At Level-5’s September Vision 2024 Showcase, CEO Akihiro Hino revealed new details on the return of the Professor Layton series. The upcoming title, The New World of Steam is a brand-new adventure in America at the city of Steam Bison. His young assistant, Luke Triton requested him to visit for a new mystery.
“A Mystery For You And Me”
Professor Hershel Layton travels overseas to visit his assistant Luke Triton. The New World of Steam is set after the series’ third game, Unwound Future. Throughout the story, Luke mentions his family will be moving to America. After Unwound Future’s credits, a cutscene shows Luke boarding the cruise ship and sharing a crying moment with Hershel.
A year has passed by and Luke has made a name for himself despite his being in his teens. In The New World of Steam’s 2nd trailer, Luke has been solving mysteries around Steam Bison, earning the title ‘Detective’. This is due to the investigation training with Hershel during the first and second game trilogies.
His newest case now involves the mystery behind Steam Bison. Unsure where to start, Luke invites Hershel to help him. The trailer ended with two bullets shooting the viewer’s screen indicating the mastermind.
The Ghostly Gunslinger
On Sept. 24th, The New World of Steam’s Vision 2024 trailer shared details about its plot. Previously, Luke told Hershel to climb aboard his steamwalker as danger drew near. This looming threat surrounds a gunslinger who haunts Steam Bison, a ghost named King Gunman Joe.
Gunman Joe’s appearance is based on the Wild West cowboy. He wears a poncho with bullet sashes around his torso. His face is covered by his hairlocks and wide cowboy hat. Whatever case Luke is assigned to has attracted Gunman Joe, determined to stop him from finding the truth.
He tells Hershel and Luke to “not seek progress or a new world.” The professor does believe this gunslinger could be a human illusion. He based it on how Gunman Joe’s behavior toward Steam Bison’s city development to rely on steam energy. On one encounter, Gunman Joe causes an earthquake within the town’s perimeter. Whoever is behind the ghost’s act could have access to Steam Bison’s machinery.
Updated Gameplay and Visuals
Along with the mastermind is the updated point-and-click gameplay in the overworld. In Katrielle Layton and Professor Layton’s 3DS games, the backgrounds remained 2D while character sprites became 3D models. The travel system remained the same, transitioning from one area to another. Now utilizing the full 3D space, Level-5 uses arrows for the player to move to multiple areas within the same location.
All of the areas are now in full 3D making the character models feel at home. Players can either use the Nintendo Switch’s touchscreen to interact or use the controller. Puzzles on the other hand will require investing in a stylus for the notepad. Professor Layton games require notetaking for any puzzle solving.
The last gameplay feature is Coindar, a tiny robot assistant. These tiny inventions act as hidden item detectors. Coindar will help Hershel and Luke discover hidden puzzles and hint coins during their adventure. They are also perfect for those who want to complete the game at 100%.
A Promising Return
Professor Layton and The New World of Steam show a promising step to Level-5’s return to their American and European audiences. It holds relevance to the series’ Nintendo DS debut. The professor and his assistant have brought fans to a new location outside the United Kingdom. It’s refreshing to see the signature quirky character art is still intact. It’s only a matter of time until Level-5 announces an official 2025 release date.
For More Great Content
Craving top-tier content that covers it all? From electrifying sports highlights and insider entertainment news to expert gaming tips and sharp betting advice, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our curated articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the lowdown on gaming strategies that could level up your play. Plus, our betting advice will sharpen your edge and boost your chances of winning big.
Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, our content is your go-to source for all things exciting and relevant. Don’t miss out—explore now and power up your knowledge! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
