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When Professor Layton and the Curious Village landed on European iOS devices, it arrived without much fanfare. However, to the delight of both American and European players, the charm of Professor Layton's world captivated audiences, leading to a quicker port of the sequel.
Embarking on a globetrotting journey filled with puzzle enthusiasts, Professor Layton and his sidekick Luke weave through a world reminiscent of a British mystery novel. Layton, the quintessential English gentleman akin to Sherlock Holmes, pairs seamlessly with Luke, a Dickensian version of Doctor Watson. The Japanese game effortlessly conjures an atmosphere evoking the allure of a British murder mystery, making it a delight to immerse oneself in the captivating narrative.
The Professor's abstract adventures possess an endearing quality, akin to stumbling upon a beautifully illustrated children's book where the text morphs into an Agatha Christie murder mystery. This Japanese gem seamlessly blends youthful aesthetics with murder mysteries and mind-bending puzzles, resulting in a stunning gaming experience.
In Professor Layton and Pandora's Box, the story continues from the Curious Village, with the central focus now on a mysterious box rumored to be lethal to those attempting to open it. The Professor and Luke find themselves deeply involved in a murder case, unraveling the mystery as they travel aboard the classic Molentary Express.
While the combination of Brain Training and classic adventure games loses a bit of its impact the second time around, the game compensates with an abundance of puzzles—over 150 challenging ones covering logic, math, and more. The engaging story and diverse puzzles offer over ten hours of gameplay.
Hidden coins provide hints for puzzle-solving without penalties, and additional features like a camera, a hamster training camp, and mini-games enhance the overall experience. The charming graphics, heartfelt cutscenes, and improved voice quality contribute to the game's appeal. The return of harmonica-based café tunes adds a nostalgic touch, although players may choose to mute them.
The collaboration between creator Akihiro Hino and Professor Akira Tago results in hours of entertainment. However, the game's structure, where the adventure is written first and puzzles added later, occasionally feels like playing two separate games that don't always harmonize seamlessly.
The story progresses independently of puzzle-solving, with the motivation to unlock more puzzles driving players forward. Newcomers are cautioned about potential spoilers, as the game occasionally references the previous chapter.
Whether you're new to the mysteries of Professor Layton or a seasoned fan, Pandora's Box on iOS offers a compelling adventure that's well worth the journey. Don't miss out on this captivating experience—you won't regret following the professor on another thrilling escapade!
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