Professor Layton and the Last Specter

$30, Nintendo DS

Teaches: logic, memory, strategy

CTR Rating: 92%

CTR Review

This one player problem solving adventure is rich with mental stimulation, and high quality graphics and narration. The fourth in the Professor Layton puzzle series, this game is set three years before the events in Professor Layton and the Curious Village. In the story, Professor Layton receives a letter from an old schoolmate telling him that a mysterious giant is destroying his town. This time, the professor investigates with his young, smart new assistant, Emmy. After a long introduction (which can be skipped with the "start" button) you start to solve the puzzles, which can be very challenging. There's a wide variety of brain teasers and riddles; more than the others in the series. In the first, for example, you find a hidden clue by taking the first letter from each line, in a paragraph. Fortunately, there's a good hint system. If you know a smart older child (upper elementary, middle or high school) this is an excellent enrichment title. Developed by Level-5 for Nintendo.