In the world of Professor Layton, the only way to get past the hordes of mailmen, mad dogs, and other crazed denizens that block your path is by solving fiendish brain bending puzzles. In this follow-up to last year's curious adventure, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box continues the top-hatted adventurer's story as he once again investigates a suspicious murder and explores other mysterious goings on.In most respects, the Diabolical Box isn't much different than the Curious Village. The sequel maintains the same sepia-tinged, European art style, soothing puzzle music, and excellent voice work of the original. But this new adventure introduces a whole new slew of puzzles, and plenty of extra diversions in the Professor's suitcase. While the Curious Village limited you to building a mechanical dog and decorating your hotel room, Diabolical Box lets you put together a camera piece-by-piece, make various teas, and help an overweight hamster get in shape.
The extras add even more encouragement to seek out and solve each little puzzle, since some reward you with items like new camera parts and workout motivators for the hamster. But, like before, you don't have to worry about getting in a hurry and leaving puzzles behind. Granny Riddleton returns to sweep up any puzzles you miss and store them in her shack for you to finish later. No matter where the game takes you, you always have a chance to visit Granny and collect the puzzles you miss.
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And collecting all of the Picarats (the game's reward for solving puzzles correctly) earns you even more bonuses this time around, with one piece of unlockable content that's only available after collecting 4,500 of the miniature medallions. Though Nintendo hasn't talked about it yet, the game's menu also has a spot for downloadable puzzles. So, once again, you'll be able to connect to the Internet and nab even more riddles, if the game's already hefty assortment isn't enough to satiate your puzzle-solving lust.
Too many other quality Japanese titles, like Yakuza 3 and Retro Game Master 2, haven't made it to the States, so it's exciting that Diabolical Box is on its way here. Layton followers don't have much longer to wait either, as the game's set to release on August 24. Hopefully, it will sell well enough to bring its already-out-in-Japan sequel, Professor Layton and the Last Time Travel, State-side as well.
Overall, the game is just an excuse to solve puzzles wrapped loosely around a murder mystery story, but searching out and solving those puzzles is almost as addictive as trying to get the right answer the first time. If you think the only way to solve the world's problems is by staring down the sights of an automatic rifle, Layton may not be your cup of tea. But if you're looking for an adventure game that works great on the DS, then Diabolical Box should be on your short list of must-have Fall releases.
Source: 1UP