Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask 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.

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.

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.

Puzzle fans should not be without this latest masterpiece.

Professor Layton's move to Nintendo 3DS is a hugely successful one, as Miracle Mask is one of the best Layton games to date.

This is not only a great game, it's the best Layton since The Curious Village.

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.

The obvious choice for problem-solvers of all ages with decent English skills, and the best Professor Layton game so far.

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.

Layton's highly anticipated 3DS-Debut keeps the brilliant puzzle gameplay and spices it up with some nice innovations.

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.

Probably, the best entry in the series.

Offers a gorgeous visual presentation, an intriguing story and incredible puzzle design - all in one of the most charming gaming worlds out there.

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.

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.

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.

In Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, thoughtful puzzle design shows that the series is still at the top of its game.

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.

It's not the smartest Layton ever, but it's a huge improvement on Spectre's Call.

The changes freshen up the long-running series while also making for a better experience for new players.