Level-5 announced the sixth and (allegedly) final game in the Professor Layton series of puzzle adventures, Professor Layton and the Legacy of Super Civilization "A" during a Nintendo Direct livestream of new game announcements for Japan on Wednesday.
Super Civilization "A," a title that will surely be rewritten to something more pleasing for its international release, is the last of the prequel trilogy that was originally announced back in 2009. The finality of this latest Professor Layton game was a running theme of Wednesday's announcement.
Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino introduced the game personally via a short video presentation, describing it as "the final adventure of Hershel Layton." The footage shown of the game's animated cutscenes include dramatic text such as "All of the facts will be revealed!" and the game's official website says this is "Hershel Layton's Final Chapter."
This seems to leave some wiggle room for the wildly popular series to continue with a different lead character. (Or for the Professor to change his name.)
Notable in its absence during the livestream was any mention of Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney, the crossover game announced way back in 2010 before the 3DS went on sale. A new trailer surfaced one year later and the official website lists a 2012 release date, but barring a surprise appearance at Tokyo Game Show next month, this is looking less and less likely.
While the rest of the evening's livestream focused on games exclusive to Japan (for now), a few announcements were of interest to all:
- Rhythm Hunter Harmo Knight, a downloadable action/platformer/rhythm game made by Game Freak (makers of Pokemon), will go on sale September 5 for 1800 yen (about $23). A demo is available now in the Japanese 3DS eShop.
- A pink and white 3DS XL unit is coming to Japan on September 27.
- The next Animal Crossing game is coming to Japan on November 8. Users can design their own clothes and share them via QR codes.
- A sequel to Tomodachi Collection, one of the biggest hits on the DS that never made its way outside Japan, will be coming next spring. The video starred a Mii version of Nintendo President Satoru Iwata working out, dancing, and singing songs.
- Satoru Iwata suggested on Twitter that information about the Wii U (not mentioned at all during the livestream) could be coming in September, but not during a press conference. He declined to elaborate, saying only "we'll let you know in advance" of any announcements.
