Professor Layton and the Lost Future DSi and DS Lite

Released on 22/10/2010

• More Professor Layton due this October

  Nintendo's gone announcement crazy today: it seems that we're getting a new Professor Layton game this October.

  According to the console giant, Professor Layton and the Lost Future will be hitting DSs on 22nd October in the UK. The third in the absolutely brilliant series, the game will come with 165 new brain-teasers, all wrapped up inside an exciting adventure story.

  Apparently, the Professor's latest case kicks off when he receives a mysterious letter from his sidekick Luke, which appears to have come from ten years in the future. The letter warns that London is going to suffer a terrible calamity, and only Layton can save the day.

  With more animated movies than the previous two games, the story promises unprecedented depth as you move around the London Underground and visit Chinatown. "Players will also be able to discover more about the Professor's mysterious past through flashbacks, as the story is revealed with full-motion animation sequences that will explain the secrets behind Professor Layton's lost lover and how he obtained his well-renowned hat," says the press release.

  Book October off, we reckon - if you like puzzle games, you're going to be busy.

• Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights coming to 3DS

  Konami has revealed it will be launching a puzzle adventure series on the new 3DS console this summer with the release of Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights.
  
  The game follows the adventures of the titular Doctor Lautrec, a surly and unorthodox archaeology professor in 19th century Paris whose brilliance at solving historical mysteries is counterbalanced by his sometimes immoral outlook on life.
  
  Paired up with an idealistic young student named Sophie, Lautrec embarks on a mystery-filled treasure hunt which sees him contest with criminal gangs and sabotage efforts by rival professors.
  
  Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights challenges players to solve complex riddles and object-related puzzles alongside Lautrec and Sophie as they move through a number of diverse locations.
  
  Konami promised that the scenes will be given extra life by the console's 3D capabilities, allowing gamers to scrutinise rich locations and enjoy impressive cartoon cinematics.
  
  The DS has become famous for puzzle adventures thanks to the success of games such as Professor Layton and the Lost Future from Nintendo, a trend that the 3DS will follow with the planned launch of new Layton adventures.

  Published: 21/01/2011

• Christmas Round-Up - 24th December 2010

  Was there ever any doubt that Activision Blizzard's Call of Duty: Black Ops would be this year's Christmas number one? Especially considering it's the sequel to last years Xmas best seller, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2...

  Well actually, for a few weeks, there was - because this year has seen the release of some real gaming crackers! Want to know which ones are the stars this Christmas? Here's the full top 10 - and not a turkey in sight...

   

  1. Call of Duty: Black Ops is an awe-inspiring package, featuring a single-player campaign packed with stunning set-pieces at every new corner. The intriguing plot masterfully strings together the globe trotting missions, each of which will blow you away. As if that wasn't enough it also features a refined multiplayer with unbeatable value.

   

  2. FIFA 11 is the definitive football video game experience. Just when we thought EA couldn't improve on FIFA 10 they introduce new nuanced animations and intricate touches of realism to a game that is already a visual marvel. The mechanics in FIFA 11 have received small tweaks that go a long way in providing added depth to the game, there are countless ways to score a goal and thanks to the introduction of playable goalkeepers, just as many ways to save a few.

   

  3. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit is a blisteringlyfast, endlessly fun, finely polished arcade racing game with no equal. Hot Pursuit has a racing model that feels weighty but still loose enough to provide that unique arcade feel. However, where it truly shines is in its online component. The Need for Speed Autolog is a fresh and effective take on online community that keeps racers coming back; hoping beat a few friends and perhaps make a few enemies.

   

  4. Just Dance 2 builds on the winning formula from the first game. The simple controls and fantastic selection of music make is easy for everyone to get involved, making it the social game of choice in households around the world this Christmas. Just Dance 2 comes packed with new gameplay modes such as duet mode, co-op and competitive play, making it the ideal Wii dance game.

   

  5. Assassin's Creed Brotherhood is the definitive open-world action game, Ubisoft's third console Assassin's Creed game has enough new content to take out the competition this Christmas. Picking up moments after the events of AC2, Brotherhood sees you take control of Ezio once again, and features a huge variety of side-quests, an intuitive new combat mechanic, sublime platforming and a fantastic new multiplayer mode that is unlike any other game on the market.

   

  6. Gran Turismo 5 sees the return of Sony's legendary simulation racing series to the most powerful video game console on the market, and it doesn't disappoint. GT5 builds on the success of the series by sticking close to the tried and true formula. However, the amount of content in the latest game is through the roof. With over one thousand cars available to drive, dozens of racetracks, special events and online multiplayer Gran Turismo 5 is one of the most feature-packed racing games of the year.

   

  7. Donkey Kong Country Returns is not only a worthy successor to the classic Donkey Kong platforming franchise, but also one worthy of the Nintendo seal of quality. Donkey Kong Country Returns is overflowing with impressively creative and imaginative worlds that constantly provide new and inventive gameplay experiences that demand the kind of quick reflexes and platforming precision that are a trademark of Nintendo platformers. If you thought New Super Mario Bros. was fun, wait until you play this.

   

  8. Medal of Honor faced danger head on by attempting to break into a market dominated by Call of Duty, and manages to do a good job of carving out its own fanbase. The game has tight shooting mechanics, takes place in an unusual but interesting setting and features characters that have unique personalities. Medal of Honor delivers in the multiplayer department too, since it's developed by DICE, the guys behind Battlefield: Bad Company 2, it's not one you can afford to miss.

   

  9. Wii Fit Plus encourages players to maintain a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise. The game makes getting fit fun by providing a variety of exercises with set goals for the player to achieve using its innovative balance board. With over 15 new balance games, six new strength training and a number of yoga activities you'll not only get fit but you'll also have fun doing it.

   

  10. Professor Layton and the Lost Future is easily one of the best games in the popular puzzle series. It wastes no time in getting to the good bits and immediately throws a series of creative puzzles at the player. Make no mistake, this game will require you to get your brain into gear but that won't take much convincing since the puzzles are masterfully woven into an intriguing time-travelling adventure that you'll want to see to the end.

  Published: 24/12/2010

• "Final adventure" for Professor Layton announced for 3DS

  Time may be running out for Professor Layton, that puzzle-loving sleuth who has enchanted gamers on an annual basis since 2007. In a Japanese press presentation, developer Level 5 has announced it's working on another game in the series due for release on Nintendo 3DS next year.

  Going by the rather unwieldy literal Japanese title of Professor Layton and the Legacy of Super Civilisation A, the plot for this game, the sixth in the series, apparently kicks off when someone contacts the professor claiming to have found a living mummy. Fans will be saddened to learn that the title, which will boast lots of new puzzles, is being described as "the final adventure" for the top-hatted hero.

  Worry not, however, as the lengthy translation process means we've still got the Prof's fifth outing to look forward to. Just as Japan was revealing its plans for his final outing, Nintendo's European operation confirmed it'll be launching Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle in UK shops on October 26th, also for Nintendo 3DS.

  Published: 30/08/2012

As a valued customer we now offer you the facility to sign up to email price alerts. Please enter the price you want to be, or below, and if drops to that level we will let you know...