" So what I told you was true... from a certain point of view." - Obi-wan Kenobi
I've never been a fan of Star Wars. I only watched the first three movies in succession before TPM came out just so that I would walk into that theater with some context as to why the rest of these rabid fanboys were so excited. Putting that aside, I completely empathized with them and I agree with the argument that the Prequel saga retroactively craps on everything Kreshner had built before Lucas' came and took a dump on it.
And with this talk of fecal matter, let's transition to Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy.
Let me preface this by saying that Azran Legacy IS NOT A BAD GAME. By all means, it's the best game of the prequel saga (sound familiar?) but that still does not excuse the dip in quality these last three games have exhibited. I'd also like to mention that I came to this review with the full intent of writing a positive review yet Azran legacy has the burden of carrying the legacy (pun!) of its two previous predecessors as well as task of putting a neat, satisfying finish to the ENTIRETY of the Layton saga. A herculean task, I admit, and one that's not entirely fair. Azran Legacy is doomed to be judged harshly no matter how I splice it.
Story-wise, Azran Legacy picks up after Miracle Mask with Layton, Emmy and Luke being called upon by newcomer Professor Sycamore to investigate the ruins of the Azran civilization. There, encased in ice, they find a mysterious girl and are tasked with recovering five artifacts to recover her memories. Shadowy organization Tangent shows up and naturally, Layton has to save the world, one puzzle at a time.
As far as the narrative goes, it's a step up from Miracle Mask and Last Specter. Those two suffered from a large focus on Luke (LS) and a nonsensical villain (MM). Azran Legacy is not bogged down by idiotic filler and the plot moves at a brisk case (partially because the game is shorter than the others with only six chapters). I've enjoyed my time with the cast and the addition of Sycamore and Aurora has, thankfully, shortened Luke's screen time considerably.
Unfortunately, the story suffers from a downright stupid conclusion. I won't spoil the ending but you are bombarded by not one, not two but THREE twists that would make M. Night Shyamalan step back and say "ehh, that's a bit much, don'tcha think?" and I'm not talking about the Layton trademarked twists wherein you discover that the supernatural mystery is not supernatural at all but all-together nonsensical set of three twists that tries to retroactively ruin the characters.
Puzzle-wise, Puzzle Master Akira Tago returns for one last game. It is obvious that Mr. Akira is tired and/or has run out of puzzles. In no way is that an admonishment of the man's achievement, having created thousands for puzzles over the course of six games but the well has obviously run dry. No matchstick puzzles, recycled puzzles from previous games, every puzzle has two or three clones...yes, this is truly the end of the line.
Azran Legacy is not the triumphant swan song for this series. It's not as clever as Curious Village, gut-wrenching as Diabolical Box or downright epic as Unwound Future. It's a perfectly serviceable game that had no business being the final adventure for Professor Layton.
gamrReview's Xavier Girffiths: "Puzzle games come in many different forms but what they share in common is an ability to captivate gamers by challenging their brains. In 2014 the best puzzle games had us step out of Mario’s shadow to play as Captain Toad, experience an unlikely mash-up between our favorite video game detective and lawyer, free children stuck in a park, and embark on a globe-trotting adventure to investigate a living mummy.
After solving hundreds of puzzles our minds feel that little bit sharper and our thumbs slightly more agile and reflexive. Here are the games we have to thank for that."
Great nominees, deserving winner. Shame such great games of the genre are getting overlooked by all the chav fodder saturating the market.
As good as these games are, did you completely skip The Talos Principle? Easily the best puzzle game in years.
3DS deals and sales on eShop, Walmart, Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy, Toys "R" Us, Groupon and Cowboom.
3DS XL Mario & Luigi Bundle + DS Game for $169.99
Why do the best deals always happen when I am broke? That deal is insane O_o
I really really enjoyed devil survivor. I never finished, but want to. I might pick it back up tonight.
As the last adventure in the current trilogy of games, Professor Layton and the Arzan Legacy pits the trio of Layton, Emma, and Luke on an epic adventure to solve the mystery of the ancient Arzan civilization.
Along the way players will solve over 500 puzzles, find and solve mysteries, and tie up the story started with The Last Spector. An enjoyable game throughout, players will find a lot of variety leading up the game’s conclusion.
