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Critic Reviews
"Combine the new 3D effect and art style with an intriguing look at Layton's history, along with a story that manages to propel the series forward, and you're left with what I believe to be the best in the series so far."
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"Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is a marvelous return to form, expertly adapting to the 3DS all of the strengths of the franchise– compelling characters, top-notch production values, and the all-important puzzle– into a cohesive game. We love the thrill of a good solution, and this latest entry to the series provides them in spades."
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"The obvious choice for problem-solvers of all ages with decent English skills, and the best Professor Layton game so far."
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"Great puzzles, lovely cut scenes and vibrant 3D environments; Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is the total package. The Layton formula is renewed just enough through a new search function, some action sequences and great 3D implementation. The story might be somewhat predictable, but because of these great improvements Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is the best Layton game so far."
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"This is not only a great game, it's the best Layton since The Curious Village."
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"Professor Layton's move to Nintendo 3DS is a hugely successful one, as Miracle Mask is one of the best Layton games to date."
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"The broad range of characters, the emotional tone of the storyline and the teasing promise of more makes for an utterly engrossing experience. The question is whether this is worth your money; if you enjoy puzzles and charming tales of adventure, then you should already know the answer."
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"It remains a perfect game for a mobile platform – something that can be quickly picked up and enjoyed for either a short or long stretch of time. It's still the best game of its kind, and something that will keep puzzle fans happy for a very long time."
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"This game shows that there's still plenty of magic left in the Professor Layton series, and leaves me interested in playing the final game in this prequel trilogy. "
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"Layton's highly anticipated 3DS-Debut keeps the brilliant puzzle gameplay and spices it up with some nice innovations."
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"Offers a gorgeous visual presentation, an intriguing story and incredible puzzle design - all in one of the most charming gaming worlds out there."
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"The Layton series' formulaic approach to gameplay is a double-edged sword – it's still engaging and fun, but at the same time, the premise has begun to show some weathering. Still, the mix of point-and-click adventure and logic puzzles is something that few other games can offer, and Miracle Mask still does it well. For anyone who is deeply invested in the Layton series and jumps at any chance to experience a new Layton game, Miracle Mask is not a game to be missed."
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Pelit (Finland)
"Professor Layton's first appearance on 3DS is one of the best entries in the series. The puzzles are grade A and the main storyline is compelling. The technological advances are somewhat minor and the game doesn't really benefit from the 3D effect. [Dec 2012]"
"Just another step forward of the series, without relevant additions, but still recommended for any Professor Layton fan or for those who want to try it for the very first time. However, we really hope Level 5 will manage to surprise us with the next episode before the whole series get stuck."
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"Fans will enjoy the added life, charm, and depth (yes, I said it) that the 3D redesign brings to the series, but this isn't going to win over any non-Layton lovers. The beauty of it is that no one really wants the series to change. "
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"The biggest change the series has seen so far. Layton fanatics may cry foul at the series' change of 2D to 3D visuals, but upon playing the game you'll see the game is hands down the best looking of the series."
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"In the end, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is a fun game that both adults and children alike will enjoy, provided you like to be challenged. For younger gamers, the title does contain a hint system but fortunately this can be ignored, although I must admit we may have used it once or twice. If you're a fan of puzzles than look no further because this game will keep your mind well trained and best of all, have a blast!"
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"Although it isn't a different game, Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle has managed to jump to 3DS, with good graphic aspect and many unique puzzles. Also there are other 365 challenges more to lengthen the experience."
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"Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is another well-executed and interesting adventure in an (almost) never changing series. "
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"The changes freshen up the long-running series while also making for a better experience for new players."
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"It's not the smartest Layton ever, but it's a huge improvement on Spectre's Call."
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"Another sterling effort for Messrs. Layton and Triton. A much-needed freshening of the graphics and interface give Layton's fifth adventure a new lease of life."
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"In Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, thoughtful puzzle design shows that the series is still at the top of its game."
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"I wish that Level 5 would take some more risks and implement some new ideas. On the other hand the series' proven qualities shine through at every corner: You'll get well conceived puzzles by the bucket, a comfortable multi-tiered help system and an interesting adventure story with charming cartoon sequences."
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Games Master UK
"Won't win prizes for innovation, but this is a winning - and generous - portion of puzzles. [Dec 2012, p.80]"
Hyper Magazine
"A sweet, good-natured puzzler that continues the series' traditions with some great new elements, too. [Jan 2013, p.69]"
"As charming and shrewd as ever, but this time with a greater focus on story and characters. The visual style looks good and the puzzles are both smart and varied."
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"Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is another great game for veterans of the series, but also for beginners. Especially for those who will immerse themselves in this world of puzzles that present themselves quantity and quality."
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"Another Professor Layton game like we know it. There is nothing much new here now the series made its way to the 3DS. Regardless the same formula used as in previous entries, Miracle Mask is an amazing game worthy of playing by any puzzle-loving gamer."
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"Still, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask doesn't pretend to be anything else. It's exactly what you expect it to be."
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Nintendo Power
"Overall, though, this game hits all the notes that a professor Layton title should, resulting in another rewarding, cerebally invigorating quest. [Nov 2012, p.80]"
"You don't need to know anything about the characters or the story to enjoy this iteration, and fans of the series will be able to learn a little more about the Professor's past. Those looking for the series to evolve, however, might want to leave this one alone in favour of the upcoming Level 5 / Capcom crossover Professor Layton vs Ace Attorney."
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"Nevertheless, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is an amusing adventure, that doesn't briste with innovation, but again with charm."
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"It's a compliment that the fifth Layton-game in the last five years is such a joy to play. The world of the puzzling professor is more charming than ever, partly thanks to its great three-dimensional animations. Although the unchanged formula of finding and solving puzzles won't reel in any new fans, the Miracle Mask is a safe purchase for any Layton-fan."
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"Professor Layton comes to the 3DS with an entirely new 3D presentation, one of the best stereoscopic effects to date and a new adventure that, if not as "fresh" as the original, is still as compelling and unique as its visual style."
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"Its fascinating story and well-balanced array of puzzles means Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is probably the best outing in the series since the ground-breaking original, and the new approach to visuals once again reminds you of the system's now forgotten selling point; its terrific 3D screen."
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"For its first arrival on Nintendo 3DS, Professor Layton's series is fairly shy. Except from an all new engine and a really good 3D effect, the game's core is still the same. Layton walk around in Dorémont or his childhood village to resolve more than 150 riddles with his sidekicks Emmy and Luke in present tilmes, while Randall act in the past. Two interesting storylines which further a great sense of immersion. Effective and straightforward, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is a really nice gaming experience, despite its lack of freshness."
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"Rather than decrying Level-5 for relying on a formula, I'm happy with the developer for providing me with such a consistent, and consistently enjoyable, experience."
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"Throw in a year of downloadable puzzles, one per day starting October 28, and Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask will definitely satisfy your demand for quality puzzle gameplay."
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"With better storytelling, new elements to discover on the characters, and the auto-stereoscopic 3D, this new Layton is a success only hindered by a slight lack of inventiveness in the methods used to solve the puzzles."
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"If you equate a new Layton release to the promise of fresh puzzles, Miracle Mask should fulfill that desire handily, with a year's worth of downloadable daily puzzles coming on top of those already available. However, the game also takes notable advantage of its new handheld home, using a number of narrative and aesthetic devices to weave its refined style of gameplay and emotional, spiraling story into a tight experience that rewards on all accounts."
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"Though it would be nice if the devs played more with the formula, at least they're done enough to keep the entertaining franchise fresh--for the time being at least."
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"Despite the shift in dimensions, this is a pretty standard Layton adventure. Luckily, since Layton adventures tend to be one of the more dependable highlights of the gaming calendar, that remains a ringing endorsement."
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"More new elements like this and a less predictable story would help push Miracle Mask up in the overall Layton ranks."
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"The best Professor Layton game so far and an excellent update of the original template, which makes full use of the 3DS's extra abilities. "
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"Whilst not performing any great new feats, The Miracle Mask is a solid first 3DS addition to the Layton franchise."
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"Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask does not upend the series' tried and true formula. It's still a delightful puzzle game embalmed in an engaging adventure, filled with eccentric characters in an exciting world. But it would be lovely to see something new added to the core."
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"From a technical standpoint Professor Layton and The Miracle Mask is a decent game. While some puzzles are enhanced by the 3D capabilities of the hardware, the gameplay formula has changed very little save for the new investigation mode."
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"Fundamentally, it's hard to bear a grudge against a game with such generosity of spirit and pleasant delivery. But having tangled with mythical sea beasts and alternate Londons, isn't it time for Layton to solve the greatest mystery of all: where does he go next."
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"Layton is a good distance removed from the hysteria that surrounded his debut title, then, but the fifth game in this stylised series is enough to keep you entertained."
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