A gentleman never leaves a puzzle unsolved.
It looks like there are still plenty of mysteries left to solve for the Layton family, with Level-5 confirming that the well-dressed detectives have another game in the works, aiming to release “summer 2018”.
As reported by License! Global magazine (via ToonBarn), in addition to the new game release, the developer is also exploring new ways to experience the world of Layton, with animated projects currently in development as well as “experimental live events”.
The latest entry in the series, Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy, launched on mobile devices earlier this year with a new protagonist; a slightly-tweaked version of the game is coming to 3DS this Friday, October 6.
As well as the Layton news, Level-5 has also confirmed that it’s aiming for a 2018 comeback for its soccer-RPG series, with reboot Inazuma Eleven Ares expected to arrive next year. The game aims to retell the series’ original story with some tweaks, and will be supported with a new anime series as well as tie-in deals with publishers and clothing suppliers.
There’s currently no word of an exact release date or platform, but it’s previously been hinted that the series will be moving away from its 3DS roots – a Switch release hasn’t been confirmed, but is looking likely.
One last little tidbit – Level-5 also confirmed that the third season of its Yo-Kai Watch anime will be arriving in North America and Europe in early 2018, with a fresh wave of toys, books and other products. Yo-Kai Watch 2: Psychic Specters (an enhanced version of previous releases Yo-Kai Watch 2: Fleshy Souls and Yo-Kai Watch 2: Bony Spirits) released last week. Two versions of Yo-Kai Watch 3 launched in Japan last year, but there is currently no word on when they might be heading westward.
Matt Davidson is a freelance writer for IGN, who is altogether more excited than he should be by the words “fresh wave of Yo-Kai Watch toys”. Follow him over on Twitter!