Uses thinking.

My kids and I love this game! It is top-notch in all areas. The graphics and videos are excellent. Professor Layton is a "gentleman" and he regularly reminds his young apprentice, Luke, how gentlemen are to behave. The story is well-written and engaging. The puzzles are plentiful, fun, and very challenging. Younger children may become frustrated by their difficulty, but you can use hint coins to get clues. The music is beautiful. In fact, my son was motivated to learn to play the violin by this game! We just bought the sequel and will share my review of that one when I've had a chance to play it.

I loved this game!! Can't wait to play the second!!

This game is very well-made with tons of puzzles and an interesting story of mystery and intrigue that just about anyone can enjoy. A lot of puzzles are the types that you either see it or you don't and/or where thinking outside the box is rewarded. Odds are, if you are using a paper and pencil to keep track of things, you're doing it wrong. Once you find the solution, the puzzle seems easy and you wonder how it took you 15 minutes to figure out and during those 15 minutes you will probably be tempted to look for the answers online, but if you manage to figure it out yourself, you feel a nice sense of accomplishment. Some of the puzzles may be too difficult for some ages, but most of it can be handled all right (those 15 minute ones aren't too common). Also, those with a wi-fi connection can download puzzles that are added weekly. You get a lot of mileage for the cash with more than 130 puzzles and the prospect of downloading more, so if you want to give your brain a challenge, but don't want any more sudoku or crossword games, this is the game for you.

I loved this game. It might be a little hard for soem of the younger kids or those that don't think analitically all the time, but if you need any help they have the answers online.

I love how cute the animation is on this game, just like Miyazaki's Spirited Away, and the puzzles are really fun. adults, you say the murder is to intense? Well, for some kids it would be. But overall, great game, terrific time spent playing it. I was sad when I was done. P.S there is a code in the manual that lets you see what happened after Flora was saved.

The puzzles are great. My 9 year old loves them but the "murder" was too intense for her. I played the game and really enjoyed it. I promised her there really was not a murder. I am not sure she will appreciate the way the story ends though. I think 9 is too young but it is great fun for an adult!