I've played a bit (about 45 minutes) and to my surprise, this game is in Dutch! I wasn't expecting that, though I've played Professor Layton games in both English and Dutch, so I guess I should have know. It's rather weird; after having played Dual Destinies - which was entirely in English - I'm suddenly reading and listening to a Dutch-speaking Phoenix. I'm not sure yet whether I'll change the language of my 3DS. On the one hand, I think I prefer Phoenix in English, but on the other, I kinda like Layton in Dutch, so I might continue playing in Dutch, anyway (though I'm mostly thinking the parts in court are going to be rather interesting if they're in Dutch, hm...).
Anyway, I haven't played Miracle Mask nor Azran Legacy yet, so I can't say how much game play is different compared to those other games, but I do like what they've done with the puzzles and hint coins, which is that when you click on a location, it shows you how many puzzles and hint coins are hidden. Very nice!
I've only solved two puzzles so far and they were easy enough, but this is only the beginning of the game, so I can't really say what the others will be like (since I've read a few complaints that the puzzles are too easy in this game). I'll find out soon enough, though! ^_^
The graphics seems okay, but not having played the previous Professor Layton games, I'm not sure how much difference there is (but I will say that it shows that two styles are being mixed together, though nothing I can't get used to). The puzzles so far are somewhat... cute, though. Not sure how to describe it, but I like them, so no complaints from me there. ^_~
I'm really enjoying the story as well so far. I actually LOL'd at what was shown, because it reminded me of something and I'm sure most people will recognize it as well (not saying what it is, though ^_^). I'm definitely looking forward to continuing playing tomorrow (and since tomorrow is a holiday, I don't have to work, so yay!).
I'm not sure if I like the sound of the Professor Layton side of it. :/ I've never been a fan of puzzle games like that, since I can't really get into them. I can buy it already, but I think I'll pass for now.
At first I was like "i dont care" but then the Trilogy will be on 3DS even if it's eShop only, I'll feel better having played a previous one lol Even if it's irrelevant.
I've finally begun playing this game again (I've just finished chapter four and have in total played a little over 19 hours). It's great, but I kinda took a break because I felt like the trials were taking too long. That's a personal opinion, though, and a bit hard to explain. I'm thinking it's because this game is a combination of two different games. I mean; I've played Dual Destinies and had no problem whatsoever with the length of the trials. But that's because it was only Ace Attorney. Here at some point I just wanted the trial to be over so I could go solve some puzzles and do some Layton stuff, if that makes sense.
The trials are interesting, especially the cross-examinations. It can be quite helpful that you can use hint coins in court, actually. It's optional but I've done it a few times and it works very well. And yes, to me, the trials are a bit long but they can also be quite funny (or exactly the opposite) and Phoenix' reactions are - as always - hilarious (that or you kinda want to hug him).
The story is very good so far and I think it can only get better (I've only played four chapters but a lot has actually already happened in those). As for the puzzles, so far they haven't been too difficult, but that's a matter of personal opinion and not something that bothers me (if anything, it's a somewhat welcome change after a trial).
And I ended up changing the language to English. I had no problems with a Dutch-speaking Luke and Professor Layton, but the court stuff in Dutch was just a "No, thanks" in my mind. I didn't even play for five minutes before quitting my game, changing my settings and starting up my game again, haha. Still, it's interesting to hear the different voices, but not something I could get really used to.
I finished playing this game last night (eh... more like this morning, actually) and I had a blast with it! I did say that at first I felt like the trials were too long and I think I still feel that way, however, later in the game there is a better balance between the puzzles/adventure part and the trials, so it's okay (more than okay, even).
The story is absolutely brilliant, but oh so very sad at times (nothing new if you've played any Layton or Wright game) and I admit I had to wipe away a few tears more than once. The characters are amazing (so much love for the Inquisitors!); some are funny, some are quite the opposite, and then others you want to reach through your screen and slap them silly, haha. And then there is Constantine - Inquisitor Barnham's dog - who is absolutely adorable and who I wanted to hug, haha.
The puzzles are indeed a bit on the easy side, but I think that works well as a balance for the trials. Hint coins are everywhere (nothing new there either) and the fact that you can use them in court is a great bonus, if only because it avoids having to use an on-line guide if you're stuck.
In the trials you get five "chances" (again, nothing new) and if you lose all of those, you get the option to reload a save file, restart the trial or return to the title screen (similar to Ace Attorney). So, the advice I got on the Dual Destinies thread applies here as well; save as often as you can.
A few comments, but nothing spoilerish. Unless you use a guide, there is a high chance you will miss a certain puzzle. Then there is also another puzzle which only can be found post-game, because the story moves forward and you don't get the chance to search the area. Neither puzzle gets sent to Ridelle so you can't go there to solve them; you have to search the area where they are. Unfortunately the puzzle I missed is one I can not get back to and I will place the reason why under a spoiler (even though it's not that much of a spoiler, but... you never know).
When you finish the game, let the credits roll and so on, you'll have the option when you start your save file again to begin the last trial or start somewhere in the middle of the story. It's in a specific chapter that this puzzle can be found (if you're really curious, it's number 62 in chapter 7). However, because it was late and I was half asleep, I didn't pay attention when saving my progress (I had been searching for hint coins I had missed) and accidentally saved over my original save file, instead of using another slot. As a result I've locked myself out of the story mode; meaning I can still go from one location to the other, but the characters are gone and I can't start a chapter again. It's my own fault, really, but I'm a bit annoyed because I'm missing just ONE puzzle and I really don't want to play this entire game again for just that one. So, in short, either a) make sure you don't miss this puzzle, or b) pay attention when saving your progress after you've finished the game. (Or, for me; c) don't play this game when you're half asleep, haha.)
Then there is also the DLC content which becomes available after completing the game and which is absolutely hilarious! This has made me laugh so hard and love these characters even more. It's not finished yet (new download every Friday) and I'm very much looking forward to the rest of it.
I'm also very much looking forward to the remake of the original trilogy coming to the 3DS this Winter, if only because I want to play with Maya more! She's such an amazing character and the interaction with Phoenix is so funny. It was very nice being able to play with her.
In short, if you love Ace Attorney and Professor Layton, then you will definitely enjoy this game. I'll be looking forward to seeing other people here play this so we can discuss this game in more detail!
I'm really looking forward to this game! Always loved the Layton and Phoenix Wright series, though I'll admit I haven't played many of the Professor Layton installments. (mostly because fatigue+logic don't go well together. ha! /excuses)
I preordered the game during E3, so unfortunately I'll have to wait longer than I would like since the Monday following this weekend is a holiday. and after that, fall semester begins
i just bought phoenix DD so gonna be a wile before i get to this plus might wait till phoenix 3pack comes out as DD was my 1st phoenix game and have yet to play a layton game.