Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy Reviews

Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy is ranked in the 83rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
9 / 10.0
Mar 6, 2014

This may or may not be Professor Layton’s last ride, no one has said anything definitively either way, (as of press time rumours are swirling about this being the last Layton game proper) but it’s a great one to go out on.

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Adam Riley
Top Critic
9 / 10
Dec 1, 2013

All in all, Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy shows there is still plenty of mileage in the series, but as time has been called on this particular line of Hershel Layton adventures, it proves to be a fitting closure with some great twists at the story's conclusion, along with clever plot elements that tie this precursor trilogy back into the first ever game, The Curious Village. Whilst not as gripping as the finale to the original trilogy - the truly sublime and epic Professor Layton and the Lost Future - this is still one that fans should not be without.

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8.5 / 10.0
Feb 25, 2014

[I]t is an intelligent and engaging addition to the series, bringing together the best of the new and old. With the most puzzles and extras of all the Layton games, there is no shortage of things to keep you occupied,and the charming music and fun quirks will balance out even the most vexing of brain teasers. In a series known for its quiet allure and charismatic appeal, Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy is exactly what it should be: a gracious farewell.

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GamingBolt
Top Critic
7 / 10.0
Mar 10, 2014

Ultimately, it's just as well that this is the last Layton game- after all, a true gentlemen never outstays his welcome, and Professor Layton very nearly did.

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4 / 5.0
Mar 6, 2014

Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy doesn’t stray too far from the formula, but that’s a good thing for the most part.

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8 / 10.0
Apr 8, 2014

There’s a lot of adventure here, and some optional side challenges and story that will keep players coming back for more. You could even call it an open-world puzzle game because of its sheer variety.

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Impulsegamer
Top Critic
4 / 5.0
Mar 31, 2014

I enjoyed this game from start to end. Who’d have thought that Archaeology would be the basis for such a captivating game! Professor Layton provides a wonderful role model for children, adults can enjoy the piece of art that the game is and the world within the series is charming and ever so whimsical. It is a shame that this game marks the end of the series because I really want to see more of these characters, and the puzzles weren’t bad either! One thing I did notice is that

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GameZone
Top Critic
Unscored
Mar 23, 2014

It certainly is a tough pill to swallow, knowing that Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy is quite possibly the last time we’ll experience an adventure with the top-hatted scholar. Nevertheless, Level 5 sends him off on a worthy adventure, fitting for his farewell.

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4 / 5.0
Feb 26, 2014

Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy is the apt way to finish the trilogy, tidying up all the loose ends of the prequel series, and leaving a fresh start as Layton and Luke drive towards a "Curious Village". The puzzles may have a slight lack of originality, but they are superbly crafted yet not overbearing. I would have enjoyed some more engaging minigames, but there are still plenty of other diversions to lose dozens of hours in. It's bittersweet to envision this as the final game for Hershel Layton. I feel like the series has run its proper course, but still find it hard to swallow a future without a game as unique as Professor Layton.

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RPG Fan
Top Critic
90%
May 22, 2014

A worthy finale to Professor Layton's adventures, whether you've played the previous games or not.

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8 / 10.0
Mar 6, 2014

The game upholds the standard set by previous entries, my quibbles aside, and those who’ve been waiting for a series-long narrative payoff will certainly find it here, whether or not it completely sticks the landing. But if you’re new to the series, I’d urge you to start with either The Curious Village or The Last Specter; my erstwhile disappointment with this title was earned by Level-5 for setting such high standards for what could have been a pump-and-dump post-Brain Age budget title. Would that the failings of most videogames require such disclaimer and context.

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8.6 / 10.0
Mar 8, 2014

Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy succeeds as a wonderful finale to the Layton series and the strongest title in the prequel trilogy. If you've enjoyed any of the previous games, this will certainly satisfy your puzzle solving needs. Though it's not necessary to play the previous titles in the trilogy, it's recommended as this game pulls together events from the previous two titles. All-in-all, the Layton series has been and will always be a wonderful break from some of the more established gaming formulas. Recommended.

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8 / 10.0
Nov 8, 2013

Despite some excellent puzzle design and classic Layton aesthetics, it doesn't always feel like the game takes advantage of what the 3DS can do. Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy is a fantastic addition to the franchise. A must have for any puzzle lover.

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9 / 10
Oct 29, 2013

If Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy really is the end of an era, it's a fitting sign-off. Hershel Layton and his companions have been wonderful additions to the DS and 3DS systems, bringing gracious simplicity and charm with each release. This concluding entry captures the best of the new and old, and is indispensable to fans of the franchise. Farewell Professor, you truly have been a gentleman and a scholar.

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8.5 / 10.0
Mar 3, 2014

The game is perfectly crafted to push you closer to the end, and with it the answer to a mystery that has been built up over the last three titles.

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7 / 10.0
Mar 19, 2014

Having played every Professor Layton game released, I have seen both the highs and the lows of the franchise and it saddens me that Azran Legacy marks the last title featuring the infamous and titular Professor Layton. With this in mind, I went in hopeful that Level 5 crafted a game suitable for Layton’s departure, a game which would allow him to go out with a bang. Unfortunately, although the presentation of the game and the finale to the game were grand, the rest of the game failed to be anywhere near as exciting as the rest of the Professor Layton franchise.

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Ray Carsillo
Top Critic
7 / 10.0
Feb 28, 2014

With the most puzzles in series history, Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy will force players to rack their brains, and the Professor and his crew are as lovable as ever. Unfortunately, the prequel limitations really put a crimp on the overall narrative.

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Twinfinite
Twinfinite Staff
Top Critic
4 / 5.0
Mar 7, 2014

Those coming into the game looking for more of the same Layton they’ve come to know and love certainly won’t be disappointed. The same gameplay is there, the same loveable characters are still loveable, and there’s plenty of puzzles to keep you scratching your scalp until the sun comes up. First time players would be best advised to start with one of the original DS games if they’re interested in getting into mysterious storylines, but for those looking for something to think about on the 3DS, you really can’t go wrong with Azran Legacy.

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Mar 3, 2014

With an impressive scope, increased challenge, and satisfying story, Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy is a terrific end to the long-running series.

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Nov 8, 2013

Azran Legacy adds the right amount of variety to make this final entry feel as fresh as when the series was first introduced, cementing Professor Layton as one of the finest adventure franchises to grace a Nintendo handheld.

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