The idea of developers dedicating resources to mobile versions of franchises is something I’ve long been against, but have slowly been warming up to. So, they might as well make something good.
Layton Brothers: Mystery Roomisn’t going to buck any trends. The production values are a significant step down, it safely distances itself from the main series entries, and it caters to a different audience. But, it still manages to contain that sameLaytoncharm and approach that makes the series so endearing.
For better or worse, Level-5 is choosing to make an originalLaytongame for iOS rather than port one from the DS. This may be a bit misleading, however, sinceMystery Roombegan as its own series in 2009, only to be rebranded as aLaytongame. Nevertheless, the game is sticking close to what the series does well with a European art style, a soothing jazz soundtrack, and puzzles that are way too tough to solve in a language you don’t understand.
Instead of following Hershel Layton,Mystery Roomfollows his sons and their apprentice (whom you choose out of two possible choices). The puzzles also seem to take a different approach. The demo contained a lengthy explanation of a murder scene followed by an interactive set where you turn and zoom in a camera to pick-up clues.
This all feels like a natural adoption of iOS’s touch controls, but it’s kind of gimmicky and not nearly as engaging as a good riddle. It’s kind of tooCSI: Layton Editionfor my taste.
Once you’ve gathered enough clues, you must decide which of the three suspects is guilty. I couldn’t follow the Japanese text, but I chose the fat, old lady because this is aLaytongame. Naturally, I was correct.
Mystery Roomlooks pretty sharp, but you won’t mistake it for a main entryLaytongame, especially the upcoming 3DS that look stunning (previews to come!). The game lacks that warm, hand-drawn look and the style and sound of the game feels closer to late ‘70s (if that makes any sense).
Maybe it’s a good thing that Level-5 is trying to branch off and make something new in theLaytonuniverse with its iOS debut, but it’s hard to get too excited when we have much better-looking, better-playingLaytongames on the way for 3DS.
Mystery Roomwill be available for download September 21 in Japan, but there are currently no plans for a US release.
