Posted on 2nd Nov 2011 @ 4:48 AM

1. Introduction

Like all Layton games, Last Specter is a puzzle game/point-and-click adventure hybrid. The story follows a much younger Layton as he unravels a mystery involving a series of attacks at the hands of a frightening specter. It introduces players to the quaint, quirky town of Misthallery - a colorful character in its own right. Layton, his mysterious new assistant Emmy and his constant companion Luke must traverse every corner of this place to unravel the secret of the specter before it wreaks irrevocable damage on this small, quiet town.

Last Specter gives players the opportunity to learn how Layton and Luke first crossed paths - a wonderful bit of insight for fans of the franchise. The way the mystery unfolds this go round is quite impressive. Well-paced and clever, with plenty of twists and turns, I was enthralled right up until the very end.

Every inch of this game was thoughtfully and expertly put together. The graphics, which make use of a cartoony yet beautifully detailed, painterly art style, are simply gorgeous. The characters are delightful and well-developed as well, and the multitude of personalities littered throughout Misthallery go a long way in making this world feel real, and in turn making the danger feel immediate. Even the soundtrack is whimsical and haunting, setting a tone of mystery and charm that lasts the whole adventure through. All this, paired with a brilliant balance between story and gameplay, results in Last Specter representing the best Layton has to offer.

2. Gameplay

Last Specter offers a wide range of activities. The main game boasts almost 200 puzzles, some that you'll encounter along the way and some which are hidden throughout the world. Though a handful may be reminiscent of past Layton brain teasers, they each still have their own twist and challenge. Overall the puzzle quality is top-notch, providing plenty of head scratchers for puzzle lovers to unravel. If you choose to avoid hints to raise your number of Picarats (the Layton equivalent of points, which you earn more of by solving puzzles correctly the first try and not using hint coins).

Besides, the game provides plenty of reasons to click around and explore each of the many environments, as doing so yields hint coins, hidden puzzles and obscure items for your collection. I became addicted to clicking every square inch of every new area I entered, lest I miss a secret. Hint coins, though not anything new in Layton games, they're still a great way to encourage players to interact with the environment.

If you're looking for value, few other games have this much to offer. In addition to a lengthy and engaging main game, there are also a host of mini-games, as well as a 100 hour RPG - all completely optional and additional to the main adventure. The mini-games, each with their own puzzle spin, each have several levels or components that must be unlocked as you play through the main game, and they each bring their own unique challenge to the table.

From top to bottom, this is the most expertly put-together Layton game in the series. From the gripping, touching story to the challenging puzzles to the insane amount of extras - this is inarguably the definitive Layton experience. Even if you missed the Layton boat the first three times, as a prequel Last Specter marks an ideal place for newcomers to jump in. All DS and 3DS owners should take it upon themselves to play this game.

After all, as Layton himself says… every puzzle has an answer.