What's the story?
As defence attorney Phoenix Wright travels to London, noted archaeologist and puzzle enthusiast Professor Layton rescues Espella, a mysterious girl charged with witchcraft. Matters take a turn for the supernatural as the heroes are drawn into the storybook world of Labyrinthia, where theirunique talents will be needed to clear Espella's name and escape back to reality.
Gameplay
Players switch between the puzzle-solving and adventuring of the Layton series and the case trials of Wright. The former are conventional brain teasers, while the latter require keen attention and observational skills, picking out inconsistencies in witness testimonies. With the exception of hint coins being usable in either scenario, the two systems remain separate but complementary experiences.
Highs and lows
Layton and Wright's styles work so incredibly well together that it's almost surprising they haven't met before. It perhaps relies too heavily on prior knowledge of the source games, but given anyone unfamiliar with at least one property is unlikely to be tempted by an intersection of the two, it is doubtful this will faze many.
Verdict
Gaming crossovers often have unrelated characters brought together for a punch-up. Writer Shu Takumi crafts an engrossing modern fable blending the disparate series while respecting their individual charms. Somewhat impenetrable for newcomers, but fans will relish the experience.
