Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaire’s Conspiracy - Deluxe Edition (Nintendo Switch) Review

It can be quite difficult to not compare Layton's Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaire's Conspiracy - Deluxe Edition to the original Professor Layton games. Not only is the story of this new chapter in the series laid out completely differently, but also the characters and puzzle designs are new. However, it did not lose too much of its original charm. This focuses on Katrielle Layton, daughter of the famous Professor Layton, who is currently missing. Katrielle opens a detective agency in London, with her assistant Earnest, and a talking dog with amnesia that she names Sherl. Together the three of them do their best to solve mysteries together. One of Scotland Yard's inspectors asks them for help for certain mysteries, and with time they get asked by other people for help.

This is organised into little short stories for each mystery. In order to solve these mysteries, Katrielle & co have to collect clues and solve puzzles. This provides a variety of puzzles, such as logic ones, mathematical problems, and mazes. Puzzles are not timed, and therefore provide the player with a relaxing way to work the brain. Players can also use hints (at an in-game cost) if they get stuck. This makes the overall experience relaxing, and at the same time, intriguing.

The characters and stories are lovingly designed. Each character stands out in its own way, with his or her own personality. The story is very intriguing, making the player want to continue playing to solve the mystery. However, since the story is not linear, the overarching mystery known from the previous entries is missing.

Anyone that has played the series will remember the soundtrack. Layton's Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaire's Conspiracy - Deluxe Edition does not disappoint on that front. Some new themes and some old ones, that were reinvented, bring a bit of nostalgia but also the feeling of something new.

The original title had been released on the Nintendo 3DS, a console on which the style works very well. Playing on the Nintendo Switch, it quickly becomes apparent that changes have been made to accommodate for the new console. The game supports all of the possibilities to play the Nintendo Switch: touchscreen, buttons only, or motion controls. Player can choose which way works best for them.

The problem arises when investigating the map or solving certain puzzles. To investigate, it is necessary to move the cursor over the whole scene. Doing this using the d-pad is possible, however, there are only two speeds: fast and slow. It is not really practical. Using the touchscreen isn't without issues either, since the screen reacts to skin and it is quite difficult to make out when something is found, since the finger usually blocks the view of the cursor. The best option by far is disconnecting both Joycon and use motion controls.

Compared to how this played on the Nintendo 3DS, this is definitely worse. Similar problems arise when trying to solve puzzles. A memo function is part of the game, and comes in handy especially when solving mathematical puzzles. However, it is very difficult to use on the Nintendo Switch due to having to use either motion controls or the d-pad to write down notes. It is next to impossible. Additionally, on the Nintendo 3DS it was possible to see the puzzle explanations while using the memo function. This is no longer possible as the memo function now covers the puzzle explanation.

This title was designed for a console with two screens, and even though it was attempted to redesign it for the Nintendo Switch, it just does not work that well. On the other hand, it is apparent that a lot of thought has been put into how to accommodate it to the new platform, and every possibility to play this was made available, which is highly appreciated. While the puzzle text is sometimes a little bit small and hard to read, the enhanced graphics, which make everything look just ever so slightly sharper and brighter, almost make up for it.

For those with a Nintendo Switch that love puzzles and don't own a Nintendo 3DS, this is a must-have. Players who experienced the Layton series and the original Layton's Mystery game may also want to give the Nintendo Switch one a go, as new puzzles await. However, anyone owning a Nintendo 3DS/2DS may wish to play it on the older console, simply because gameplay is easier and more comfortable.