As Nintendo tries to take over the casual gaming market, one of the biggest complaints has been the excess of minigame compilations and brain training programs. While non-traditional gamers can more easily enjoy these types of games, the lack of depth turns many people off. In this regard, Professor Layton and the Curious Village comes as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Layton is, in essence, a collection of puzzles and riddles, but it is wrapped in the enticing shell of a point and click adventure game. The full review after the jump.

At a first look, Layton seems a tad childish. Between the bright, cutesy graphics and a plot that is admittedly not too deep, “macho” gamers will probably tend to shy away. Once you get into the game, however, you soon discover that Layton’s puzzles are not child’s play, as some of the more advanced problems would cause even Mensa members to do a double take. A few of the riddles rely on cheap word play, but for the most part they are just genuinely difficult.

Though I applaud Level-5’s effort to flesh the series of problems into a full fledged game, it does provide some redundant gameplay. No matter what you want to do in the town of St. Mystere, you can only accomplish your task one way: puzzles. Want to sleep at night? Answer this riddle. Need to open a door? Solve a math problem. Have to cross a river? Figure out the given brainteaser. While this mechanic should get old, the variety of puzzles keep you from getting bored.

The art of Layton is breathtaking to say the least. The still images you see during the bulk of the game are extremely well illustrated, but they still pale in comparison to how well done the cutscenes are. Each scene is like a mini cartoon, and is integrated into the game flawlessly. Add the spot on British voice acting, and the presentation is almost perfect. The only complaint I have is there is only one song that plays during the puzzles, and after completing over a hundred of them, you’re going to want some different background music.

As I mentioned before, the plot isn’t the deepest you’ll find in a video game, but at the same time it strangely draws you in. The town of St. Mystere comes to life quite easily, and you quickly become immersed. It is quite easy to guess the twists to the story, but that just encourages you to play even more to see if you’re right about your suspicions.

All in all, Professor Layton and the Curious Village is an addicting, although short tromp that should challenge and delight gamers of any age. If you appreciate a good brainteaser, or yearn for the old days filled with point and click adventure games, Layton is a must-buy.