Tokyo Game Show 2025

Puzzle-Solving in Steampunk America with Professor Layton

It's been eight years since a new Professor Layton game appeared on a Nintendo system. But that eight-year wait feels like it was worth it with the latest installment of the Professor Layton series, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam. Exhibited at Tokyo Game Show 2025, the demo for the game introduces players to a whole new mystery for the Professor to solve through the usual cache of puzzles. Also returning is the wonderfully distinct art style, but now with more steampunk.

Taking place one year after the events of Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, we see titular Professor Hershel Layton arrive at the fictional city of Steam Bison, America. Powered by advanced steam engines, the city has surpassed London in technological development. In this backdrop, the Professor must solve new mysteries in Steam Bison along with his protégée, Luke Triton.

It is in this setting that we're first dropped into the world of Professor Layton and the New World of Steam. This seems like a bit of a lackluster opening for the game, but in fact, we're given a pseudo in media res opening where Luke is being chased by some thugs. This leads into the more subdued opening with the Professor arriving in Steam Bison. It's a fun little opening to the game, or at least the demo, and hammers home the excitement of seeing the broader story and mysteries unfold.

This is about the extent of the narrative content seen in the Professor Layton and the New World of Steam demo at the Tokyo Game Show. However, the ending is what will have new and returning players excited to play the game. A steampunk walker chase between Luke and the Professor and the aforementioned thugs.

Of course, the charm of the Professor Layton series also lies in the gameplay--or, in this case, the numerous puzzle mini games. The Professor Layton and the New World of Steam demo only showcased three different puzzles and seemed to highlight the kinds of puzzles players will encounter during normal gameplay. These include logic puzzles, point and click puzzles, and puzzles using context clues. They're all fun to engage with and make me want to see what the full game has to offer. I will say, though, it's best to approach the game when you are well rested, as some of the puzzles are more taxing than others.

Also returning to the series is the familiar and distinct art style, only with a steampunk aesthetic. Fans and non-fans alike can easily distinguish the characters thanks to the wonderful Level-5 designs. Add on top of this technology we associate with steampunk, i.e., steam power zeppelins, bi-pod walkers, cars, and late Victorian (though mixed with American) designs. It gives Professor Layton and the New World of Steam a new perspective on the game's world.

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam is a game fans of the series will want to pick up. It features many of the elements fans of the Professor Layton series expect, but in a totally new setting. Also, new fans needn't worry, as you don't need much background for the characters or setting. It's laid out for you at the beginning of the game. Professor Layton and the New World of Steam is set to release in October 2025.