Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box

 DS
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 130 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 110 out of 130
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 130
  3. Negative: 4 out of 130
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  1. skads7
    Nov 8, 2019
    6
    Un salto cuantitativo con respecto al primero, una mejor historia, mejores personajes, puzles y canciones. Poco a poco va perfilando lo que debería ser un juego de Layton. Jugaría este antes que la Villa Misteriosa, porque total, para lo que se desarrolla "la historia" en el primer juego, mejor olvidarlo :)
  2. rbee
    Sep 7, 2009
    7
    A mid-game review, as I am currently about 90 puzzles into the 150 promised. By saying I intend to finish the game I don't mean to say that it's fantastic or gripping -- I played the Japanese version in fact, about a year ago, up to about the same point and remember being both disappointed and excited about my ability to "figure out" puzzles without quite understanding them. It A mid-game review, as I am currently about 90 puzzles into the 150 promised. By saying I intend to finish the game I don't mean to say that it's fantastic or gripping -- I played the Japanese version in fact, about a year ago, up to about the same point and remember being both disappointed and excited about my ability to "figure out" puzzles without quite understanding them. It turns out there was not much to get. Layton 2 provides puzzles that can be guessed through with minimum effort without slowing down gameplay. Of the 90 puzzles I've solved, less than 10 of them have been story-related. It's a charming little game, but no Curious Village. The best blurb on Metacritic comes from GameTrailers, in that "subtle refinements" to this sequel have made it easier for less dedicated players to finish it. I don't wish the game were harder, but I feel like I'm only killing time, not solving puzzles, and that's not what I wanted when I came back to this game for the English version.… Expand
  3. Klaww25
    Jun 10, 2017
    7
    Why is this game playing for me? I loved the first Layton game because it offered a challenge and this game pales in comparison. I am not playing the game and if you Say Zelda Skyward Sword holds your hand you are dead wrong because that game had a challenge this game utterly fails. The story is an improvement but the gameplay disappoints. Skyward Sword had more of a challenge for a puzzleWhy is this game playing for me? I loved the first Layton game because it offered a challenge and this game pales in comparison. I am not playing the game and if you Say Zelda Skyward Sword holds your hand you are dead wrong because that game had a challenge this game utterly fails. The story is an improvement but the gameplay disappoints. Skyward Sword had more of a challenge for a puzzle adventure game.… Expand
  4. Chnazume
    Feb 9, 2021
    6
    I’m a huge fan of professor Layton but. And as in all the other games this one was my least favorite. The mini-games were good, but the story is the crappiest of all the series. Also, I didn’t like most of the character design.
  5. ZangBang
    Oct 30, 2022
    5
    51/ 100
    The Diabolical Box displays all the visual charm and unique artistry of its prequel, amping it up with richer, more lively illustrations accompanying the puzzles and a superbly composed, richer soundtrack bursting with cheery elegance gradually morphing into mellow sadness to fit the story's evolving tone, as the location changes. Indeed, the Diabolical Box provides a more expanse    51/ 100
    The Diabolical Box displays all the visual charm and unique artistry of its prequel, amping it up with richer, more lively illustrations accompanying the puzzles and a superbly composed, richer soundtrack bursting with cheery elegance gradually morphing into mellow sadness to fit the story's evolving tone, as the location changes. Indeed, the Diabolical Box provides a more expanse adventure than the Curious Village, with the cast exploring a much bigger area of various, finely detailed locales inhabited by endearing, witty characters that the plot uses to subtly, skillfully lay down the clues for its main mysteries. Regrettably, not all of them receive a satisfying answer: the story culminates with a tragically somber, emotional finale that beautifully ties many of its plot threads together, but its main outlandish revelation requires an uncomfortably sudden suspension of disbelief that haphazardly dismisses many others. The returning gameplay structure offers a slightly inferior puzzle selection than Curious Village due to an unbalanced variety with a disappointing shortage of Riddle-type puzzles and an overabundance of Sliding-type puzzles. Nonetheless, the game still offers a nice array of brain teasers that challenge the player's observational, deduction and lateral-thinking skills in various ways, now bolstered by a collection of simple but entertaining minigames to deepen the experience.    … Expand
  6. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 3, 2023
    5
    AKA Professor Layton and Pandora's Box, this is a Tin Tin style cartoon containing a series of simple puzzles aimed at kids. Younger players may find it entertaining but if your age is in double figures it's all a bit too lightweight and easy.

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best DS Game of 2009
10
#10 Most Discussed DS Game of 2009
9
#9 Most Shared DS Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 65 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 65
  3. Negative: 0 out of 65
  1. Game Revolution
    75
    A predictable and challenging sequel. It has a nonchalant appeal that can capture anyone’s heart. And good news, as far as the sequel... wait, solve this puzzle first.
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  2. NintendoWorldReport
    95
    A spectacular sequel. It retains the wonderful and challenging puzzles from the original while offering grander story. There's a wealth of content, with over 150 puzzles and three different mini-games.
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  3. GamePro
    70
    Overall this is a great puzzle game with both an entertaining story and mind-bending puzzles. The numerous locations are both a burden on the art style and a blessing for the expanded scope of the game.
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