Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box

Follow-up game to 2008's runaway hit Professor Layton and the Curious Village, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box is a unique puzzle game for Nintendo DS and DSi that mixes an engrossing storyline and entertaining characters spread throughout a variety of environments, with addictive and varied stylus-driven puzzle play. Join the famous Professor Layton and his sidekick Luke as you take on more than 150 puzzles included with the game, and more available via download, as you challenge your senses and logic to eventually solve a puzzling mystery.

Story
When Professor Layton's mentor, Dr. Schrader, turns up dead with no clear answer as to why, it's up to the renowned puzzle-solver and his apprentice, Luke, to unravel the mystery. The only clue thus far is a train ticket for the Molentary Express. What could it mean, and who — or what — might have caused Dr. Schrader's death? In order to find out, Professor Layton and Luke will embark on an odyssey filled with challenging puzzles which may lead them to an object known as the Elysian Box, rumored to kill all who open it.

Brainteasing fun with Professor Layton and Luke. View larger.

Gameplay
As with other games in the Professor Layton series, gameplay in Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box is linked to a richly illustrated storyline, in-game environments and non-player characters (NPCs). Diabolical Box takes this further than the original game, with more locations to explore, significantly more animated cutscenes and the deeper level of voice talent employed. As players move through the game with an aim towards solving the overarching mystery they will encounter characters who can forward their progress if they return the favor in advance by solving a puzzle. These brainteasers cover everything from mazes and riddles, to logic and sliding puzzles and everything in-between. There are no time limits on puzzles and 'hint coins' found and earned throughout the game can be used to purchase up to three hints per puzzle. The game cartridge contains 150 puzzles, but it is not necessary to solve every puzzle in order to finish the game. Those who do though and yearn for even more can access additional puzzles via a DS and/or DSi Wi-Fi connection. These will be released weekly for the first 33 weeks after game launch. In addition to standard brainteasing puzzle play the game also features a series of mini-games that although do not affect the outcome of the game directly, can help with players' interactions with NPCs, and thus have an impact on progress through the game, as well as serve to vary gameplay.

Key Game Features

• Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box features a riveting new mystery and more than 150 new brain teasers, riddles and logic puzzles to challenge and delight players.
• Beyond the puzzles found in the game cartridge, players with a broadband Internet connection who connect their Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection will get access to downloadable bonus puzzles. A new puzzle will be available each week for 33 weeks after the game launches.
• The game includes a significantly greater amount of voice work and animated cutscenes compared to the original game.
• New memo pad feature which allows players to work through puzzles more easily solved by sketching out possible scenarios.
• A variety of mini-games that although do not directly affect the outcome of the game, provide variety of gameplay, and can help with the Professor and Luke's relations with NPCs.
• No time limits on puzzles allows players to take their time before answering or using an in-game 'hint coin.'

Additional Screenshots:

More than 150 puzzles. View larger.

An engrossing mystery. View larger.

More game locations. View larger.

Additional mini-games. View larger.