Professor Layton and the Curious Village

On February 10, 2008, a new game was released for Nintendo DS called Professor Layton and the Curious Village, a mixture of cuddly graphics and zany storyline where all you have to do is find an apple.

The storyline is deceptively simple, all you have to do is solve a few simple puzzles. Of course, you also have to deal with the villagers along the way. This game is made up of some of the most hair-pulling puzzles riddles and mysteries you have ever come across. Which may have you begging for mercy by the end. Look for the hidden coins or chat with the wacky villagers. With over 130 challenges you will definitely be exercising your brain. Located in the quaint village of St. Mystere, live a strange folk who just love puzzles. As the game begins, you set out on a great treasure hunt. The villagers are more then happy to assist you along your way, provided you are willing to solve their little puzzles first. Keep an eye out for the Angel. She can help when all seems hopeless. The game was created by Level 5, and is the first in the Professor Layton series. You embark upon a journey for the "Golden Apple" and must solve a wide variety of mysteries along your travels. The game is very well designed and the challenges range from teasers to sliders. You'll have to solve some puzzles just to unlock hidden parts of the village. As you solve puzzles, you can earn trinkets that will let you build a robot dog, make a portrait or even find furniture.

So if you like to exercise your noggin, then you really should look into this little gem. Unlike the shoot 'em up games, you feel like you really have accomplished something when you venture through this one.