Layton: A renowned archaeologist and puzzle-solver. – Luke Triton: A curious boy who becomes Layton’s apprentice. – Emmy Altava: Layton’s assistant.

Gameplay

The game features over 170 puzzles ranging from logic puzzles, brain teasers, to riddles, integrated seamlessly into the narrative.

Conclusion

As a prequel, ‘Professor Layton and the Last Specter’ successfully expands the series’ lore, offering an engaging experience filled with puzzles and charm.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern