I started playing Professor Layton and the Curious Village on February 10th. It is now the 20th. I awoke to find my face covered in blood, a pen in my hand…and this letter in front of me. It reads:
Dear Mummy,
It’s only been a day since Professor Layton asked me to travel with him to St. Mystere, and already we’ve had a day full of adventure! I really hope we can solve the riddle of the hidden Golden Apple. It would be such a treat! This town is so strange, and full of the most unique people I’ve ever seen. With huge noses and disproportionate heads. It’s all very strange!
On our very first day here, we went to go meet our employer, Lady Dahlia, but it’s the strangest thing, mummy. For every one place we wanted to go, there were two people with odd puzzles for us to answer before they’d let us through. Now, I do love a good puzzle or two, but these people’s lives seem to revolve around the solving of puzzles. Perhaps they’re just testing us. I know Professor Layton’s skills might come into questioning. Yes, they must just be tests. Oh well, the hijinks of the day have been quite tiring. A cat escaped, a member of the Reinhold family was murdered, and a man with huge purple lips was kidnapped by a hobo. I’ll write more in the morrow.
Day Two:
Well I’ll be! These people must really like their puzzles! They do get harder by the day, and they’re hidden everywhere. Layton himself seems to be getting into the spirit, as every ordinary object reminds him of some puzzle or other. I must say, my brain is getting quite teased, but all this thinking is really helping me develop my critical thinking skills. I must say, it’s quite fun! The only downer is the American detective. He’s here to investigate the murder of the previous night. So much to do today mummy—I’ll write back when I can!
Day Five:
Mummy dearest, I think I’m starting to like it here. The people here are such simpletons; every day they have a new puzzle for me and the Professor. Not out of testing anymore, but out of respect. After testing us, they’ve become more aware of our skills, and no longer ask us to solve their riddle to pass, but request that we finish puzzles that they can’t to better their everyday lives! It’s amazing how much they do enjoy us here! Except for that darned American inspector. He’s a real jerk to the Professor…I don’t think I can stand him for much longer…he’ll have to be dealt with.
Day Seven:
Mother, everything is coming together perfectly. The citizens have raised myself and the Professor to the status of GODS, as we so well deserve! We walk among the people, solving their riddles and puzzles. GODS, mother…walking among men. I am the prodigal assistant, and the Professor is the divine puzzle master himself. There could be no more perfect an existence than what these humble people provide. As for that pesky detective…the townsfolk will know what to do.
Day Eight:
Professor Layton didn’t like what I had done to the detective. Mother dearest…he called me names, and I can not forgive him for that. Our followers have come to realize the truth that the time has come for the tutor to become the taught…I have surpassed Layton’s skills. And now…I must consume him.
Day Nine:
AND ON DAY NINE, MATERNAL ENTITY, THE CIRCLE WAS COMPLETE! ST. MYSTERE HAS EMBRACED ME ,AND I NOW HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LATE…LAYTON. HA…HAHA…A PUN! I will feed here until I am strong enough…then I will come for you. WE SHALL RULE TOGETHER, MOTHER AND SON!
Best Wishes,
Luke P. H.
I don’t remember much of the cutesy, French comic book meets anime-looking game, with its gorgeous animated sequences and delightfully English voice acting. I can’t remember the hundreds of puzzles I must have completed to wear my stylus down to the nub that it now is. I can barely remember the events of the game’s unique and twist filled plotline, full of mystery and suspense…and puzzles. All I can remember is slamming my head against my desk late one night at the sheer frustration of doing math at 2 a.m., combined with the verbal disappointment of one Professor Layton. After that…nothing.
There’s still a faded red stain I can’t get rid of in the carpet all around my desk, and I haven’t seen my roommate in a few days, but everything seems to be back to normal now. I really can’t wait for the extra downloadable puzzles! It’ll be fun to revisit St. Mystere once a month to do a little crime solving again.
