Parents' Guide to

Professor Layton and the Curious Village

By Jinny Gudmundsen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Solve brainteasers to get clues to crack mystery.

Professor Layton and the Curious Village Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

Community Reviews

age 8+

Based on 4 parent reviews

age 8+

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Easy to play/use
age 2+

PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE CURIOUS VILLAGE: 94% - CERTIFIED FRESH!

One of the best video games available, Professor Layton and the Curious Village is a smart, yet action-packed, adventure.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (13 ):

While solving brainteasers may seem like a lot of work, it doesn't feel that way in this context. The professor encourages you and even lets you buy three hints per puzzle using coins you can find while hunting around the village. And since you are rewarded with a clue or other important information for solving puzzles, the mystery angle motivates you to keep tackling the puzzles.

Fascinating characters and outstanding graphics also contribute to this game's excellence. Professor Layton is a British chap who reminds you of Sherlock Holmes and his wide-eyed apprentice provides some comic relief because of his naiveté. The characters you meet in the village are all eccentric and fascinating. The game uses hand-drawn watercolor graphics and occasional fully voiced animations to create a whimsical style reminiscent of the animated film The Triplets of Belleville.

Game Details

  • Platforms: Nintendo 3DS , Nintendo DS
  • Subjects: Language & Reading : reading, reading comprehension, Math : algebra, estimation, patterns, probability, sequences
  • Skills: Thinking & Reasoning : logic, problem solving, solving puzzles, Creativity : brainstorming, developing novel solutions
  • Pricing structure: Paid
  • Available online?: Not available online
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release date: February 10, 2008
  • Genre: Puzzle
  • ESRB rating: E for Mild Violence
  • Last updated: May 13, 2021

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