Professor Layton and the Unwound Future DS
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: Sep 12, 2010
Professor Layton and the Unwound Future Image
Metascore
86 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 62 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.0 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 57 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: Professor Layton and his apprentice, Luke, receive a confounding letter - from Luke 10 years in the future. But the message inside is even more troubling: London of the future is in disarray, and the only person
    who can help set things right is Professor Layton.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 62
  3. Negative: 0 out of 62
  1. Nintendojo
    Oct 29, 2010
    100
    While these lackluster mini-games are no hidden-object puzzle or "make your own tea" chemistry set (as seen in Laytons 1 and 2), Unwound Future still has a solid set of puzzles for its main adventure, and the story itself is very engaging.
  2. Cubed3
    Oct 21, 2010
    100
    Professor Layton and the Lost Future takes the core functionality of the previous two outings, expands on it considerably, wraps up the storyline in the most gripping fashion possible and heaps plenty of extras on top for good measure. This is most definitely the superlative entry in the Layton series so far.
  3. GameTrailers
    Oct 21, 2010
    86
    The game's production values--from the artwork and voice acting, to the music and video sequences--are among the best in any handheld game to date.
  4. Gamereactor Denmark
    Jan 6, 2011
    70
    The graphics and atmosphere are well done and colorful on every screen, and while the characters are a bit too talkative, they are also funny and sufficiently silly. But the story and gameplay seem entirely detached as usual, and it's a shame that the story devs and puzzle devs apparently didn't have more meetings together.

See all 62 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. lbaeriswyl
    10
    Amazing Story, brilliant puzzles. This is indeed the greatest Layton game thus far, the music is amazing, the visuals are amazing (If you like the style), and the ending had me in tears. No questions asked, 10/10.… Expand
  2. Jozxyqk
    10
    My favourite in the Layton series so far, and a relief after the disappointing Diabolical Box. The puzzles are of course good, as is the game design and visual style (as we've come to expect), but what makes this my favourite is the story. It may require a huge suspension of disbelief compared to the first game, but the ending is so striking and emotional. It more than makes up for minor story flaws.… Expand
  3. bolt7
    8
    Definitely the strongest of the three Layton games released in the US so far, Unwound Future successfully blends casual puzzle solving along with a compelling storyline. The formula hasn't changed an awful lot since the first title, though many subtle improvements to game mechanics and general presentation have been made. Cut scenes and audio files are clearer than ever, with added improvements to the second titles 'memo' function (such as the ability to change ink colour) being of great aid during those more trickier of brain teasers. The pace of the game may be a little too slow for some, though it's not difficult to become captivated by Layton's gorgeous looking surroundings and intrigued by some of the more perplexing mysteries that pop up during the final half of the adventure. Voice acting, be it fitting, can seem incredibly cheesy and at some points fails to aid the experience as it irritates more than captivates.

    Hint Coins have almost tripled in numbers since the first title, with the new optional 'Super Hint' function allowing far more users to solve even the most complicated of math puzzles without feeling like you've cheated.

    If you enjoyed the first two Layton outings- I cannot recommended this third game enough, as it's certainly the best of the three. Puzzles remain fun and do not detract from the experience as much as they did with Curious Village, with most being optional if players wish to favour the narrative and push on with it instead.    … Expand
  4. DeusExMachina7
    7
    Sorry to say, but I just didn't feel this as much as I felt the others in the series. The location got pretty old quick, puzzles could be guess and checked which is exactly what you don't want to happen. The story was also pretty farfetched. Now I know, all of the stories are farfetched, but this one was so out of it. I could count several plot holes that arose from the last few twists, and this seriously ruined the experience that Layton is known for. I will give credit, however, for that emotional ending, and for some puzzles that did keep me engaged. It was just the weakest of the series, that's all, and that's still saying a lot, since this entire series is fantastic. Disappointing, on a medium scale.… Expand

See all 16 User Reviews