3.5/5 ★ – Empyrean's review of Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask.

It’s a strange choice to reinvent your series for a 3D art style and software, only to make the most pedestrian game possible. I guess they wanted to ease people into the hideous character models gently. I wrote in my Last Specter review that whilst it was good, it was very safe. Borrowing elements from the previous trilogy whilst not doing anything new besides being a prequel. Miracle Mask goes the opposite way. It utilises the 3DS well and once you get used to the new art style it’s not so bad, it’s nice to see the characters emote more. Sadly the rest is very forgettable. There’s no atmosphere to speak of, the puzzles aren’t very taxing, the ruins section goes on far too long, the twist is frustratingly obvious, and Emmy & Luke have very little to do. The game is carried entirely by its more personal moments in the story, which is what I’ve wanted more of from the series ever since Lost Future. Not bad but tied with Diabolical Box as my least favorite.