Layton Brothers: Mystery Room

 iOS
  • Publisher: Level 5
  • Release Date: Jun 27, 2013
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
Buy Now
Stream On
  1. Slide to Play
    Jul 1, 2013
    100
    Layton Brothers mysteries: Bet you can’t solve just one.
  2. Games Master UK
    Sep 2, 2013
    88
    A narrative wonder. [Oct 2013, p.79]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Destructoid
    Aug 19, 2013
    85
    Layton Brothers: Mystery Room is a fine companion to the main Layton series. Unless you really, really miss those Highlights brain teasers, that is.
  5. Adventure Gamers
    Aug 19, 2013
    80
    Despite its misleading title, Layton Brothers stands on its own as an addictive, quirky and refreshing mystery adventure that can be the start of a solid new investigation series.
  6. Everyeye.it
    Jul 30, 2013
    80
    The Mystery Room is a nice surprise that lives up the catalog of the App Store.
  7. Digital Spy
    Jul 2, 2013
    80
    Layton Brothers: Mystery Room may not have anything to do with its namesake, but fans of piecing together mysteries will find it to be a rewarding puzzle all the same.
  8. Arcade Sushi
    Jul 1, 2013
    80
    The only thing that really holds the game back is that the cases can be solved pretty quickly.
  9. Gamezebo
    Jul 1, 2013
    80
    Too easy, but still highly engaging.
  10. MacLife
    Jun 30, 2013
    80
    Layton Brothers Mystery Room may have some annoyances, but overall it's a polished adventure with fun characters and an intriguing story, and the content is definitely worth the asking price.
  11. Pocket Gamer UK
    Jun 27, 2013
    80
    This Layton may not take after his famous dad, but his thrilling, fast-paced mysteries make this the gaming equivalent of a page-turner.
  12. Vandal
    Jun 27, 2013
    78
    It's not perfect, but it's entertaining and offers some unique moments. What's more important, there aren't too many games like this on iOS, so this is one of those experiences we don't find everyday.

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Most Discussed iOS Game of 2013

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. vahn
    Jul 30, 2016
    8
    I'm not a big fan of Layton games (I do know they're good, they're just not for me), but I am a big fan of mystery games, especially theI'm not a big fan of Layton games (I do know they're good, they're just not for me), but I am a big fan of mystery games, especially the Phoenix Wright series. So when I heard this was a mystery game with no puzzles I definitely wanted to give it a try, and I won't lie on the fact that it's definitely well done

    But it has some major flaws.

    Let's start with the good things: the characters are likeable and definitely interesting, especially Alfendi as he takes a lot of her father's "manners", and Lucy is very reminiscent of Luke's energy and willing to learn new stuff. The suspects are pretty well done, although you'll just talk with one for every case, and and the crime scene is pretty simple to explore (it's an IOS game afterall). Infact I dare say that the investigation part is bad due to how the 3D graphics are: they should've sticked with a 2D scenery instead.

    The cases are interesting but only the last ones are somewhat connected and, overall, it's a very good game for IOS standards. But it has some major issues that make it very underwhelming.

    For starters, the dialogue. They're well written and gives each character their own personality but I hope they didn't hire some writer from Square Enix or something, because they are unnecessarily quirky and - in my opinion - it destroys the immersion. Don't take me wrong: accents can be done well, but no character ever speaks with voices (this IS an IOS game afterall) so all of that "Ye Wot Mate" crap is just there to look "cool and dandy". If they just wrote the dialogue in the usual manner it would've been better: they are already well characterized and developed on their own. They simply did not need to this to make their characters better.

    Secondly, the resolutive parts. The game is simple so I'm not expecting complexity from an IOS game, but the main gripe I have is mostly when the case is getting wrapped up: there is this interesting part where you have to talk to the suspect and show he or she's wrong, and that's actually not bad. But the bad part is the ending: as soon as you discover why or because he or she did this, what happens next?

    Absolutely freaking nothing.

    No explanation of the suspect backstory. No breakdown or defeat animation or something. No aftermath. No possible additions to the story, nothing. The case is over, everything is immediately forgotten (except for certain cases). "Wow dat case wus nuts, by the way mate 'ow ye and the prof doin'". It's so....SO underwhelming: I expect at least something for finishing a case, not just a "Mystery Solved!" Again I played PW games but I also played a lot of adventure games where mysteries are the main plot. This game just does the resolution very weakly and really leaves to be desired.

    And for last but technicaly not the least, the graphics are good...but they really should've stayed with 2D for the crime scenes. I already said that but I say this again because, this isn't a 3DS or VITA game but an IOS game: the capacities of a phone doesn't always match a console (Although there are phones that have higher capacities, but we're talking of a generalize scenario). I just think that 2D crime scenes would've been more impactful. And less ridiculous.

    Rant's over: do I recommend it? Yes, why not? It's good and has pretty much nothing going wrong, except for those things I mentioned. And even then, it's highly subjective. So give it a try!

    PS: just remember that this isn't a puzzle based game, like the main Layton games!    … Full Review »
  2. cbeers2513
    Nov 30, 2013
    9
    Layton Brothers: Mystery Room is one of the most underrated games in the App Store. The graphics are beautiful, investigating crime scenes isLayton Brothers: Mystery Room is one of the most underrated games in the App Store. The graphics are beautiful, investigating crime scenes is easy to pick up and engaging to play, and each case is more riveting than the last. But where the game shines the brightest is in its narrative. Both Layton and his sidekick are likable characters with great chemistry. With each case, the player is forced to go deeper into Layton's twisted mind and eventually force him to confront the past event that caused his multiple personalities to arise. It's a brilliant set up that pays off with a challenging and thrilling conclusion. While The Mystery Room can be too easy at times, it is a fantastic app for anyone who loves Scooby-Doo cartoons, or just good puzzle games in general. With a vibrant art style, complex and relatable protagonists, and a gripping story throughout its 4 hour campaign, The Mystery Room is a gem. Cased closed.

    9/10

    Follow me on twitter. @cbeers2513    … Full Review »
  3. TheRavingTimes
    Jul 3, 2013
    8
    I'll be honest here, when I first heard about Layton Brothers I wasn't too enthusiastic about it compared to my excitement I found with theI'll be honest here, when I first heard about Layton Brothers I wasn't too enthusiastic about it compared to my excitement I found with the Professor Layton series. Though I may have hardly scratched the surface of this game, Layton Brothers has proved to be a unique spin on the point and click genre which the Ace Attorney series had established. Though compared the Professor Layton series it seems to have lost it class and to some extent borrows heavily from the Ace Attorney series. Another mild complaint I found is that there doesn't seem to be a heavy penalty for any mistakes which though beneficial it makes the game a lot more easies and accessible for those who refuse to use critical thinking. Even so, you're still in for a great game though I would assume that longtime Layton fans might not be satisfied. For those who are eagerly waiting for the Ace Attorney and Professor Layton crossover might want to give this title a go.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »