This past week, I decided to put down my Patapon for a while and pick up Professor Layton and the Curious Village (here is their not-so-helpful site). I found myself playing at home, at work, on the train, while watching TV, and in bed under the covers (not sure why I was under the covers since it’s not like I live with my parents...). Anyhow, I was obsessed. First of all, I ADORE brain teasers and puzzles of all kinds. I started out with these when I was a kid -

In college, I moved on to this Chinese Ring Puzzle (one of the coolest puzzles imo):

Last year at PAX, expo gave me one of these puzzles from Japan:

Taken apart, it looks like this, but dang, it took me forever to put it back!

And just a few months ago, I finally learned how to solve the Rubik’s Cube (one-handed behind my back! j/k)

So you can see why I would love this game. P. Layton has a total of 120 puzzles that potentially take 30 seconds to 1 hour each. Plus, you really get your money’s worth because once you finish the 120 puzzles, you can download more FOR FREE!! Sweet!! Also, the realistic-anime style graphics and cut scenes make this game visually outstanding, and the storyline is one of the most interesting that I’ve played in a long time. Not only are you trying to solve individual puzzles here and there, there are plenty of expansive mysteries throughout the town to keep you really intrigued. This game is pretty lengthy, too. It took me about 13 hours to finish all 120 puzzles (the last 5 were really hard to find!). Not giving anything away, here are some of the harder puzzles:

• Convert 16, 9, 7 quarts to 8 and 8
• Find the 7 squares in the pegs
• That tricky mice breeding one (I actually did all the calculations)
• Some of those card statistic questions
• And my least favorite puzzles were the multiple choice “Who’s lying” ones

Anyhow, I highly recommend this game. Even if you’re not great at puzzles, there’s no time limit and the hints are very helpful! I feel smarter already! Ha ha. Now I’m just waiting for the sequel...