Professor Layton and the New World of Steam first impressions

We had the incredible opportunity to demo Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, the highly anticipated next chapter in Level 5's iconic Professor Layton series. Fans of the franchise have been buzzing with excitement, and after getting a sneak peek, it's clear why.

This release is particularly exciting because, for a long time, many believed the main series had come to an end. The original Professor Layton saga, which began on the Nintendo DS, featured six games— the original trilogy and a prequel —each starring the brilliant professor, his trusted assistant, and a cast of fascinating characters. With its intricate puzzles, deep storylines, and beautifully animated cutscenes, the series built a loyal fanbase. The final main series entry on the 3DS seemingly closed the book on the professor’s adventures, leaving fans nostalgic for more.

However, Level 5 didn't entirely leave the Layton world behind. After the 3DS era, they experimented with smaller projects, including a mobile game that, while enjoyable, didn’t quite capture the same magic of the original games. Their next major release, Layton’s Mystery Journey, shifted the spotlight to Professor Layton’s daughter, Katrielle, for a new story on the Nintendo Switch. This game, however, departed from the style of the original series by adopting an episodic format, with easier puzzles and standalone mysteries that didn’t build upon each other like the core Layton stories. Though it had its charm, many felt it lacked the depth and intricate plotlines that made the main series so loved.

But now, to the delight of fans everywhere, Level 5 is returning to the roots of the series with a brand-new Layton-centric game, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam. This marks the professor’s first proper return since the series was thought to be complete, and the hype surrounding it is undeniable.

From the moment we started the demo, it was clear that this game is a labor of love. The world of The New World of Steam immediately draws you in with its steampunk-inspired setting. The game retains the franchise’s signature art style, combining the familiar visuals fans have come to adore with a fresh, mysterious new environment. The aesthetic feels both nostalgic and innovative, a perfect blend for long-time fans and newcomers alike.

The puzzles—always a core element of the series—remain delightfully challenging. During our demo, we tackled a variety of puzzles, some of which took our team quite a few attempts to crack. In fact, one particularly tricky puzzle kept Susan, one of our team members, retrying until she finally had her eureka moment! These brain teasers are developed in collaboration with QuizKnock, a platform founded by Takuji Izawa, which mixes education with entertainment. Their involvement ensures that the puzzles aren't just fun, but also intellectually stimulating, continuing the series' tradition of encouraging players to learn while they play.

What truly sets The New World of Steam apart is how it reintroduces the deep, story-driven elements that fans loved in the original series. The demo teased a plot full of mystery and intrigue, reminiscent of the twists and turns we’ve come to expect from a Layton adventure. Exploring the world, interacting with its characters, and solving the many mysteries scattered throughout the game promises to be a richly immersive experience.

This return to form for Professor Layton has us more excited than ever. While the demo offered only a taste, it was more than enough to leave us eagerly anticipating the full release. Every element, from the art style to the music to the puzzles, feels like a grand tribute to the series’ legacy, while introducing enough new features to keep things fresh.

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam is set to release on the Nintendo Switch in 2025, and we can confidently say the anticipation is justified. After years of wondering if we’d ever see another mainline Layton game, fans can rejoice—the professor is back, and his next adventure looks better than ever.