Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Level 5 trademarks 'Professor Layton and the Unwound Future']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/level-5-trademarks-professor-layton-and-the-unwound-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/level-5-trademarks-professor-layton-and-the-unwound-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/level-5-trademarks-professor-layton-and-the-unwound-future/#comments According to Siliconera, Level 5 recently trademarked "Professor Layton and the Unwound Future," which seems to correspond with the Japanese name of the third puzzle-rich Professor Layton game, Professor Layton and the Final Time Travel. This is just ... this is so frustrating. We've told Layton over and over again: When you're tying up the future, you've got to use a square knot. These types of problems are best solved with prevention, sir.

Even if this particular title doesn't match up exactly with the Japanese original, the time travel theme seems to feature in both titles. Perhaps Layton will explore his own past, and we'll finally get to learn why he wears such a ridiculously tall hat. That's really the greatest puzzle of all, isn't it?

JoystiqLevel 5 trademarks 'Professor Layton and the Unwound Future' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSlaytonlevel-5NintendoProfessor-Laytonprofessor-layton-and-the-unwound-futurepuzzletrademarktrilogyFri, 21 May 2010 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5's Layton-esque 'Sloane and MacHale's Mysterious Story' launches this week in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/level-5s-layton-esque-sloane-and-machales-mysterious-story-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/level-5s-layton-esque-sloane-and-machales-mysterious-story-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/level-5s-layton-esque-sloane-and-machales-mysterious-story-l/#commentsLast year, in the midst of a pile of news from Level-5, the company quietly announced three DS puzzle games called the Atamania series. The first game in that series comes out on May 21 in Japan, and it looks like something worth getting excited about!

Sloane and MacHale's Mysterious Story is, like Level-5's Professor Layton series, a collection of brain teasers wrapped up in an overarching mystery tale. The puzzle content in this game consists of lateral thinking puzzles from Paul Sloane and Des MacHale, presented as both animated scenarios (in a very cool silhouette style) and text. The puzzles seem to involve moving the text of the puzzle around with the stylus to make connections.

Of course, Level-5 has yet to say anything about localization on Mysterious Story. We'd say it's an obvious choice given the success of Professor Layton, but we have yet to see any of the Layton sequels!

JoystiqLevel-5's Layton-esque 'Sloane and MacHale's Mysterious Story' launches this week in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 May 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>laytonlevel-5professor-laytonpuzzlesloane-and-mchales-mysterious-storyMon, 18 May 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Professor Layton 2 planned for North America and Europe this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-professor-layton-2-planned-for-north-america-and-europe-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-professor-layton-2-planned-for-north-america-and-europe-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-professor-layton-2-planned-for-north-america-and-europe-t/#commentsOkay, let's take stock. We got a new Zelda, the Wii "Storage Solution" (which is actually better than Nintendo originally made it out to be), and arcade games and Final Fantasies on Virtual Console. How could this GDC get any better for Nintendo fans?

How about Professor Layton 2?

At Level-5's panel, director Akihiro Hino showed a list of current projects, including Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box, an English translation of the name of the second Layton game. Later, during the Q&A, someone asked Hino if the sequel was being localized for North America and Europe. Hino responded that he wants to release all six Laytons (including the new trilogy), and that Diabolical Box is indeed in the midst of localization -- he hopes to have it out in six months.

JoystiqGDC09: Professor Layton 2 planned for North America and Europe this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureDSgdc-2009laytonNintendoprofessor-laytonprofessor-layton-2Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton and the Anime Trailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/professor-layton-and-the-anime-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/professor-layton-and-the-anime-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/professor-layton-and-the-anime-trailers/#commentsIn addition to those two Professor Layton DS games that Japan has that we don't, a Layton anime movie, with an original story by Level-5 president Akihiro Hino, is scheduled for release sometime this year. The two short teasers here advertise the movie in true Layton form: with puzzles!

SPOILERS for these thirty-second clips: the first trailer features two animals whose Japanese names together form the word eiga "movie." The animators even drew the DS UI elements on the screen! The second is a riddle: "What is something using light and shadow that many people enjoy?" Movies, of course!

Now here's a quick riddle: what is so much easier than a DS game to add English text to?

[Via Kotaku]

Continue reading Professor Layton and the Anime Trailers

JoystiqProfessor Layton and the Anime Trailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeDSlaytonlevel-5Nintendoprofessor-laytonpuzzleMon, 09 Mar 2009 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Layton leads Japanese software charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/layton-leads-japanese-software-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/layton-leads-japanese-software-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/layton-leads-japanese-software-charts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


No. 042 20 Picarats Coins: 10
"Luke, why don't you solve this one? Correctly order the following games in terms of their sales in Japan this week."

"Okay professor. I think I've got it!"
  1. Professor Layton and The Final Time Journey (DS): 347K
  2. World Soccer Winning Eleven 2009 (PS3): 168K
  3. Machi e Ikouyo: Doubutsu no Mori (Wii): 109K
  4. Chrono Trigger (DS): 80K
  5. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters GX (PSP): 64K
  6. Kideo Senshi Gundam: Gundam vs. Gundam (PSP): 57K
  7. Hoshi no Kirby: Ultra Super Deluxe (DS): 56K
  8. Kenka Banchou 3: Zenkoku Seiha (PSP): 54K
  9. Musou Orochi: Maou Sairin (PSP): 46K
  10. Higurashi Daybreak Portable (PSP): 33K
"Good job, Luke! My, that's a lot of PSP. However did you figure it out so quickly?"

"I used two hints: M-Create and Gamasutra."

"My boy, I'm so disappointed with you. To the corner with you!"

"Aww, Professor! For how long do I stay there?"

"Well, I've got three riddles for you ..."

JoystiqLayton leads Japanese software charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSjapanjapanese-software-saleslaytonprofessor-laytonPS3PSPsalessoftwaresalessoftwware-salesWiiThu, 04 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming to Go: Professor Layton and the Curious Village]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/gaming-to-go-professor-layton-and-the-curious-village/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/gaming-to-go-professor-layton-and-the-curious-village/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/gaming-to-go-professor-layton-and-the-curious-village/#commentsFiled under:



A game revolving solely around time-consuming, tear-inducing brain teasers likely isn't anyone's first guess for the kind of quick gaming the DS so clearly excels at. Layton might be an unusual choice for this week's edition of Gaming to Go, but it's most certainly not a bad one, as the unique hybrid of puzzling and adventuring makes a number of concessions that'll help even someone who is pressed for time advance through the game unhindered.

Skipping freely through the game's myriad puzzles is hardly ideal, of course, but what can you do? Some of Layton's 135 brain-destroyers can make even a grown puzzle-solver cry, so it's a testament to the solid game design that you can still feel the satisfaction of completing the game even without experiencing all of the content it has to offer. In the mood for a fantastic puzzle game but not so keen on spending hours just to slog through every challenge? Click that big button down there and see why Professor Layton and the Curious Village might be exactly what you've been searching for.




NEXT >>

JoystiqGaming to Go: Professor Layton and the Curious Village originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiqfeatureslaytonprofessor-laytonpuzzleTue, 18 Nov 2008 14:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/19-5/25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-19-5-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-19-5-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-19-5-25/#commentsFiled under:

After a somewhat stalwart week, DS software recovered nicely and once again dominated the charts. Even though the same amount of games appeared in the top thirty (fifteen in total), they ranked higher on average than they did in the previous week. Good software sales also gave DS hardware a little boost:
  • PSP: 64,449 (6,087)
  • Wii: 49,047 (7,475)
  • Nintendo DS: 37,404 (2,499)
  • PlayStation 3: 9.071 (1,370)
  • PlayStation 2: 7,189 (167)
  • Xbox 360: 1,947 (473)
Four new games debuted in the top thirty, including Sega's Let's Make a Pro Baseball Team!, which nabbed the first place spot from Monster Hunter. The other three games were Glory of Herakles, Scarlet Fragment, and Tea Dogs Room 3. Herakles (or Hercules, if you prefer) is the title that sparks our interest the most, as it's an interesting RPG published by Nintendo. Even so, it's first week sales were (unfortunately) subpar, yet good enough to land it in the top ten.

Check out the sales numbers and rankings for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/19-5/25

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/19-5/25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 May 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-islands-adventureanother-week-in-japanbatonnagebeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingchartscurious-villagegamesalesglory-of-heraklesglory-of-herculesjapankanji-brain-testlaytonlets-make-a-pro-baseball-teamluminous-arc-2mario-kartmario-kart-dsmedia-createnew-super-mario-brosnsmbpokemonpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-batonnageprofessor-laytonproof-of-spiritsalesscarlet-fragmentsim-city-2taikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintea-dogs-room-3tottadowe-are-fossil-diggerswe-are-fossil-holdersyowikos-deserted-island-lifeFri, 30 May 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Layton has a puzzle to solve on your mobile phone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/layton-has-a-puzzle-to-solve-on-your-mobile-phone/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/layton-has-a-puzzle-to-solve-on-your-mobile-phone/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/layton-has-a-puzzle-to-solve-on-your-mobile-phone/#commentsFiled under:


We love Professor Layton. No, not the game, the man. Actually, we do love the game, too. We just love to love things!

Looks like Japan loves the guy enough to warrant the series extending itself over to cell phones. The first game, Professor Layton and the Curious Village is already available and even comes pre-installed on Panasonic's new DoCoMo handset, the P906i. This port of the first title features new puzzles not found in the DS game.

Also worth noting is that Professor Layton's London Holiday, a brief DS demo that was handed out to folks at last year's Tokyo Game Show, will be available to mobile phone gamers soon.

[Via Game | Life]

JoystiqLayton has a puzzle to solve on your mobile phone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cell-phonefamitsujapanlaytonmobilemobile-phoneprofessor-laytonprofessor-laytons-london-holidaypuzzleThu, 29 May 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton and the Last Time Travel announced for Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/professor-layton-and-the-last-time-travel-announced-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/professor-layton-and-the-last-time-travel-announced-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/professor-layton-and-the-last-time-travel-announced-for-japan/#commentsFiled under: ,


Everyone who dug Professor Layton and the Curious Village (see: the entire DS Fanboy staff and its readers), then you'll be happy to know the series continues on unabated in Japan, as Professor Layton and the Last Time Travel has been announced for the region. Level 5 has confirmed that the title will release to eager gamers in Japan sometime in the fall of this year. As it stands right now, this is believed to be the last entry in the series of games.

A teaser site has launched, which you can check out here (or by clicking the "Read" link below). Who else is ready for another dose of Layton goodness?

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqProfessor Layton and the Last Time Travel announced for Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanlaytonlevel-5professor-laytonprofessor-layton-and-the-last-time-travelFri, 09 May 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Miyamoto, DS take home some Famitsu awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/miyamoto-ds-take-home-some-famitsu-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/miyamoto-ds-take-home-some-famitsu-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/miyamoto-ds-take-home-some-famitsu-awards/#commentsFiled under:

Hey, who doesn't know how awesome Shigeru Miyamoto is? Your grandmother? Shove her to the ground. Seriously, the man is a legend and your grandmother's frail, aged bones need to recognize that.

Speaking of recognition, Miyamoto and select titles on the DS recently got themselves some, as Famitsu dished out awards to the gaming icon and some titles available on his company's handheld system. The games that got the nod were Mario Party DS, Phantom Hourglass, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time and Darkness and Dragon Quest IV. All of these games received an Award for Excellence, where newcomer Professor Layton and the Curious Village got itself a Rookie award.

Miyamoto himself received top honors, as he accepted his time in the spotlight and thanked everyone by stating that he was happy to "get an honor like this, it makes me glad to have worked so hard over the past thirty years. This is going to sound a bit like a lie, but it's like a dream. That said, I didn't think five years ago that I'd be making Wii Fit. I thought I'd be making more Mario and Zelda."

Well, if there's someone who should be used to accepting awards, it's him.

JoystiqMiyamoto, DS take home some Famitsu awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsfamitsujapanlaytonmario-party-dsmiyamotophantom-hourglasspokemonshigeru-miyamotoMon, 28 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Australia gets Layton and everyone else gets nothing edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/wrup-australia-gets-layton-and-everyone-else-gets-nothing-editi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/wrup-australia-gets-layton-and-everyone-else-gets-nothing-editi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/wrup-australia-gets-layton-and-everyone-else-gets-nothing-editi/#commentsFiled under:


Looking over this week's releases, we're feeling a lot like last week: empty and cold inside. Unless you're in Australia, there pretty much isn't anything worth checking out. We're in kind of a GBA mood, though (after reading JC's Virtually Overlooked last night), so this weekend will probably have us dusting off our copy of Metroid Fusion or something.

What about you all? Have any good GBA games that you could play while waiting for some new DS games to enjoy? Or do you have something else in mind? What are you playing?

JoystiqWRUP: Australia gets Layton and everyone else gets nothing edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-boygame-boy-advancelaytonprofessor-laytonprofessor-layton-and-the-curious-villageFri, 11 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS releases for the week of April 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-april-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-april-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-april-7/#commentsFiled under:

Two weeks in a row without much coming out? This is simply unacceptable! What happened to the weeks of five or six games? Wait a minute ... those weeks are hell on the wallet. Maybe these light weeks are better. If nothing else, we can start squirreling money away in nooks and crannies all over the house for those weeks in the latter part of the year, when there are more games than we can afford. Of course, then we'll forget where the money is, and be back at square one.

Maybe we should just give up and pick up Plushees.
  • Fab 5 Soccer
  • Plushees

Continue reading DS releases for the week of April 7

JoystiqDS releases for the week of April 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fab-5-soccerlaytonoshiri-kajiri-mushiplusheesMon, 07 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton DLC already on the cartridge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/professor-layton-dlc-already-on-the-cartridge/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/professor-layton-dlc-already-on-the-cartridge/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/professor-layton-dlc-already-on-the-cartridge/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're sure that many of you inquisitive DS owners out there have spent countless hours with your eyes peeled to your handheld's twin suns, waiting for Nintendo to post the latest downloadable brainteasers for Professor Layton and the Curious Village. This same group of puzzle junkies may be upset to learn that what they're actually downloading is a code to unlock puzzles which are already on the game cartridge -- essentially meaning that there's a set number of puzzles on the game (162, to be exact).

GoNintendo discovered a supposedly complete list of the game's riddles to back up this claim. You can check out every single puzzle featured in the game, and even choose to sneak a peek at every solution as well -- an action we can't help but feel would be frowned upon by the eponymous scholar and his pint-sized associate.

JoystiqProfessor Layton DLC already on the cartridge originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdslaytonlevel-5level5nintendoprofessor-laytonprofessor-layton-and...professorlaytonpuzzlepuzzlesSat, 22 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton and the Unlocked Content [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/professor-layton-and-the-unlocked-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/professor-layton-and-the-unlocked-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/professor-layton-and-the-unlocked-content/#commentsFiled under:

Stop all the downloadin'! It turns out that Nintendo had those "downloadable" Professor Layton puzzles on the cartridge all along! When you download a puzzle, all you're downloading is an unlock code. Which isn't a big deal -- it's not like you're paying for the extra content or anything.

One user figured out how to find that content in the game data, and has compiled all 162(!) bonus puzzles, with screenshots, on a single web page. The solutions are also provided, but hidden behind links so you can actually play these puzzles if you want. Or you can spoil a friend's good time every week as you wait patiently for him or her to complete the download and then blurt out the solution.

[Update: this is actually all the puzzles!]

[Via GayGamer]

JoystiqProfessor Layton and the Unlocked Content [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurelaytonlevel-5puzzleFri, 21 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy two games, save ten bucks at Toys R Us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/buy-two-games-save-ten-bucks-at-toys-r-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/buy-two-games-save-ten-bucks-at-toys-r-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/buy-two-games-save-ten-bucks-at-toys-r-us/#commentsFiled under: ,


We'll take almost any encouragement to buy a bunch of games, and there's little better incentive than a package deal, through which we "save" money by buying more stuff. Retailer Toys R Us knows this, and has dangled the carrot of reduced-price DS games at us with a "buy one, get $10 off" sale. The ad says "all DS games," but the sale is actually restricted to a selection of TRU's offerings.

That's fine, though, because there's enough here for just about anyone to be driven into an impulse purchase! Standouts include Flash Focus, Professor Layton, WordJong, Cooking Mama 2, and even some pre-release stuff like Rondo of Swords! Or you could finally pick up the whole Imagine collection.

JoystiqBuy two games, save ten bucks at Toys R Us originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooking-mama-2flash-focusimaginelaytonrondo-of-swordssaletoysruswordjongMon, 17 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/25-3/2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-25-3-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-25-3-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-25-3-2/#commentsFiled under:

The DS dropped to third in last week's hardware sales, as the PSP inched its way to first. (In case you haven't been keeping track, Wii sales have been above those of the DS for quite some time, but the PSP and DS keep flip-flopping for the week's best selling portable.)

Hardware:
  • PSP: 73,706
  • Wii: 64,535
  • Nintendo DS: 51,922
  • PlayStation 3: 13,520
  • PlayStation 2: 10,986
  • Xbox 360: 2,282
In the software chart, though, Nintendo's portable dominated once again. There were fourteen DS games to hit the top thirty last week, three of which made the top ten. Most of note is the new release Soma Bringer, a game that many of us outside of Japan have been coveting. It debuted in fourth, and was the top seller for the dual-screened handheld last week.

Meanwhile, Professor Layton 2 and Animal Crossing slipped back into the top thirty, while Harvest Moon and Etrian Odyssey II managed to remain in the top ten. Check after the break to see a whole lot of DS games in boldface.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/25-3/2

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/25-3/2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-in-the-skyanimal-crossingetrian-odyssesy-iigirls-sidegirls-side-second-seasonharvest-moonjapanjirou-akagawa-mysterykaga-bushin-emakikeroro-gunsou-3laytonmario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partmedia-createmkdsnarutonew-super-mario-brosnsmbprofessor-layton-2professor-layton-and-pandoras-boxsalesshining-sun-and-friendsshippuuden-dairansensoma-bringertaiko-drum-masterthe-invited-killerthe-royal-grailtokimeki-memorialwild-worldFri, 07 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy Review: Professor Layton and the Curious Village]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/ds-fanboy-review-professor-layton-and-the-curious-village/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/ds-fanboy-review-professor-layton-and-the-curious-village/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/ds-fanboy-review-professor-layton-and-the-curious-village/#commentsFiled under:



When you think about puzzle games, titles that involve abstract geometrical shapes (like Tetris) are probably the first things that come to mind. Professor Layton, though, is a different breed of puzzle game, one that you might not be used to. This charming title makes you solve actual brainteasers -- the kind that make you want to laugh and cry at the same time.

It's hard to imagine a game being completely devoted to puzzle solving. Usually, games will include puzzle-solving elements, but they won't revolve around the whole concept. Yet, Professor Layton manages to do this in a way that's enticing, entertaining, and addicting, showing us that even the simplest ideas can become the best of games if handled properly.

Gallery: Professor Layton and the Curious Village

Continue reading DS Fanboy Review: Professor Layton and the Curious Village

JoystiqDS Fanboy Review: Professor Layton and the Curious Village originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurejoystiqfeatureslaytonlevel-5professor-laytonprofessor-layton-and-the-curious-villagepuzzleFri, 07 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Finding time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/ds-daily-finding-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/ds-daily-finding-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/ds-daily-finding-time/#commentsFiled under:

This blogger has spent the last few days boring the rest of the staff rigid about the wonders of Professor Layton and the Curious Village. The game has rapidly flown up my list of DS favorites, thanks in no small part to its charming, Miyazaki-esque art style, engaging story, and (of course) wonderful puzzles.

But here's another reason why I love this game: its length. It took me around ten or eleven hours to complete, which is just right. For me, Layton doesn't outstay its welcome, and it also happens to be the perfect fit for my schedule. Of course, now it's over, I'm clamoring for MOAR LAYTON, but I'll just have to be patient.

How about you? Are you the type of gamer who is happy to dedicate seventy or eighty hours to an RPG, or do you prefer games of Layton's size?

See also: 2008's Biggest Blips -- Professor Layton and the Curious Village

JoystiqDS Daily: Finding time originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredsdlaytonlevel-5puzzleThu, 28 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Professor Layton watching over GDC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-professor-layton-watching-over-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-professor-layton-watching-over-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-professor-layton-watching-over-gdc/#commentsFiled under:

Nintendo's absolutely relentless promoting of Professor Layton and the Curious Village has shown no signs of letting up at the ongoing Game Developers Conference.

Siliconera's Spencer Yip spotted this giant rotating projector advert for the game looming over the North Hall of the Moscone Center (the GDC venue), and also reports that nearby bus stops are sporting their fair share of Layton ads. It's great to see Nintendo's American arm being so supportive of the game -- here's hoping all of this hard work reflects in the sales figures!

JoystiqGDC08: Professor Layton watching over GDC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadvertisinggdc08gdc08fanboylaytonlevel-5puzzleFri, 22 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/11-2/17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-11-2-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-11-2-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-11-2-17/#commentsFiled under:

The DS reclaimed second place for hardware, managing to inch past the PSP on this week's chart. A bunch of new releases helped the handheld's sales, as fifteen of the top thirty games last week were DS titles.

Hardware:
  • Wii: 78,583
  • Nintendo DS: 62,362
  • PSP: 59,645
  • PlayStation 3: 17,637
  • PlayStation 2: 11,266
  • Xbox 360: 2,198
The top contender for the dual-screened portable last week was the Japanese dating sim, Tokimeki Memorial: Girl's Side 2nd Season, which beat everything except Smash Bros. and Wii Fit. Meanwhile, After-School Boy and Doraemon Baseball were knocked out of the top thirty, but remained in the top fifty (along with Rune Factory 2). Overall, though, it was a great software week for the DS. If you want to see why, check out the numbers after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/11-2/17

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/11-2/17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinganother-week-in-japandeath-notedigimon-championshipdqivdragon-quest-ivffivfinal-fantasy-ivfirst-of-the-north-stargirls-sidegirls-side-second-seasonjapankanji-brain-testlaytonmario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymedia-createmkdsnarutonew-super-mario-brosnsmbprofessor-layton-2salestaiko-drum-mastertokimeki-memorialwarriors-roadwild-worldFri, 22 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[More like Professor LOLton]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/more-like-professor-lolton/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/more-like-professor-lolton/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/more-like-professor-lolton/#commentsFiled under:



Oh, how we adore you, Professor Layton and the Curious Village. Not only are you one of the most distinguished DS games of the year so far, but you're also proving a rich source of inspiration for webcomic artists everywhere.

Penny Arcade's take on the Professor's adventure set our ROFLcopter in motion the other day, and our giggling continued after seeing 2P Start's answer to the biggest puzzle of all. Hit the break for the full (totally-safe-for-work) comic!

See also: 2008's Biggest Blips -- Professor Layton and the Curious Village

Continue reading More like Professor LOLton

JoystiqMore like Professor LOLton originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2p-startadventurecomichumorlaytonlegolevel-5puzzleWed, 20 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan gets to rent rare Professor Layton freebie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/japan-gets-to-rent-rare-professor-layton-freebie/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/japan-gets-to-rent-rare-professor-layton-freebie/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/japan-gets-to-rent-rare-professor-layton-freebie/#commentsFiled under: ,

Having recently wrapped up Professor Layton and the Curious Village, we've been left with nothing to do but curl up and gently rock ourselves in the corners of our bedrooms, pausing only to twitch or shake, and refusing to eat. We just can't hide it: we miss Professor Layton and its puzzley delights. In our less sane moments, we'd even tolerate more of Luke's inane simpering for just one more hit of puzzles about matchsticks, moving blocks, or sliding tiles.

So imagine how envious we felt when we learned that Japan is getting MOAR PROFESSOR LAYTON! No, not the sequels -- we already know about those, silly. Instead, Japanese gamers will soon be able to rent a compilation known as Level 5 Premium Gold from music rental specialists Tsutaya. This desirable collection contains demos of two Level 5 games -- football soccer RPG Inazuma Eleven and Professor Layton and the Devil's Box -- and, most thrillingly of all, a totally original Layton side story. Professor Layton and the Holiday in London features the good Professor in his London office, reflecting on his worldwide adventures with Luke, and solving a dozen new puzzles in the process.

More frustratingly still, this compendium was given away for free back at last September's Tokyo Game Show, under the name of Level 5 Premium Silver. This can only lead to one outcome: Professor Layton and the Ridiculously Pricey Ebay Auctions.

JoystiqJapan gets to rent rare Professor Layton freebie originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurejapanlaytonlevel-5puzzleswagTue, 19 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A spot of gentle persuasion for Professor Layton non-owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/a-spot-of-gentle-persuasion-for-professor-layton-non-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/a-spot-of-gentle-persuasion-for-professor-layton-non-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/a-spot-of-gentle-persuasion-for-professor-layton-non-owners/#commentsFiled under:



If our incessant bleating about the greatness of Professor Layton and the Curious Village hasn't already caused you to crack and buy the game, then we're hoping these videos might be the final straw. Featuring the first four puzzles from the game (conundrums that range from easy to fairly testing), they do a pretty good job of representing how difficult the game is.* Needless to say, these contain spoilers.

After the break: another two puzzles, and a direct-feed version of the intro to this marvelous game. You're weakening! Admit it! Give in to Professor Layton's puzzley pleasures!

* So long as you don't count that accursed puzzle featuring the dog made from matchsticks which is then run over.

See also: 2008's Biggest Blips -- Professor Layton and the Curious Village

Continue reading A spot of gentle persuasion for Professor Layton non-owners

JoystiqA spot of gentle persuasion for Professor Layton non-owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurelaytonlevel-5puzzleFri, 15 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Curious Villages and Nocturnal Swine edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/wrup-curious-villages-and-nocturnal-swine-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/wrup-curious-villages-and-nocturnal-swine-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/wrup-curious-villages-and-nocturnal-swine-edition/#commentsFiled under:


This week's releases had some high-profile games on offer for those of us in North America, most notably Professor Layton and the Curious Village and Barnyard Blast: Swine of the Night. Now, we don't have to tell you the appeal of these games (actually, we already have), so we'll just get down to the nitty-gritty: any of these games on your weekend agenda? If not, what will you be playing?


JoystiqWRUP: Curious Villages and Nocturnal Swine edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barnyard-blastlaytonprofessor-laytonFri, 15 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 working for a 2008 release of Dragon Quest IX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/level-5-working-for-a-2008-release-of-dragon-quest-ix/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/level-5-working-for-a-2008-release-of-dragon-quest-ix/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/level-5-working-for-a-2008-release-of-dragon-quest-ix/#commentsFiled under:

Square Enix and Level-5 have both previously been reticent about Dragon Quest IX, showing little and saying even less. In fact, the last we heard anything about a possible release period was back in August when it was delayed until 2008, except for Yoichi Wada's assurance of the game's progress. A delay like that won't happen again, according to Level-5 president Akihiro Hino. Hino told Famitsu that he set a goal for 2008 of finishing not only Dragon Quest IX, but the soccer RPG Inazuma Eleven, the third Professor Layton game, and White Knight Chronicles on the Playstation 3.

Hino also mentioned that Level-5 would announce a new RPG soon, also for release this year. It's the 10th anniversary of Level-5, and they're celebrating it with work.

JoystiqLevel-5 working for a 2008 release of Dragon Quest IX originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DQ9Dragon-QuestDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixinazuma-elevenJRPGlaytonlevel-5Nintendorpgsquare-enixFri, 15 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade and the Hilarious Comic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/penny-arcade-and-the-hilarious-comic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/penny-arcade-and-the-hilarious-comic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/penny-arcade-and-the-hilarious-comic/#commentsFiled under:

For the four people who don't check Penny Arcade three times a week: today's installment of the webcomic is about Professor Layton. Specifically, the tendency of pretty much everyone in the game world to have a pressing puzzle need that you must address before they are willing to have basically anything to do with you.

In the accompanying news post, Tycho refers to the game as a "logic opera," in that "every person you meet breaks into "puzzle" the way that viking ladies tend to break into song, out of nowhere, and now you're riddling out some jackhole's insane chicken scratches." It's a pretty astute way to describe the randomly puzzle-ful world of Layton.

In case you're not familiar with Penny Arcade, we'll warn you: there is adult language to be found! We mean "adult language" as in cursing, not talking about taxes or politics.

JoystiqPenny Arcade and the Hilarious Comic originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comiclaytonlevel-5penny-arcadepuzzleWed, 13 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Express your love for Professor Layton through Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/express-your-love-for-professor-layton-through-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/express-your-love-for-professor-layton-through-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/express-your-love-for-professor-layton-through-facebook/#commentsFiled under:



Whatever your opinion about social networking sites, one thing's for sure: they're hella popular. Somebody at Nintendo has clearly clocked onto this, because Professor Layton and the Curious Village now has its own Facebook page, along with screenshots, wallpapers, a trailer, and 220 friends at the time of writing (more than double the number acquired by this blogger in eight months). That's right: you can now have a game as a friend. And if we were going to cyberstalk befriend a game, we'd totally choose to be friends with a mysterious and clever one like Professor Layton.

See also: 2008's Biggest Blips -- Professor Layton and the Curious Village


[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqExpress your love for Professor Layton through Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecurious-villagefacebooklaytonlevel-5Professor-LaytonpuzzleWed, 13 Feb 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Professor Layton and the Curious Village]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/metareview-professor-layton-and-the-curious-village/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/metareview-professor-layton-and-the-curious-village/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/metareview-professor-layton-and-the-curious-village/#commentsFiled under:



We've been excited about Professor Layton and the Curious Village for some time now. With every new screenshot and video released, that excitement quickly grew into obsession, and then infatuation. Last Saturday night, we were barely able to sleep, scrunching our eyes tight shut whenever our mums would come and check on us, and bouncing on the bed in excitement when she left. But now -- joy! -- it's here! And it's really good! We know because these people told us so!

1UP -- 85%: 1UP reviewer Jeremy Parish felt that the game was more than the sum of its parts: "Admittedly, the game's puzzle and story elements likely wouldn't stand well on their own -- the puzzles are excellent but often rely on certain tricks of language that, once spotted, become transparent in subsequent iterations; the adventure game is unrepentantly simple and linear. The genius of Layton is that they don't stand alone. Instead, the two game types work together harmoniously, resulting in something altogether more entertaining than its base components."

GamePro -- 75%: GamePro's assessment, meanwhile, was slightly less glowing, criticizing the puzzles for being anywhere between laughably easy and horrendously hard. In the end though, they rather liked it: "For all its frustrations, Professor Layton does have its merits. The overall vibe of the game is charming and immensely likeable and the basic game mechanic is solid. There is also a ton of things to do: aside from the puzzles, there are other neat extras that I'll let you discover on your own. Even if the uneven difficulty robs the game of some of its fun and the slow, methodical pacing might lull some gamers to sleep, for puzzle lovers and brainy gamers, Professor Layton definitely has a lot to offer."

GameSpy -- 90%: GameSpy simply adored Level 5's game, praising the developer for going the extra mile with the storyline and game world: "Professor Layton and the Curious Village is an incredibly original and thoroughly entertaining addition to the Nintendo DS library. Level-5 could have easily packaged the puzzles into a barebones daily format and have ended up with a game that's as entertaining as the Brain Training series. Instead, Level-5 went the extra mile and wrapped these puzzles into a beautifully presented world inhabited by endearing characters amid a compelling murder mystery. The effort paid off."

JoystiqMetareview: Professor Layton and the Curious Village originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecurious-villagelaytonlevel-5professor-laytonpuzzleWed, 13 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Curious gamers enjoy Professor Layton's launch event]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/curious-gamers-enjoy-professor-laytons-launch-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/curious-gamers-enjoy-professor-laytons-launch-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/curious-gamers-enjoy-professor-laytons-launch-event/#commentsFiled under:


Click image to enlarge

Those that attended the launch party at the Nintendo World Store celebrating the release of Professor Layton and the Curious Village will likely find nothing of interest here. Actually, we're fairly certain you're playing the game right now, ignoring our blog posts in order to conquer the many puzzles found within the game. We don't blame you.

But, for those that enjoy seeing other people have fun playing DS, check out another snapshot taken from the event past the break. Looks like Nintendo had some extra swag laying around for the event ...

Will someone mail us a hat?

Continue reading Curious gamers enjoy Professor Layton's launch event

JoystiqCurious gamers enjoy Professor Layton's launch event originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>laytonprofessor-layton-and-the-curious-villageMon, 11 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS releases for the week of February 11th [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-february-11th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-february-11th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-february-11th/#commentsFiled under:

Of course the biggest news this week for the U.S. is Professor Layton and the Curious Village. Not only was it a hit in Japan, but it's a Nintendo-published game, and that always means news. Many of you are probably getting your Layt on right now.

In case you aren't into Layton or are just curious about the rest of the North American releases, the list also contains, well, one other game: an interesting dungeon hack-and-slash that recalls Hudson's Turbografx-16 days.

The release list is somewhat more populous in other regions. Europe in particular is getting treated to some worthy releases (found after the break).
  • Dungeon Explorer: Warriors of Ancient Arts
  • Professor Layton and the Curious Village
  • Barnyard Blast: Swine of the Night
[Update: Amazon says that Barnyard Blast is out this week as well!]

Continue reading DS releases for the week of February 11th [update]

JoystiqDS releases for the week of February 11th [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-explorerlaytonnewsreleasesrevenant-wingsMon, 11 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Downloadable Layton puzzle already available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/downloadable-layton-puzzle-already-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/downloadable-layton-puzzle-already-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/downloadable-layton-puzzle-already-available/#commentsFiled under: ,


Good news if you've already completed Professor Layton and the Curious Village: you're really good at puzzles. More good news for you: even though the game's been (officially) out for a day, new content is already waiting for you on Nintendo's servers. Nintendo is already making good on the downloadable puzzle feature. Between the early launch, the sequel news in the manual and the day-one DLC, it really seems like Nintendo has been accelerating the lifespan of this game.

However, there was similar content available in the Japanese version on release day. Also, it took a year to get the game here in the first place. That's not terribly speedy.

JoystiqDownloadable Layton puzzle already available originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredownloadlaytonlevel-5puzzleMon, 11 Feb 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton sequel already 'confirmed' for U.S.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/10/professor-layton-sequel-already-confirmed-for-u-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/10/professor-layton-sequel-already-confirmed-for-u-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/10/professor-layton-sequel-already-confirmed-for-u-s/#commentsFiled under: ,


Game | Life is reporting that the last page of the instruction manual for Professor Layton and the Curious Village, a game we're sure will hit American shores with the force of a malnourished hummingbird, reveals that the sequel (which is already available in Japan) will eventually head to the states. A password entry feature in the first game requires a code from the second game to unlock -- the American instruction manual confirms this, saying that the password "will be revealed in the sequel."

We're giddy like schoolgirls over Professor Layton, but if the first game doesn't sell in the U.S., can they really justify publishing a sequel for our unrefined store shelves? Well, other than the sequel we already have -- the Circuit City exclusive adventures of Professor Lipton, Professor Layton's long lost, yet incredibly refreshing second cousin.

JoystiqProfessor Layton sequel already 'confirmed' for U.S. originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredslaytonliptonmysterynintendoprofessorlaytonprofessorlaytonandthecuriousvillageSun, 10 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Layton manual reveals answer to the sequel question]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/10/layton-manual-reveals-answer-to-the-sequel-question/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/10/layton-manual-reveals-answer-to-the-sequel-question/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/10/layton-manual-reveals-answer-to-the-sequel-question/#commentsFiled under:


Even though Professor Layton and the Curious Village is only sort of out (as in it is just now officially coming out, but some people already shuffled on down to Wal-Mart and picked it up), a fairly official statement has already been made confirming the sequel. That's one major riddle solved!

The back page of the manual gives information about a password entry screen that is unlocked by ... playing the sequel! Which means that there's probably going to be a sequel. This isn't too much of a surprise since Professor Layton and the Devil's Box is selling really well in Japan, but it's certainly nice to have some confirmation of a localized version.

JoystiqLayton manual reveals answer to the sequel question originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurelaytonmanualpuzzlesequelSun, 10 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week In Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/28-2/3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-28-2-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-28-2-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-28-2-3/#commentsFiled under:

It's a sad day for the DS in Japan. As Media Create's hardware figures from last week were released, we found out that not only the Wii topped the DS (like the week before), but also the PSP managed to overtake the dual-screened handheld.

Hardware:
  • Wii: 94,473
  • PSP: 72,528
  • Nintendo DS: 67,472
  • PlayStation 3: 41,796
  • PlayStation 2: 12,115
  • Xbox 360: 6,060
According to Media Create, the DS only had one game in the top ten (Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games). That's not surprising, since there were many new releases on other systems, but it's far from the DS dominance that we're used to. Still, it was nice to see some low-key games like After-School Boy, Taiko Drum Master, and Doraemon Baseball getting love in Japan.

Check after the break to see the full list of software rankings from last week.

Continue reading Another Week In Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/28-2/3

JoystiqAnother Week In Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/28-2/3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>after-school-boyanimal-crossinganother-week-in-japandorabasedoraemon-baseballdqivdragon-quest-ivffivfinal-fantasy-ivjapanlaytonmario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymedia-createmkdsnepleagueprofessor-laytonprofessor-layton-2salestaiko-drum-masterwild-worldFri, 08 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton and the Amazing Review Swag]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/professor-layton-and-the-amazing-review-swag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/professor-layton-and-the-amazing-review-swag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/professor-layton-and-the-amazing-review-swag/#commentsFiled under:



Once the preserve of circus masters, Lord Snooty from The Beano, and Mandrake the Magician, the trusty top hat has now been adopted by another group: Nintendo DS game reviewers. This glitzy top hat, modeled after Professor Layton's own, was a freebie that came with Kombo's review copy of Professor Layton and the Curious Village.

Needless to say, we are burning with envy. Our lives would be significantly improved with a plain top hat, never mind one emblazoned with the good Professor's name. Go past the break for a shot of this fine item being shown off by smug Kombo editor Phillip Levin.

See also: 2008's Biggest Blips -- Professor Layton and the Curious Village

Continue reading Professor Layton and the Amazing Review Swag

JoystiqProfessor Layton and the Amazing Review Swag originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurehatlaytonlevel-5professor-laytonpuzzleswagFri, 08 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Eight glorious minutes of Professor Layton]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/eight-glorious-minutes-of-professor-layton/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/eight-glorious-minutes-of-professor-layton/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/eight-glorious-minutes-of-professor-layton/#commentsFiled under:



We're guessing that YouTuber wannabepunktony got lucky and grabbed himself an early copy of Professor Layton and the Curious Village from Wal-mart, three days before the game's official release.

wannabepunktony is no real punk, however. In fact, he's evidently a jolly conscientious chap, because instead of keeping Level 5's adventure game to himself (which is what we would do), he's generously filmed the first eight minutes of the game and stuck it up on YouTube, where we can all gaze at that quite lovely introduction sequence, while snickering quietly to ourselves at the "British" accents. Sir, you are our hero. At least until, y'know, we get the game ourselves.

See also: 2008's Biggest Blips -- Professor Layton and the Curious Village


[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqEight glorious minutes of Professor Layton originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurelaytonlevel-5Professor-LaytonpuzzleThu, 07 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wal-mart potentially breaking date on Professor Layton?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/wal-mart-potentially-breaking-date-on-professor-layton/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/wal-mart-potentially-breaking-date-on-professor-layton/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/wal-mart-potentially-breaking-date-on-professor-layton/#commentsFiled under:


Oh, Wal-Mart. Sure, we have to look out for falling prices and screaming children when we brave your fluorescent lights and giant parking lots, but we can almost always count on one of your stores, somewhere, breaking street date on a game. This time? It's the long-awaited, much-delayed Professor Layton and the Curious Village, so it seems somehow fitting that Wal-Mart may be releasing copies early. Yes, that's correct: they may be.

Here at DS Fanboy, we tried a few of our local stores, and they reported the game is not yet out, but it's apparently showing up as available on the store's website (though expedited shipping will cost you), and a commenter at GoNintendo reported that their local store has them and is planning on stocking them today. So take a chance and call your store if you're so inclined -- maybe you'll get lucky.

See also: 2008's Biggest Blips -- Professor Layton and the Curious Village
[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqWal-mart potentially breaking date on Professor Layton? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurelaytonlevel-5professor-laytonpuzzleWed, 06 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton and the Beautiful Backgrounds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/professor-layton-and-the-beautiful-backgrounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/professor-layton-and-the-beautiful-backgrounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/professor-layton-and-the-beautiful-backgrounds/#commentsFiled under:


Game|Life posted some new screens of the English version of Professor Layton, which look great. We're, of course, happy to see legible, sensible English text in the game, since dialogue is quite important to setting the tone of an adventure game (and also making it possible to tell what you're supposed to do in the puzzles). We've added the screenshots to our gallery, so if you can solve the puzzle of how to open the gallery, they're all yours! (Hint: click on the link with your mouse.)

Another important component to Layton's overall feel is the gorgeous, hand-drawn art, in a very European style and color scheme. Game|Life's update includes drawings of some of the game's environments in a much-better-than-DS resolution. There's a reason that Professor Layton is a constant bestseller in Japan, and this art ... probably isn't it, but it doesn't hurt. It's really very nice to have something pretty to look at while you're dying of puzzle-solving failure.



See also: 2008's Biggest Blips: Professor Layton and the Curious Village

JoystiqProfessor Layton and the Beautiful Backgrounds originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureartlaytonlevel-5puzzleWed, 06 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/21-1/27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-21-1-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-21-1-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-1-21-1-27/#commentsFiled under:


We apologize for being late with Japan's sales figures from last week, but when we saw the Wii overtake the DS, we needed a minute to recover. Our beloved handheld was pushed out of the top spot in Japan? If you need to see it to believe it:
  • Wii: 79,000
  • DS: 74,000
  • PSP: 61,000
  • PS3: 29,000
  • PS2: 11,000
  • Xbox 360: 4,200
That's right, folks. According to Famitsu's numbers, the DS was dethroned last week by Nintendo's other system, the Wii. We crosschecked the numbers with Media Create's figures just to be sure, which (to our relief) had the DS ahead by a smidge. Since both numbers are equally credible (we use Famitsu numbers because they come out first), we were glad to see that the Wii didn't triumph as a clear winner. Still, we came to realize something -- Super Smash Bros. Brawl just came out in Japan. Once the sales numbers for the game hit the charts (next week), the Wii will probably blow the DS (and every other system) out of the water.

The DS also slacked slightly in software (compared to previous weeks). While games for the handheld still littered the charts, they didn't dominate over other titles as much as usual. Doraemon Baseball (which we haven't heard much of since its debut) did jump up into the number eight spot, though, while Final Fantasy IV fell out of the top twenty completely. Also, Exit DS came out in Japan last week, starting its run with only 5,500 sales.

Check after the break to see the rest of the software sales for the week of 1/21.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/21-1/27

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/21-1/27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanchartdorabasedoraemon-baseballdqivdragon-quest-ivdriving-smash-side-kingexitfamitsuffivfinal-fantasy-ivjapanlaytonmario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymkdsprofess-laytonsalestennis-no-oukismaFri, 01 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2008's Biggest Blips: Professor Layton and the Curious Village]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/2008s-biggest-blips-professor-layton-and-the-curious-village/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/2008s-biggest-blips-professor-layton-and-the-curious-village/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/2008s-biggest-blips-professor-layton-and-the-curious-village/#commentsFiled under:


Developer: Level-5
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: February 10

If you weren't interested in Professor Layton from the get-go, there's a good chance that we've brainwashed you into thinking otherwise by now. With a beautiful art style, charming story, and challenging puzzles, how can you go wrong? This alluring adventure title has clearly won the hearts of many Japanese gamers, and there's a good chance that it will win yours over, too.

Solving a mystery and finding hidden treasures aren't simple tasks, though. During the game, you'll have to navigate your way through countless (if you can't count past 130, that is) puzzles, many of which will make you flex your brain muscles. Perhaps you're not up to the challenge.

We're trying to be nice here - what we really mean is, perhaps you're just too stupid to handle the puzzles that Layton will throw at you. Why waste your money on a game of crème brulee caliber when all you really deserve is a pixy stick?

Of course, since you're reading DS Fanboy right now, we can bet that you're probably MENSA material. That means we think you're ready to take on Professor Layton. Just in case, though, we've created a guide of ten ways to know that you're too dumb for Level-5's acclaimed adventure game. If any of these idiocies apply to you, you probably shouldn't be playing what will probably be one of the best games of 2008.

1. You live in a sideways house

There are some poor decisions that you can make in life, but living in a sideways house is probably one of the worst. It's not funny - it's dangerous.

2. You like to eat cats

It's no secret that those of us on the DS Fanboy staff love cats. We mostly enjoy the LOL kind, but members of the cute and regular variety are accepted around these parts as well. We don't love them enough to eat them, though. That's just wrong. And stupid. If you feel the need to feast on your feline, stay away from Professor Layton. Might we recommend Catz?

3. You need a dog to help you solve crimes

Man's best friend can be smart and helpful, but if a dog is smarter than you - that's when you know you're in trouble. Specifically, if a dog can trick you into accidentally hook-shotting a ham sandwich straight into its mouth, you shouldn't be solving crimes. There won't be a canine cop to help you out in Layton, so it's imperative that you haven't grown to depend on one.

4. You don't run away from pedophile horses

If there's one thing we've learned from our mothers, it's to stay away from horses wearing trench coats. They're just up to no good. Everyone knows what happens to girls and boys who aren't careful around such ponies ...

5. You are Carl Lewis

The bits with the old lady wearing the giant clown glasses in a hot tub say it all, don't you think?

6. You hire robots to do your chores

It may seem like a smart idea, but if you haven't learned your lesson about trusting robots from the Terminator movies yet, we really can't help you. You're clearly just too stupid.

7. You cut off your nipples, cast them in resin, and wear them in your ears

We're pretty sure evolution/God/other didn't put nipples in our ears for a reason. Why would you ever think that it'd be a good idea to do such a thing? Besides, how are you supposed to hear the voiced animated scenes in the game if you have nipples plugging up your ear canals?

8. You wear (or have worn) a head massager

If you can't solve the "what's the stupidest thing I could possible wear on my head" puzzle, how do you think you'll solve any of the puzzles in Professor Layton? Simple answer: you won't.

9. You don't read DS Fanboy

Let's face it. Some of the staff members at DS Fanboy aren't the brightest bulbs on the tree, or the sharpest tools in the shed, or whatever euphemistic metaphor you feel like using for calling them stupid. None of that changes the fact that DS Fanboy is a haven for those of us with unprecedented wit and talent. Also, reading this right now proves that condition #9 doesn't apply to you, so fear not -- you just may be smart enough for this game.

10. You don't love pugs

If your soul is so crusty and hardened that you can't find it in your heart to love pugs (or at least like them a little bit), Layton's cute visuals have no chance of charming you.

Where do you stand?
Did you manage to pass DS Fanboy's rigorous stupidity challenge? If so, then congratulations! Professor Layton is clearly the game for you. You're already well on your way to solving the mysteries left behind by Baron Augustus Reinhold (spoiler: no relation to Judge Reinhold).

If not, we're sorry. Perhaps by the time Professor Layton's sequel is localized, you'll have wised up.


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Joystiq2008's Biggest Blips: Professor Layton and the Curious Village originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>08blipsadventurecurious-villagelaytonlevel-5professor-laytonpuzzleMon, 28 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST