"Professor Layton and The Curious Village"

Professor Layton and the Curious Village is a point and click mystery puzzle game that is driven by a story line. Originating in Japan, it made its way to the United States and can be played on any Nintendo system. The premise of the game is that a player completes new puzzles and this keeps the story line moving. With 120 puzzles in the story line, it is not only challenging but will keep the player occupied for a fairly decent period of time.

Basically the game starts out in a town called St. Mystere where the people love puzzles. As you work your way through the town you uncover clues and as you figure them out you receive a reward. Sometimes this is information while other times it is just a score, which is called a “picarats." As the player makes their way through the game, the puzzles get more difficult. If a player needs help, there is a hint mechanism to assist them as they play the game. To do this, players use hint coins which are hidden in the game.

Reviews of the game range from great to lousy yet all agree that while you are playing the game it is entertaining. The puzzles are not redundant and the story line is great, holding the players attention. There are enough twists and turns in the plot to keep the best mind wondering what is next. Like many new games, the creators have used up to date graphics and designs to keep this generation interested. Overall this game is intriguing and will keep a player wanting more.