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Dive into a vibrant world filled with delightful puzzles and mind-bending intrigue! When Professor Layton travels to the festive city of Monte d’Or to investigate a series of terrifying incidents, he must search his past in order to stop a shadowy villain. Mind the clues and puzzle your way to finding the truth that lurks behind the mystery of the Masked Gentleman!
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Fun:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Professor Layton received a letter from an old friend, Angela Ledore, that he haven't seen in 18 years. In her town of Monte d'Or, a mysterious man called "The Masked Gentleman" have been creating havoc, by turning people to stone and burning people alive. But there was more than meets the eye and by using his deductive puzzling skills and delving into his own past, the mystery of the "Mask of Chaos" can be finally be solved.
There are a few things to note that are slightly different from its DS counterpart:
1) The characters are now outlined 3D figures on the screen. They are now moving! It can be a bit awkward though. Their outlines are jagged and wholly incomplete. But the background is superbly done. Even without using the 3D function, you can still gain an illusion of distance and movement. I still kind of preferred the 2D graphics but these new graphics have their charm.
2) It was easier to find things on screen. Remember tapping the screen all over the place to find 3-4 hidden hint coins? Now, that pain is over. There is a magnifying glass function that you use on the screen to search for clues. When it turned orange, there were either hint coins, comments, character interactions or puzzles. So there is less chance of missing anything.
3) There are a couple of parts of the games that are not exactly puzzles per se. At the beginning, you are chasing down the Masked Gentleman on horseback. You have to dodge barrels by moving side to side. The other will occur in chapter 6. Similar to Dr. Lautrec, Layton navigated an underground labyrinth, while avoiding ancient mummies and solving puzzles, to find the final goal. The creators were definitely trying to add an element of role-play.
4) And a slight difference is the navigation screen. This time around, you will have a map on the bottom screen that have location points. Instead of using arrows on the side of the screen, you hit the locations points. Instead of just hitting characters on screen right away to talk to them, you will have to use the magnifying glass to do so. If you want to move again, you have to exit back onto the map. Even after finishing the game, I still haven't gotten use to this new feature.
5) In the Layton games, there are always different mini games located in the briefcase:
a) Robot - There will be obstacle courses and with a maximum of 30 steps, you have to navigate a way for your robot to reach the designated red square.
b) Store - You will be given a 6-10 items to place on shelf. You have the place these items in a certain order so that a customer will impulsively buy it all.
c) Rabbit - Luke rescued an adorable rabbit from the circus. It wants to go back but the ringmaster will only take it back when it works really hard and learn new tricks. Luke will teach the rabbit some new moves and used these skills in a play.
Hooray for the long awaited return of our beloved Professor Layton. The plot and puzzles still maintained the utmost quality to tease your brain. For the returning fans of Layton, you will not be disappointed with the mystery and the difficulty and variety of the puzzles. And I noticed that the puzzles appeared to be more interactive than just calculating and writing down an answer this time around. You will be using your stylus a bit more. The only learning curve is getting use to the new controls. It can get annoying when you forget you're still in magnifying mode and vice versa.
The plot was decent. It lacked the mysteriousness of the previous games. I'm usually slow on the uptake and I pretty much figured out the tricks and 'miracles' right from the start. So, there wasn't that elusive twist that I usual expect from a Layton game. I even figured out the villain with apparent ease. However, the ending was great. It brought a tear to my eye. What an amazing ending that shows the power of love, friendship and loyalty. Also, there will be a FMV that will reveal a new villain that may put Layton to the test in future games.
For first timers, you are Professor Layton. Your help is needed in solving a strange mystery that revolves around a town. You will talk to people scatter throughout the town for clues but you won't get these easily. You will have to solve a puzzle to earn them. You earn picarats for each puzzle depending on the difficulty. Picarats are mostly used for the bonus section. If you are having problems, there are 3 hints and 1 super hint. I suggest using them sparingly since you have a limited amount of hint coins (I accrued 245). However, a few of the puzzles can be still be difficult and an online guide is pretty helpful. As you gather clues and solve puzzles, you get closer to solving the mystery. Should you play the other games before? You should, but not necessary. You still will enjoy the plot without knowing the other games. But it does help with the history of guest characters and inside jokes.
The voice actors were the same and perfect in their roles as usual. There was a nice amount of dubbed scenes. The music is nostalgic but not memorable. I managed to finish the main game within 18 hours. And there is an additional 10-20 hours of extra puzzles to solve and bonuses to see. Layton and puzzle fans will find another winner in "Miracle Mask." If you are not into puzzles, then I don't think you should start here. If you are currently a fan of Layton's or just into mindbending games, pick this up. You won't be disappointed. I really got into this game and definitely couldn't put it down. The only reason I gave this game a 4 star was that the plot was predictable, navigation was an issue and maybe the puzzles were a tad easier. However, the game offered me hours of entertainment. Another win from Level-5. Can't wait for the next one.
There are a few things to note that are slightly different from its DS counterpart:
1) The characters are now outlined 3D figures on the screen. They are now moving! It can be a bit awkward though. Their outlines are jagged and wholly incomplete. But the background is superbly done. Even without using the 3D function, you can still gain an illusion of distance and movement. I still kind of preferred the 2D graphics but these new graphics have their charm.
2) It was easier to find things on screen. Remember tapping the screen all over the place to find 3-4 hidden hint coins? Now, that pain is over. There is a magnifying glass function that you use on the screen to search for clues. When it turned orange, there were either hint coins, comments, character interactions or puzzles. So there is less chance of missing anything.
3) There are a couple of parts of the games that are not exactly puzzles per se. At the beginning, you are chasing down the Masked Gentleman on horseback. You have to dodge barrels by moving side to side. The other will occur in chapter 6. Similar to Dr. Lautrec, Layton navigated an underground labyrinth, while avoiding ancient mummies and solving puzzles, to find the final goal. The creators were definitely trying to add an element of role-play.
4) And a slight difference is the navigation screen. This time around, you will have a map on the bottom screen that have location points. Instead of using arrows on the side of the screen, you hit the locations points. Instead of just hitting characters on screen right away to talk to them, you will have to use the magnifying glass to do so. If you want to move again, you have to exit back onto the map. Even after finishing the game, I still haven't gotten use to this new feature.
5) In the Layton games, there are always different mini games located in the briefcase:
a) Robot - There will be obstacle courses and with a maximum of 30 steps, you have to navigate a way for your robot to reach the designated red square.
b) Store - You will be given a 6-10 items to place on shelf. You have the place these items in a certain order so that a customer will impulsively buy it all.
c) Rabbit - Luke rescued an adorable rabbit from the circus. It wants to go back but the ringmaster will only take it back when it works really hard and learn new tricks. Luke will teach the rabbit some new moves and used these skills in a play.
Hooray for the long awaited return of our beloved Professor Layton. The plot and puzzles still maintained the utmost quality to tease your brain. For the returning fans of Layton, you will not be disappointed with the mystery and the difficulty and variety of the puzzles. And I noticed that the puzzles appeared to be more interactive than just calculating and writing down an answer this time around. You will be using your stylus a bit more. The only learning curve is getting use to the new controls. It can get annoying when you forget you're still in magnifying mode and vice versa.
The plot was decent. It lacked the mysteriousness of the previous games. I'm usually slow on the uptake and I pretty much figured out the tricks and 'miracles' right from the start. So, there wasn't that elusive twist that I usual expect from a Layton game. I even figured out the villain with apparent ease. However, the ending was great. It brought a tear to my eye. What an amazing ending that shows the power of love, friendship and loyalty. Also, there will be a FMV that will reveal a new villain that may put Layton to the test in future games.
For first timers, you are Professor Layton. Your help is needed in solving a strange mystery that revolves around a town. You will talk to people scatter throughout the town for clues but you won't get these easily. You will have to solve a puzzle to earn them. You earn picarats for each puzzle depending on the difficulty. Picarats are mostly used for the bonus section. If you are having problems, there are 3 hints and 1 super hint. I suggest using them sparingly since you have a limited amount of hint coins (I accrued 245). However, a few of the puzzles can be still be difficult and an online guide is pretty helpful. As you gather clues and solve puzzles, you get closer to solving the mystery. Should you play the other games before? You should, but not necessary. You still will enjoy the plot without knowing the other games. But it does help with the history of guest characters and inside jokes.
The voice actors were the same and perfect in their roles as usual. There was a nice amount of dubbed scenes. The music is nostalgic but not memorable. I managed to finish the main game within 18 hours. And there is an additional 10-20 hours of extra puzzles to solve and bonuses to see. Layton and puzzle fans will find another winner in "Miracle Mask." If you are not into puzzles, then I don't think you should start here. If you are currently a fan of Layton's or just into mindbending games, pick this up. You won't be disappointed. I really got into this game and definitely couldn't put it down. The only reason I gave this game a 4 star was that the plot was predictable, navigation was an issue and maybe the puzzles were a tad easier. However, the game offered me hours of entertainment. Another win from Level-5. Can't wait for the next one.
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Fun:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I thought the first one was a timeless classic and the best of the series. I have completed all of the Layton games completely. I have enjoyed all of them - fun stories and great puzzles to solve - as good as adventure games get. This game is my favorite now - even over the first one which is almost perfect. This game has 3D graphics which make it more enjoyable and a bit different from the previous ones. Also much more voice acting as well.
The same qualities that make a Layton game a Layton game are still here however - beautiful hand drawn graphics and interesting characters to meet and interact with. So, if you loved any of the DS Layton outings, you'll love this one - better graphics, more voice acting and the best story since The Curious Village - all in 3D too - just the perfect mix for Layton's first 3DS outing.
The same qualities that make a Layton game a Layton game are still here however - beautiful hand drawn graphics and interesting characters to meet and interact with. So, if you loved any of the DS Layton outings, you'll love this one - better graphics, more voice acting and the best story since The Curious Village - all in 3D too - just the perfect mix for Layton's first 3DS outing.
19 of 22 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Layton and Luke on 3DS looks amazing, but controls are less than ideal
October 30, 2012
By D. Snow
Amazon Verified Purchase
Fun:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is the first Professor Layton game that is exclusively for the 3DS, and it looks amazing. The 3DS upper screen has about twice the pixels of the DS and DSi, resulting in sharp vibrant graphics, and noticeably better text as well. The 3D effects are also well done.
The graphics, cut scenes, voice acting and music are all first-rate, as we have come to expect from Professor Layton games.
I'm about 20 puzzles in and having a great time, except one complaint concerning the controls.
With older Layton games, you would touch the stylus on objects and people on the lower screen to interact with them. Now, the people and street scenes are shown on the upper screen, and the lower screen shows a grey rectangle where you have to DRAG the stylus around to move a pointer or magnifying glass on the upper screen.
So on every street scene you encounter, to look for coins and secret puzzles, you have to DRAG the stylus all over the grey rectangle on the lower screen. This is tedious and I fear could damage the lower touch screen over time.
It would have been much better to use the analog stick to move the cursor around the upper screen. Or at least the option to do so would have been nice.
So far I have encountered two puzzles that also require the stylus, but would have been MUCH better with the analog stick instead.
For example, in one puzzle you have to pursue someone thru the streets on horseback, frequently avoiding obstacles and taking the correct fork in the road. With the stylus this is sketchy, but the analog stick would have been perfect.
Another puzzle shows a 3D corn-on-the-cob with kernels missing, forming a maze on the surface of the cob. You have to guide one ladybug thru the maze to locate her friend. This looks very cool in 3D and requires the stylus for direction control. Again, the analog stick would have been MUCH better for this.
Those are my only complaints, in all other respects the game is great and the hi-res screens and 3D effects really make this Professor Layton game stand out!
The graphics, cut scenes, voice acting and music are all first-rate, as we have come to expect from Professor Layton games.
I'm about 20 puzzles in and having a great time, except one complaint concerning the controls.
With older Layton games, you would touch the stylus on objects and people on the lower screen to interact with them. Now, the people and street scenes are shown on the upper screen, and the lower screen shows a grey rectangle where you have to DRAG the stylus around to move a pointer or magnifying glass on the upper screen.
So on every street scene you encounter, to look for coins and secret puzzles, you have to DRAG the stylus all over the grey rectangle on the lower screen. This is tedious and I fear could damage the lower touch screen over time.
It would have been much better to use the analog stick to move the cursor around the upper screen. Or at least the option to do so would have been nice.
So far I have encountered two puzzles that also require the stylus, but would have been MUCH better with the analog stick instead.
For example, in one puzzle you have to pursue someone thru the streets on horseback, frequently avoiding obstacles and taking the correct fork in the road. With the stylus this is sketchy, but the analog stick would have been perfect.
Another puzzle shows a 3D corn-on-the-cob with kernels missing, forming a maze on the surface of the cob. You have to guide one ladybug thru the maze to locate her friend. This looks very cool in 3D and requires the stylus for direction control. Again, the analog stick would have been MUCH better for this.
Those are my only complaints, in all other respects the game is great and the hi-res screens and 3D effects really make this Professor Layton game stand out!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love it!
This is an excellent Layton game, and I love the updated graphics for the 3DS! It was very exciting to see them make the switch from flat character drawings to 3D models.
Published 14 hours ago by Stephanie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome
I really enjoyed this game and I like that I can get a game a day for another year, too!
The storyline was neat, taking the prof. Read more
The storyline was neat, taking the prof. Read more
Published 5 days ago by C. Easlick
2.0 out of 5 stars
The miracle mask
Definately not as good as previous Layton series. Not worth purchasing the Nintendo 3ds just to play a predicable game with obscure puzzles.
Published 9 days ago by Floyd L. Connelly
3.0 out of 5 stars
From a newbie to the series
I bought this game for my wife after trying some of the puzzles on one of the previous Layton games for DS. A friend had originally suggested it for us since we love logic puzzles. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Jiageng Xu
5.0 out of 5 stars
Professor Layton rides again
The fifth installment, and they keep getting better. More puzzles and now the 3DS attributes are needed in solving some. Read more
Published 24 days ago by Murchuda
5.0 out of 5 stars
Predictable, yet amazing as always
The new style took some getting used to but a few hours in you realize it's something of an improvement, the game makes excellent use of the 3D and even incorporates it into the 2D... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Julian Chelo
4.0 out of 5 stars
My first Layton game :D
I received this game for free from Club Nintendo in a promotion they were having. You could get a free 3DS game when you bought a 3DSXL and Mystery Dungeon/Luigi's Mansion. Read more
Published 1 month ago by KC
4.0 out of 5 stars
Intriguing but long winded
This game like the others are full of puzzles, success of each gives the player a sense of accomplishment and brain use. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Hannah
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Game
I love Professor Layton, and Miracle Mask is no different. It was a bit strange to see the characters 3D modeled, but I think it adds a lot in terms of exploring and scenery.
Published 1 month ago by Meh
5.0 out of 5 stars
My Daughter Loves Professor Layton
She asks for the latest game every Xmas, so I assume they're fun to play. Don't know from playing it myself, just guessing.
At least she still uses her 3DS on occasion.
At least she still uses her 3DS on occasion.
Published 1 month ago by Mark E. Stenroos
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