Why I Can't Stand Layton's Mystery Journey
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- Опубліковано 28 лют 2021
- After pummelling it with hate for years, I finally decided to explain just what it is about LMJ that fills me with an indescribable rage.
Also this vid has major spoilers from pretty much every Layton game. You've been warned.
Thanks to the voice cast. I gave them no context whatsoever for extra confusion.
Randall: / justhbomb
Descole: / sparx632
Panicked Londoner: / oiitsrob
Music:
LMJ OST - City Workers' Waltz
LMJ OST - Katrielle's Theme
Kevin MacLeod - Monkeys Spinning Monkeys
LMJ OST - A Clue!
Lost Future OST - Calm Village
Lost Future OST - Puzzle Battle
LMJ OST - Comical Quizzical Quest
Curious Village OST - Walking in the Village (HQ Version)
Hazel Nut - Girls' Lunch
Pandora's Box OST - Lost Forest (Live Version)
The Professor's Twitter: / dearesthershel
And his Discord: / discord
Also his Tumblr: / dearesthershel
Also his Soundcloud: / unknown-inspectors
-DearestHershel - Розваги
Can tell in advance this is gonna be a pretty divisive topic, so please keep it civil in the comments below! Remember, this is just my opinion, not total fact, so please don't just side with me just because I've said it. Have your own opinions! I look forward to reading all the comments after the premiere! :)
Also, if you haven't seen the description, this vid contains huge spoilers from most of the games. You've been warned!
Plzz watch the anime
to be fair, i agree with all the points you made about the game, but I genuinely reccomend watching the anime. I find it a lot better than the game, and honestly, im really glad i watched it before playing the game. Weirdly enough, there seems to be a lot more depth to all of the characters, and it actually goes over what happened to Layton! :)
My biggest struggle with the game is teasing the missing of Layton and then not go looking for him even though Kat wants to look for her father. If it's not going to be the plot of the game, don't put it in the game.
It’s done in the anime, though. Oddly enough.
@@yoshig5278 and better too
exactly, that was my issue too.
What about hershel son
yeah, it’s weird how that part was like all in the anime? which i don’t think EVER got a dub? or an official sub
The weirdest thing about LMJ is almost everything promised in the game: a mystery, a conspiracy, what happened to Layton--Are all in the anime but not the game !? If you go and watch the last handful of episodes you get all the answers you want. IMO the game was just a cash grab tie to the anime which had tie-in toys and games for children before going off the rails towards the end and remembering what franchise it was apart of
Basically the game Is a Pilot episode for the show.
Bruh, even the anime was a joke
The anime also fails to capture the Layton essence, it’s execution is lacking and isn’t worthwhile imo. Thankfully, eternal diva exists as replacement xd
@@lovelycecilia2641 Eternal diva is not a replacement... IT'S THE ORIGINAL!
Pretty sucky tie in when I never knew the show this tied into existed.
Also sucky because why would I watch the show when simply the premises of these “mysteries” in the game were killing my brain cells and forcing a bail by the start of mystery three?
Imagine what we could've had with a Flora game! The full circle of her finding Professor Layton after he found her all those years ago, and closure with a lot more characters. Setting her pseudo-adoptive relationship with the Professor straight. Seeing her exercise her own brains - maybe she has the same knack for robotics as her father and second guardian? Maybe after all these years, she's a children's author as well as an investigator!
Also, disappointed that older!Luke's sprite design looks less like the original Luke than Clive's...
I still want our Flora cooking game.
I think the whole reason older!Luke looks less like Clive is because Luke aged naturally, while Clive purposefully dressed himself to look like a carbon copy of actual Luke. The whole point of Clive was to look literally just like Luke - same hairstyle, almost the same clothes, and so on. I think Luke's new Anime design works pretty well because he's not gonna look the same after 10+ years. Expecting him to look the same exact is a bit unrealistic.
I just want Layton, Luke and Flora back
@@thepapermask2102 Personally I just don't like the hat and the proportions of adult Luke. The hat is just tacky and doesn't exactly convey much. I feel like keeping the flat cap but making it darker to match his coat would be stronger overall, especially given he literally makes a personal wax seal for himself with the flat cap in its design.
The proportions on the other hand just kind of irk me. The Professor Layton series has always had characters with relatively cartoonish designs and proportions that emphasized the head. Even with the less ridiculous designs such as Anton, Clive, and Flora all have a large emphasis on the head given how large they are. Adult Luke on the other hand, feels eerily lanky in comparison.
Flora had such a huge opportunity to develop as a character! Just imagine, a young, naive, foolish and innocent girl can be transformed into a mature and witty woman with a heart for kindness. It would be so wholesome and satisfying.
Furthermore, after Luke's Departure in Unwound/Lost future, Layton could shift his focus to Flora, bringing her on other mysteries, and finally teaching her/ guiding her instead of all this nonsense of casting her aside which happened the the first Trilogy. I'd say 2 games with Flora and Layton (with addition of new characters) would be sufficient to do the aforementioned character development.
After waiting for all these years, I would like to see Level 5 to provide the fanbase some fan service (Flora is quite popular within the fanbase), by having a game where she is the main character along side Layton (and maybe even Luke!)
If not, the entire story of CV to "Save" Flora would be all but wasted in my opinion. And that is what makes the Flora situation so bitter to me.
I think Flora as the main character would make more sense. She's a gentlewoman, so she'd fit the role well enough, and her softer personality would fit the smaller-scale mysteries at work here.
One of my main takes is, IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A NEW GAME WITH A YOUNG GIRL AS PROTAG, THERE'S FLORA, CMON, THEY DID HER DIRTY
Or if they make a spin-off, THE GIVE US DESCOLE YOU COWARDS.
It always makes me mad how they never explain the mystery of sherl the dog.
Yes! that drove me crazy, too!
On your Miracle Mask point, Randall falling in a pit that was "conveniently" above a lake is actually quite believable. The latter topics I get you, but it happens quite often that at the very bottom of things like ravines and other things that you can find a lake. Furthermore before Randall fell alongside the platforms they were standing on, the platforms were surrounded by a big pool of water. Though it wouldn't be enough to save him, it's safe to say it wasn't AS "convenient" as you say.
Yeah, but the problem is that water, at that height, is basically like concrete.
We got minecraft logic going on so seems realistic ;)
@@darkbum1510 explains the amnesia-inducing concussion
Also, correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't Flora adopted by Layton? She would have been ideal as a main character.
That’s what I was confused about! Before I knew anything about the game, when they mentioned Layton’s daughter, I thought they were talking about Flora. So where in the world did Katrielle come from?!
I think that’s a fan theory under the presumption that Layton wouldn’t just abandon a child in the middle of fucking London (Even though he kinda already did that in Eternal Diva, albeit due to Layton not knowing Flora at the time)
Flora had such a huge opportunity to develop as a character! Just imagine, a young, naive, foolish and innocent girl can be transformed into a mature and witty woman with a heart for kindness. It would be so wholesome and satisfying.
Furthermore, after Luke's Departure in Unwound/Lost future, Layton could shift his focus to Flora, bringing her on other mysteries, and finally teaching her/ guiding her instead of all this nonsense of casting her aside which happened the the first 3 Trilogy. I'd say 2 games with Flora and Layton (with addition of new characters) would be sufficient to do the aforementioned character development.
After waiting for all these years, I would like to see Level 5 to provide the fanbase some fan service (Flora is quite popular within the fanbase), by having a game where she is the main character along side Layton (and maybe even Luke!)
If not, the entire story of CV to "Save" Flora would be all but wasted in my opinion. And that is what makes the Flora situation so bitter to me.
Nope you are correct
I don't think he ever adopted her, no. I'm pretty sure that in the Japanese version, she even considers herself his "marriage candidate" because of the circumstances under which they met? Though it's not like the Professor even remotely reciprocates those feelings. Luckily.
I think Flora was probably his ward for a little while, but I doubt an official adoption ever happened.
Ok I love Aurora but “local Irish girl” has me wheezing and I shall never be able to refer to her without hearing this now-
Yes, finally someone who wants to review this game in depth. Because it is so unfortunate, it had so much potential, we have seen that in the anime, but somehow the writers of the game just didn't see it.
the game just feels like a prologue to the anime to me honestly
In my eyes, the anime isn't good either. The anime is bullsht.
@@topathy7469 how
Imo, the anime is quite good and succeeds to feel like a Layton game. They also reworked a lot of cases, so they put effort in producing it. I just don't think many people have seen it.
@@sybren3324 Yeah it was japan only sadly
Maybe you'll be surprised, but the latest game "Layton's Mystery Journey" is actually the game which made me buy all the other DS and 3DS games. So, It might be bad... but it still brings new fans to the series, like me! :)
nuts how mystery room managed to fit better with the layton series than an actual layton game (I did enjoy Katrielle's game, but it's nowhere near as good as any of the other games in my opinion)
And there aren’t even picarats and hint coins in mystery room!
I'd also like to see a bit more of Emmy, though the Flora game was a great idea. Emmy could make a cameo there too. Have I mentioned I really like Emmy?
I love emmy but her being a member of Targent definitely wasn't planned and is such a shoe in
Idk man, what character is your favorite again?
Emmy is a queen and didn't she say she would come back at the end of azran legacy? Emmy doesn't lie. Where is emmy
@@sillycat103 She's prob working at a 7/11 somewhere.
@@johnnysaurus04 LMFAO probably
Although I enjoyed LMJ for what it was, it did feel like its target audience (in terms of its gameplay) feels on the younger side than the fans who already know about the Professor Layton series. I feel like it does a good job of the basics of the series, but agree that I thought there would be another case or two beyond the final culmination. A series of short story cases aren't inherently bad, yet in a franchise that usually has a continuous overarching story in previous installments, LMJ felt even flatter. There were cases in the anime I would've loved to see - even if it was more a side story - because I was more invested in those plots (like the one with the musician or the farmer who's hoping to grow more crops).
I have faith that if a future installment came, it'd build upon the previous games well and fill in holes left by both LMJ [Sherl got no proper development; I was hoping for more mystery to why the talking dog was there instead of the 'so he can talk to you' mcguffin], regardless of the role Katrielle holds. It is "Layton's Mystery Journey" after all, it doesn't say it has to be all Kat.
I have the same opinion, especially when LMJ advertises charms when it released. I don't think my older brother would want that 😂
LMJ is so girly that I thought the target audience must be for younger children whose older sibling/parent played PL and they watch them play it. In the scenario of my brother, this definitely works for him and his young daughter.
I enjoy it but it does feel flatter than other PL games... Maybe it IS time for Kat to be the protagonist. I hope she get better games soon.
wow, this is really well edited!
Thank you!
How it could have become a better game in my opinion:
I don't think the actually problem was Kat being the daughter and that Hershel was gone. It wasn't even the lack of original characters. I would say it were 2 things only.
ONE: Kat had a really flat character.
-making decutions which are explained by the mere feeling in her guts
-food is the most important thing
-I act completely clueless all the time
for real. that's it
TWO: it felt completely useless playing this game.
-no real impact on anyones action (no one was angry with ernest at all, he didn't have to face any consequences)
-there was never a bad person, not even some understandable villain like perhaps Anthony in Pandora
-the plot was almost not connected
-the explainations based on accidental events sounded really sketchy
So if you'd put some more effort in linking the plot and making things matter at all and if the'd have given Kat some character depth in her actions it wouldn't have been that awful.
"A Victorian coatrack" Don't do my boy Descole dirty like this
Honestly, the game is just really boring. I have no want to continue to the next case. The original series was able to excellently pull you along and want you to continue playing. What’s at the top of the tower? Who killed Simon? Is there really a vampire? Who wrote these journal entries we’re finding? Did we really just travel ten years into the future? Meanwhile here the cases have such little impact and intrigue, Kat is such a genuinely boring (and sometimes mean) character and there are practically NO references to the original games. It’s just so BORING
The only issue with this entire video is that you're assuming I would see someone who wants to target the super-rich as a villain lol
Yeah, this is definitely a case where the tie-in/spin-off anime is actually considerably better. Along with the super-episodic nature of Mystery Journey working better in the format of an anime (and it being 50 episodes long meant that it could also mix in totally original mysteries and sequels to the game's cases) I think it also did a better job at giving each little story its emotional weight. Like its equivalent to Case 3 still comes up, but it takes that event one step further by shifting the events around to put more emphasis on the tension between the director and editor to make that the climax's focus. Ultimately culminating in a very touching moment that would feel at-home as the climax of a cinema-themed case from one of the games.
And the original stuff isn't that shabby either. The first few episodes are a little predictable in that area (especially since a lot of them are homages to the other games), but even then the way they are written be genuinely heartfelt. The second episode especially rocks as a sendup to Diabolical Box while also having its own approach to ripping your heart out.
It also ends properly, with a proper buildup to both Ernest's situation (with a far harder hitting version of the game's final case) and an actual ending featuring Layton and Katri working together on a case.
Here's my biggest problem with this game: It leaves too many things just out there and there are a lot of things that just don't add up.
The way I see it, when they made Ernest the antagonist, they want to create a similar thing they did with Clive: Have someone assist, have them betray you, give them a redemption arc. The thing is though, they didn't give his arc any sort of real buildup. Back when I played Lost Future for the first time, I was always a little bit suspicious of Clive. Him turning to betrayal was still a shock, but it was still a good plot twist because there was buildup and because he had a genuine reason for revenge. It wasn't based on misunderstanding one thing when he was a kid.
With Ernest, it came completely out of the blue. It almost seems like the developers realized at the last minute that they needed some sort of plot twist, so they decided to try and recreate one of their most successful arcs.
Then there's the missing Layton, and Sherl(these are part of the same issue so addressing them at the same time). They build up both these things at the start, sometimes mention them throughout and then they just... left them there, never to be talked about again.
The last thing is really just a small thing that probably slipped the creators' mind cause it was so long ago, but Dean Delmona's hair. The man is bald. We established this in Lost Future. So why does he have grey hair now? Obviously it would be a wig since he's been bald for years, but why would he wear a grey wig? Why not just stick with the brown one?
To not use Flora in LMJ is a total waste of opportunity and that is a total bummer.
Flora had such a huge opportunity to develop as a character! Just imagine, a young, naive, foolish and innocent girl can be transformed into a mature and witty woman with a heart for kindness through her adventures (If it ever happens). It would be so wholesome and satisfying.
Furthermore, after Luke's Departure in Unwound/Lost future, Layton could shift his focus to Flora, bringing her on other mysteries, and finally teaching her/ guiding her instead of all this nonsense of casting her aside which happened the the first Trilogy. I'd say 2 games with Flora and Layton (with addition of new characters) would be sufficient to do the aforementioned character development.
After waiting for all these years, I would like to see Level 5 to provide the fanbase some fan service (Flora is quite popular within the fanbase), by having a game where she is the main character along side Layton/Katrielle (and maybe even Luke!)
If not, the entire story of CV to "Save" Flora would be all but wasted in my opinion.
Would like your opinion on it @DearestHershel
Fantastic video. The HDMI cable line got me
They are awfully scary.
The character of Katrielle is such a grating experience to sit through. She doesn’t take her job seriously despite starting out, goes on detours all the time, has this ego out of NOWHERE and ignores everything around her that isn’t to her interest.
Poor Sherl is meant to be the straight funny man where you’re meant to be like “OH SHERL! HAHAHA” whenever he complains about Katrielle’s behaviour. Except he’s RIGHT? In fact, why the hell is he WORKING for Katrielle? Room and board? I mean, okay, but Katrielle isn’t doing jack shit for anything related to his case that he SIGNED A CONTRACT FOR. He’s her CLIENT, not a worker. Whenever Katrielle snubs him, I actually sympathise for the guy. But then it wears thin because complaining is all he does. Like, I’m barely enjoying the game as is. I don’t need Sherl dogging it down as well. When you’re pointing out that the main character is no good at her job, it just makes everything worse.
Ernst is alright. His only redeeming point is that he’s actually NICE and I don’t find his simping annoying because I’m the type to laugh at simping characters. But he’s not the star and not the one solving puzzles and I know his pining will never get resolved. He’s not a Watson-esque character like Luke is who affects the story to a major degree expect for the plot twist I willingly spoiled myself on the end.
I’m 4 cases in but it took me a week because each case is so bland and so mediocre alongside the characters’ blasé attitude. I’ve slowly given on grinding for level completion. I’ve stopped exploring for hint coins and hidden puzzles because I no longer care and am trying to get to the interesting bits faster. Yet one case is enough to mentally exhaust me out of disinterest.
The suitcase minigames though are okay. I guess the jeweller shop is kinda fun and interesting.
I totally agree with everything you said and I admire your persistence because this game is the only Layton game that I didn't complete. When it got to the point where I was skipping through all the dialogue because I hated hearing from every character I really questioned what I was even playing for. The title theme is a banger, though.
@@guy-sl3kr - Thanks man. I didn’t finish the game either. I borrowed it from the library but returned it only a third finished. When I heard there are a total of 12 freaking cases, I actually groaned in annoyance. The map system is also way too slow from the way you watch Katrielle slowly stroll her way around these locations that get bigger and longer each time, the constant backtracking, the relentless asking of “are you sure you wanna go here?” Just make it snappy like the DS games did! And I sorely miss Layton’s original case explanations. Katrielle just pales in comparison. The earlier cutscenes just don’t feel as important either.
@@marlepeace9844 Wow I wish I had borrowed it instead of paying full price for it haha. And same, the game lacked the charm of the previous 6 and was so tedious that it barely felt like the same franchise.
I would leave my exam for the premiere.
the main theme slaps though
Gonna be 100% honest: I wish your criticism for LMJ was more scathing.
I despise the game. I haven't even finished it. The gameplay was boring, everything was over too fast, the "mysteries" were too small, it was everything I hated about Azran Legacy amplified and devoid of all of the content that made azran legacy so great.
There were no tragic or heartwarming stories, the music was lacking, the puzzles were too easy, and most of all, we end up learning NOTHING new about the world or the characters. Fortunately, the anime focuses on Layton more an answers more of the questions, but what I think the game's biggest flaw is is the lack of a riveting overarching storyline. Every Layton game has a theme, a real mystery, that the game is named after. We don't even GET the big story until halfway through the game. It's like ace attorney, if every one of the first 3 cases was the intro case, except guess what, there was no crime, it was all just a misunderstanding that won't effect anyone at all! There are no stakes, there's no excitement, and the characters have absolutely no depth. When I see a game by Level 5, I am expecting to be moved, to be wowed, and this game does not do this.
Also Katrielle and Ernest are annoying. There, I said it.
And your critiques about Miracle Mask are spot on. While I'd argue that, compared to a GIANT MANATEE, or BUILDING AN ALTERNATE LONDON UNDERNEATH LONDON, the thing with Randall is a lot more realistic, it definitely is sort of... weird. But it fits into the signature Layton style. (Also, Miracle Mask was my favorite game, so I mayyy be biased.)
I remember hating the characters and story and only liking the puzzles. when I got to the case with the inspector it was so frustrating. he was like "I don't know what to do for my wife's birthday, she says she wishes we spent more time together since I'm so busy with work. I can't figure out a good idea so I'm just gonna walk around thinking of a good present all day instead of spending time with her." DUDE JUST HANG OUT WITH YOUR WIFE WHAT DO YOU NEED ME FOR???? I just decided to mash through the dialogue to get the the puzzles and ignore the story from then on.
7:58 finally, someone acknowledges the mallet percussion in the soundtrack
How many children has Layton bloody adopted
You need as many slaves as you can get (jk)
I’d like to give my two cents before this video starts...No offense to anyone intended ever.
I played two of the three versions (3DS and Switch), and yeah, it could have been better. Level-5 probably should’ve held off on releasing it when they did, and return to the drawing board, if only to make the plot work better with the episodic approach or vice versa. It worked for Mystery Room, but that’s because one consistent plot tied all the cases together. Here, that’s not so clear; the only connection I can think of are the certain characters we meet along the way (not giving out their names ‘cause spoilers); the plot twist at the end (again, no spoilers from me) is one where you actually have to go back to find the foreshadowing. It’s just not that clear, although I question if this is necessarily bad.
That said.
The anime more than made up for the game’s biggest flaws (yes, even in the filler episodes; I willingly watch all 50 so the rest of you don’t have to).
As far as characters go, I really don’t see what the hate for Katrielle is. So what, if she isn’t a carbon copy of her father? Based on that, there should be just as much hate for Alfendi, but I don’t see that happening. She likes food and fashion. Guess what? So do a lot of feminine girls! Flora’s a feminine girl, I don’t see her getting hate for it. Also, Kat’s still new, technically. You can’t judge a main character after just one installment.
All I’m saying is that these double standards are just nonsense.
So she’s not perfect. What character is? Everyone in this series has flaws. Even Hershel.
As for the others...Most of them are not bad. I’d list them off one by one, but then we’d be here all night.
Anyway, looking forward to what this video has to offer!
Yes, this is true, the anime truely shines. I would even go as far to say that is better than the Ace Attorney anime. But it just shows that there are still people who understand Layton. Imagine if the game was like this. Because tbh, I wonder how many people actually watches the anime. The perfect way of experiencing Katrielle's story is imo downloading the mobile version, playing the first case for free and then watching the anime. You get the introduction to everyone and the best storyline.
''Flora’s a feminine girl, I don’t see her getting hate for it.'' i thought most people hated flora, for some reason i don't understand bc she's awesome.
Yeah Katrielle is an amazing character, don't get the hate, she's awesome.
@@sybren3324 the ace attorney anime mostly just shines with it's original cases/episodes, but most of it is just adaptations of the games.
the LMJ anime adapts the whole game but most episodes are completely new which I love a lot and even the adaptations are very different (and better.)
@@usermcskull4713 Yes, I completely agree with you. And yes, AA and LMJ anime's aren't really comparable, but I just liked LMJ's more, which is good off course. And indeed, almost all cases are made better (I see u, case 3, I see you and your ridiculous plot twist). I think it's just a shame that most people won't experience Katrielle as a good character, but as a protagonist in a game that doesn't let its protagonist shine. That's why I want the next Layton game also with Katrielle as lead, because she has potential that hasn't been met in the game itself.
Well I don't like Kat, but not because she likes girly things or she is not like Layton. I don't like her because she is not my type. She is loud, very proud, can easily be distracted from the case by unnecessary things (like food) and has screwed priorities (The talking dog is not important thing, but the candy shop with labirynth is real shit!). I know, she can have some depths, but I don't feel that it was showed enough. Besides, the chemistry between Kat and her companions are not equal, so that's also a problem for me. Well, I see that there are many people that likes Kat and that's okay, again, she is not my type. But maybe if in the future Level 5 show us Kat with some depths and that she will treat her assistants a little better, I will like her. Maybe. We'll see.
By the way, my English suck. Sorry for that.
Will we get reviews of the rest of the games? I would absolutely watch even 20 or 30 minute videos on these games.
flora protag flora protag flora proTAG FLORA PROTAG
she would've been so much fun! as either a protag 10 years post-future OR in the same timeslot that Kat's in anyway!
and the clip with the tying it back to diamonds brings up something else that would've been interesting: connecting the Richmond family to the Herzen family. They both have a ram(goat?) as their emblem, with long, curled horns and a mine of resources that led to later troubles. While the last part is more coincidental, the fact that it's LORD Maximilian Richmond could signify an offshoot family of sorts, while still retaining some level of riches. Also there were misunderstandings all around.
maybe it's just me giving the game too much credit for something it probably didn't intend. you're definitely right though, lmj wasn't as good as it could've been and it's sad. I almost feel like Mystery Room pulls off the formula better, with small cases leading up to a Big Reveal, just with more dead bodies.
This is very on point! But I feel the need to leave my own rant somewhere, because the katrielle nonsense has left me fuming since
…
There’s so much I love about the series-The Layton games throw you in a world of escapism with steampunk aesthetic, complex plots, absolutely phenomenal music, and an art-style unique from anything mainstream (like anime)-it’s reminiscent of old European cartoon. The storytelling is whimsical and silly yet grounded in some moments, and even delving into more mature themes. That’s a contrast I can really appreciate.
I believe the series began to tumble downhill after the 3D mark, as the iconic storytelling coincidentally lost its spark (although I did enjoy the prequels), but katrielle’s mystery adventure? YIKES.
I was alright with the new take at first. Although the art-style disappointed me, the world was centered around its new protagonist whom I might’ve like. Except her whole character revealed to be nothing more than the quirky girl ‘I like food sksksks’, and being an asshat (which ironically made me feel for the other characters) Ernest… lost me at ‘you’re mE reason to live’. Then we have unfitting-for-a-layton-world, American-like superheros, and formulated, repetitive cases that never even get to the whole plot initially introduced. Seriously, the pacing is so static and flat, it offers no curiosity, only to allow flavourless dialogue to drag on. The lack of curiosity isn’t the only crime. *Everything* is so empty, it’s as if the creators put no *heart* into this abomination of a Layton child. The fact that it’s this overly-infantised, candy-coloured, slice of life anime is why it can’t be a Layton game. That completely strips the niche magic of a Layton game- *the style of storytelling is the whole author’s signature!*
This whole game is straight dumpster fire, and bait for Layton fans for a story not worthwhile. There, I said it.
Fantastic!
Although I don’t really mind lmj, but I really enjoyed the anime, I’m looking forward to seeing your opinion on it
Yes!! the anime did a great job of fixing what was missing in the games, the right amount of references to the previous games, Katrielle being much more likeable, answers to some of the unsolved mysteries the game had left behind,,, it's really nice!
My ONLY issue is that Luke's new look is kinda odd.
@@nickmakura459 I guess they'd set the expectations pretty high since there was no way they could make an accurate adult Luke without him looking like a copy paste of Clive, and,, I guess you would expect someone to change over 10 years ,,? But yes it's pretty unsettling at first ahah
I bet the reason's gonna be because Hershel isn't there
EDIT: Called it lmao
I dislike this game, but I also really don't get why people are so hung up on Layton not being the protagonist. So much has been done with him, his character development is done. And unless you're okay with Level-5 continuously throwing random, unexplained traumatic backstories at him, there's absolutely nothing more that can be done. I feel like if the series wanted to continue, a new protagonist was inevitable.
Granted, I think they absolutely *botched* Katrielle who, in an attempt to make a character that wasn't a carbon copy of Layton instead made a character so vastly different that it feels like she's riding off of his coattails rather than her own interesting person, but someone like her was needed. A better execution is actually Alfendi from Mystery Brothers in my opinion.
@@sageofanys3476 Even then in that regard, I think Alfendi's game really screws up the central core of the Layton series, that being a big emphasis on critical thinking. I've only played the demo so far, but from what I've played, it's not really anything too straining on the mind unlike some of the lateral thinking, mathematics, or 3D visualisation puzzles in the main games.
It faces the same problem a lot of "detective" games face where the problem is laid out bare for the player to think about, making getting to conclusions trivial given there aren't many hurdles in the way, and also the problem of having the player choose from 3 options when interrogating the murder suspect instead of them making their own conclusions. I feel if you were actively asked to figure out who the murderer was and give logical reasons as to why they're the murderer, the game would be much more engaging.
I actually just beat Layton’s Mystery Journey today
Poor litle thing
I beat last night.
I enjoyed LMJ, but I had some problems with it. For one, neither of the overarching mysteries introduced in the opening were ever resolved, and they were hardly even addressed throughout the game. The Hershel plot was ultimately resolved in an anime adaptation, but I would love to be able to play that kind of game. (Doesn't look like that's in the cards, and we'll never know why the dog is talking.)
Ernest's backstory ultimately made little sense. When it went from building up this drama and complexity to saying no, it's actually the complete opposite situation and no one ever actually did anything wrong to Ernest and his family, I was like "Uh... what?"
The "busy and quiet paths" puzzle does not ring a bell. I played all of the puzzles (but got bored with the daily puzzles so I didn't 100% them) and I don't recall anything like that in the game. But one poor puzzle was the Inspector Hastings puzzle with the escaping thief. The wording said that the thief could only get to a particular ladder from one direction, but it somehow required a different route from the one that you would think you were supposed to pick. I don't recall the details off the top of my head, but I think either the hints didn't make it clear or they contradicted what was said in the problem statement proper.
If you watched the animated series completely, SPOILER: in the last moments they introduced Alfendi and Lucy coming to the Detective Agency.
And I would be pissed if that would be where the Animation Studio ends their work. I mean all I wished for was that Alfendi would appear in this series. And if they cut it due to lack of interested watchers I'll have words!
Layton mystery detective agency was originally planned out to be 50 episodes long. There will not be another season, as the story has been told.
Sorry to all those LMB fans out there.
@@carysgeorge2509 yeah ok but why make another teaser for the next season if they never planned to make one
@@schnicschnok4853 ah I’m not sure what teaser you are referring to? Could you link it? The corresponding comic series to the show also ended.
@@carysgeorge2509 ua-cam.com/video/4xtz5cxXqTg/v-deo.html
Thats odd. Its in german but thats not season 4. Layton and the rest is already involved and additionally the appearance of alfendi and lucy in the last seconds of season 4 made the impression of a next round
@@carysgeorge2509 source or else that’s a lie.
Absolutely amazing video!! Would love to see more things like this, it's really top notch! :D
Thank you! I've got a couple more ideas in the works, but I'm glad you liked this one!
@@DearestHershel Always excited to see what you create, you're a real gem :)
It would be pretty cool playing as Flora, being able to consult with Layton every now and then if you needed a hint in the right direction.
Also older Luke, would've been epic
TALK THAT TALK KING 🔊
Really nice review about the game! You got potential there, my friend.
To be honest, this game had a great opportunity, but it was used wrongly. Here's what I think:
Story: Katrielle could've done those small quests, looking for that big mystery to solve, but when she finds the truth about them, she could've been frustrated that she wasn't as good as her father, until that one final mystery, which could've been greatly expanded more.
Music: I like most of the music in it. It shows the change in a new generation, as it was in the Layton Brothers game (which has an amazing soundtrack, btw). Both of those games have very different music to the Layton ones, but that's part of the change in atmosphere.
Gameplay: Better puzzles don't always mean new puzzles. Making variants of old puzzles works, too! I think remaking some of the old puzzles is a good way to honor our beloved puzzle master Akira Tago (RIP). As for the rest, the visuals looked great, but they should've been more interactive, like the prequel games.
That's really all I could think of, thank you for making me analyze this game with you
I’m fine with a more “slice of life” game instead of an end-of-the-world plot. I’m even fine with having a new main character. But the mysteries were never engaging! And the puzzles just didn’t hold up to the originals. And if they weren’t going to answer the big mystery of why Layton’s missing, then I really wish they didn’t make Katrielle his daughter in the first place.
I purchased the 3DS version of Layton's Mystery Journey a few years back without much research. I knew of it's existence and not much more so when I saw a brand new copy in a local game shop I bought it with no second thought. Layton still is one of my favourite DS series and I finally got the last piece of my collection (that being Last Specter which is REALLY HARD TO FIND in Australia!) a few weeks back.
I still haven't finished Layton's Mystery Journey to this day and I don't know if I will. For comparison, I decided to replay Curious Village the other week and completed it in a single sitting. I completely agree with what you said about them wanting to make a different puzzle series and I'd genuinely love to see that without the shackles of the Layton name weighing it down.
With the recent mobile releases, my best hope is for a Switch port of some or all of the DS games. Let a new generation of children be able to experience an incredible series which is now incredibly difficult due to the phase out of the DS and 3DS over the past few years. I don't want their only choice to be Layton's Mystery Journey.
A fine video, Bob
Thanks for your help, Rob! And I'm hoping for that too!
Very well video !! And super underrated ! Cant wait for it ti blow up a lot more for you !
Great video, finally more serious Layton content on UA-cam!
Awesome video! I laughed so hard at 4:24... it's so sad but at the same time so comical :P
8:37 the callback to the folsense theme proves this game doesn't exist please tell me we were just under the influence of some gas and had a huge trip hallucinating this stain of a game
Funny thing is, Hershel Layton is an important part of the story in the anime, which is just a retelling of the game itself so...
I’m really glad I’m not the only one who shares an opinion on this game, I thought I was going mad thinking the real plot twist was just around the corner
Worst part is that the mysteries set up by the game had some very disappointing answers...
The most notable tell of the lack of heart in LMJ was a fair few typos in the English version for some of the extra puzzles. I adored the first six, even when it went a little supernatural - to have archaeology lean that way from time to time gives me a tingle in the spine. But this time?
The plot was not even clever in its silliness - out with the pipes of Misthallery and long game of Baron Reinhold, and in with a globe rolling down Bowlyn Hill because of sub-standard workmanship and a statue being dragged along the floor of the Thames.
Katrielle swung wildly from thoughtful to hyper on a dime, veering into overly smug more than I'd hope. It took the entire story for Ernest to get more than one dimension, half of what Sherl tried to say was near-indecipherable without the subtitles, Hastings was an utter melonhead, Emiliana was more one-dimensional than Ernest.
The biggest letdown to me, however, was the puzzles. The late Tago-san's hand was sorely missed here. Some of the puzzles were clever, but a lot of them were uninteresting and one or two even employed moon logic. There are certain puzzles I remember well from the first six for how clever they were - like the buckets and the fountains, the corks and garlic, the board-cutting, the falling walkways and buttons for example. But in this game? All I remember is the first one, several that require shooting UFOs out of the sky, one where the answer is an empty water glass, and shuffling tortoises. Not great.
I am, therefore, not surprised that Level-5 have basically abandoned the series after the misstep that was LMJ. Saddened, but not surprised. I am also saddened that beyond remastering the first game or two for mobile and trying to monetise older entries, Level-5 no longer have much interest in the Western market. So much so, they made an official announcement that they would not be making future games in any of their series available to the West for the foreseeable future. Talk about going out with a whimper.
can I just say I love your video style and humour, I enjoyed watching this so so much more than expected to (not that I though I would hate it lol)
Rest in peace Akira Tago, the true professor Layton himself
"the game succeeded in making me think that something big would happen" is my general thought about the game.
During the whole time i thought that the millionaires would be the "bad guys" of the game because they did somehting years earlier and now they need to get rid of Katrielle because she's investigating too much. Ernest "big" reveal was just the last nail in the coffin because you don't have the satisfaction as a player to make your own hypothesis, the answer is just given at the end, all the mysteries you solved were for nothing, just to tell you "hey the millionaires aren't bad they are good! Nobody is a criminal!"
8:55 me when streaming at night 😂
That concluding statement had very 'ship of theseus' vibes
Hard agree, I would have ADORED such a Flora game!
It appears many fans of the series have voiced some common wants for the next instalment of the series that slaps the trash that is Layton's Mystery Journey into the shadow realm.
1. They want Flora to be the main puzzle solver as it would make sense for her to take up Layton's position in some way, shape or form. She's (along with Luke) Layton's aprentice in one way or another as she could've picked up some puzzle-solving itch and skills from being around him a lot.
2. The return of a more mature Luke, maybe as a secondary character that solves mysteries alongside Flora or a major supporting character.
3. More complex puzzles like in the old games.
4. For the story to not be structured like crap.
5. Maybe tone down the stakes a bit as making the threat more and more bigger it's starting to get repetitive and overblown.
6. Catrielle and the other new characters are either bland or annoying. So the point is to make better new characters.
That's what I've seen throught many places, the most common points for a Layton game.
UA-cam recommended me this only now but omg... I agree. That game was a wreck. It was painful to sit through. I despise the main character (even if I love the design) but she's utterly annoying and arrogant...
That's not boggles me the most... It's the lack of adventure, lack of finding Layton and lack of getting to know what happened to sherl (the dog)
The beginning of the game sounded so ominous and so interesting... And yet we are left with disappointment and just... Questions....
I played to 100 percent because I just cared about the puzzles. The story was... A mess.
slightly off topic, but where can I watch the anime? I was into Layton as a kid and am now only starting to get back into it
Love the lil personalized character!!! Looks so good and....layton-ish!!!!
I can't sit through this video. It's just too relatable 😭
That's sad to hear. Truthfully speaking, I haven't played this Layton game due how it was received at the time, so when I saw this video in my recommendeds, I wanted to see what the issues were. Such a shame that this series has lost its footing somewhat.
On a parallel tangent, I've just finished The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles which, from what you've said, feel like the polar opposite to LMJ; really good overarching story, excellent characters, addresses some of the flaws of series while keeping the legacy intact.
Layton vs Phoenix Wright in hindsight felt like a big turning point for the two franchises, since many of the courtroom mechanics in that game would go on to be implemented in Great Ace Attorney. Layton, on the other hand, just seemed to fall off after that, which is a huge shame, since I honestly can't envisage a crossover sequel happening with the spot the Layton franchise is in now.
At the end of the day, this is just my opinion, so if you want to try out LMJ for yourself, go ahead! I don't know if it's just the nostalgia talking, but the original three Layton games were so iconic that anything that came afterwards was always going to be hard to beat. The prequels do have good elements to them, but the same Layton magic that filled the originals just doesn't seem to be there as much.
I did consider picking up the Switch re-release, but I just wasn't feeling it, and I had other games I wanted to play at the time. I know it's not fair to pass judgement on something without giving it a shot, but sometimes you can glean enough info from the outside to know that it probably isn't for you.
This..
It's so sad how many of the best video game series ever created just went downhill at some point and after that all there was is just a big void of nothing, leaving the fans with the disappointment.
I love Layton so much, but KMJ was just a big huge ehhh.....
I've been trying for years to figure out why I just didnt like the Lady Layton game. I think you hit on most of the points, so thank you. I would also like to comment about Miracle Mask, as that is my favorite game in the series, along with Curious Village and Diabolical Box. MM hit me in a way that Unwound Future didnt really. I would argue its the best of the prequels.
I feel like LMJ was a lot like how people look at the avatar the last Airbender live action movie.
5:05 That's just Ace Attorney
I was all for a fresh take on the series. I mean I played the free stuff on the "Layton Brothers Detective Mysteries" for mobile so I was open for new takes on the story.
Heck people even theorized that Kat was actually Luke's and Flora's kid but Luke wanted someone for Kat to look up to and pretended to be Layton himself or some complicated stuff.
I did watch an episode or two of the anime but because we immedtiatly jump into the story with little context (The clock tower hand was a burnt biscuit all along!!)
Yeah..makes you question your sanity a bit
oh i was looking for this
9:36 hold on... does Dean Delmona have white hair? That contradicts Unwound/Lost Future... 😡😡
I will miss Level 5 games and their nostalgic games like Professor Layton, Yoki Watch, and other games
I'm here cause I just started the game (finished the first mystery only) and as much as I was trying to not be too critical... I was almost cringing?
Katrielle's personality isn't likeable at all. She's this overly confident girl, who is soooo relatable cause she...likes food? who apparently is smart, but the mystery and it's solution are so absurd that I think only an idiot could come up with that kind of solution.
The dog is annoying too, he just keeps complaining on and on, but not in a funny way, he's like the comments under youtube shorts : always has bad things to say, and never happy.
Overall feels like the characters will look at me and a laughing track will play at any moment. It's very cheesy.
The animation is beautiful, and the character designs are reminiscent of other Layton games. I loved seeing our old friends from older games come back as a cameo. That's probably the best part lol.
I didn't have many puzzles, but I'm still not sure how I feel about the 9 or 10 I solved. Most of them are easy, and the ones that aren't easy make no sense ? Idk if it's the translation (not in English) that sucks, but I would read the puzzle and not understand wth it's saying or asking me to do. The worst were the puzzle with the two scales and the one about the three colors black blue and white.
In short, I played 1 hour and 30 minutes and I came here in hopes of finding something to reassure me the game is worth finishing...
“The dog on the other hand sounds like a really crappy impression of Winston Churchill”
OOOOOH YES!
...Sorry, I had to. Great video, by the way.
Tbh that crossroad puzzle kind of reminds me of the barber puzzle in what i think was the first game bat at least that one made sense
Mate please never stop making these videos theyre class. The video was great as i both agree and disagree. The original trilogy was my favourite too but the expansion that the prequels provided to the lore was amazing and made me feel more connected to characters i already adored. And as i relate layton to a few special people in my life and how i havent been able to see them in such a long time due to covid, it makes me feel so happy that people are still giving this franchise the love it deserves. Thankyou.
btw folsense best track. i cry everytime i hear it.
Ben
I still don’t understand to this day what Happened to flora at the end of lost world. Did she live with Layton or did Layton just abandoned her
Mood.
Miracle Mask is my favourite game in the series but that roast was so funny I can't even be mad about it.
Pretty much one-to-one my thoughts on the game, including how you'd do it better.
Nice to see such solidarity, even if it is over the disappointment of a game. :P
I WOULD HAVE LOVED A FLORA GAME DAMN
Waiting for the busy route rap to drop
My only critique of this video is some music examples when you talk about the music might've been nice, but I understand if you didn't put any because of legal reasons or smth like that
Lovely, concise video! Keep up the good work
What did you think of the brother reveal and fact hershel isn't really layton in his final game
Do you know if they're planning to make another game?
also when I found out that Katrielle could talk to Shirl, I immediatly thought: man, she's in fact Luke's daughter but something happened to him and Layton had to take care of her, this is gonna be an amazing plot: maybe we'll get to see old characters like Emmy or Randall, and Hershel of course.
Ah, well...
As far as I'm aware, Level 5 have said they haven't got any more plans for games in the West, and have closed their international offices. It's quite sad, tbh.
Worse than that. How a true gentleman like Layton could not be there to raise Katrielle. And why could Flora not be there for Katrielle. I'd have loved a history where Layton finds a new love, that respects his history from the previous game but still make him move forward and have a daughter. The same for his son in mistery room. It does not make any sense Layton not being there for the children.
The anime adaptation, as interesting as it can be, just does not fell right to end a game series outside the gaming world.
I never liked LMJ as a Layton game but was never really able to put WHY exactly into words- but damn you did all of that perfectly.
It really feels like nothing carried over from the Professor Layton games into Mystery Journey, and I could FEEL it only about an hour or so into gameplay. Made playing it almost feel like a chore, or something to do about of obligation, because I didn’t feel invested in any of the mysteries. And once I realised that, I just stopped playing.
Just finished the game, and while there were fun moments, it was a LOT of wasted potential.
What happened to Layton? We don’t know. What’s the deal with Sherl? We don’t know. Ernest was just a one-note simp for Kat, and just when he was getting interesting in Case 12, the game ends. Just… so many missed story beats in my opinion.
6:56 I would pick the busy road because there is obviously a reason for it to be busier than the quiet road. Otherwise the distribution would be evenly split and the original scenario makes no sense anymore. It could be a dangerous section, maybe it's used a lot by criminals, perhaps you might get your feet wet... Whatever it is, if most people take the busy road, you should probably follow
Approached by a man dressed as a Victorian coatrack, okay that one was actually good
This Video made me feel so seen not gonna lie. Captured my feelings for the game pretty well. This might also just be me but the, let's say episodic approach of the game instead of the usual overarching story line made it REALLY hard for me to motivate myself to play through. Felt like I had no incentive to go on to the next episode. This wasn't helped by the game being unable to let the characters have a genuine interaction without squeezing in a joke (at least that was my perception on it). Gotta say though, I went back to listen to the soundtrack after your coverage of it, as the only song that stuck with me was the main theme and,,,,, why does it genuinely sound like Pokemon music in parts,,,,
I totally agree with you !
i feel like layton doesn’t exist because it was just never talked about
I can't agree with Flora. Katrielle may not be an amazing character, but Flora
had no attitude to be the main character. Flora was just there, but she hasn't a good personality for that. She is too relaxed and uninteresting to make the setting better, apart from the fact that she isn't especially good with puzzles and mysteries in general.
ahahahahaha this is going to be a great video full of TRUTH
Indescribable rage aye? That's intense to say the least...
Played and finished the game, and I have to say, it really was the Balan Wonderworld of Layton games.
Besides the 'Professor Layton' games, do you also love the 'Ace Attorney' games? Thanks.
I've only actually played the crossover, so am not very familiar with the Ace Attorney games.