Professor Layton and the Curious Village (also known as Professor Layton curious village Nintendo DS) is essentially a puzzle game, but it's a different kind of puzzle game to what you might be used to playing. Because of its curious nature, some have compared it to brain training exercises that you might do by reading a book. The fact the game is based on a book (written by Professor Akira Tago), is no coincidence. To sum up the story briefly, you play Professor Layton, and have been invited to solve the "The Golden Apple" mystery, with the help of your assistant, Luke. The game has a very gentry, English feel to it, not dissimilar to that of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, and that is undoubtedly part of its charm.One of the game's characters, Baron Reinhalt, before dying, declares that whoever can solve the mystery of "The Golden Apple" will inherit all of his fortune. Naturally, many people try and fail, and this is when you're called in. The game is like a jolly version of Poirot, but in a Nintendo DS game.
The game lends itself to the point-and-click style of many PC games, and enjoys a slow pace. For those that like an all-action, gung ho style of game, this is definitely not for you. It is definitely a thinking man's game, and for this it can be very rewarding. I don't want to give too much of the story away, so I'll just mention that it does become very engrossing, and that they game is extremely witty and well-mannered.
Professor Layton curious village Nintendo DS is well worth playing, and will not disappoint if you like to challenge yourself and solve puzzles. I feel like this game could be a small turning point for video games, and that we could soon see a lot more games of this type being released.
For more information on Professor Layton and the Curious Village, visit http://www.GameGemini.com
