History YMMV / ProfessorLayton

** Some perceive Flora as this. While it is justified with her not being there for the beginning of the mysteries, and her character arc in ''Curious Village'' is finished, she still displays a cleverness when trying to follow Layton and Luke on their adventures, and ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheUnwoundFuture'' has her solve a handful of puzzles along with the rest of the crew. Beyond that, she's not very utilized at all, and spinoffs of the series like ''Mystery Room'' and ''Millionaires' Conspiracy'' try their damnedest not to say where she's gone, especially in comparison with her [[spoiler:adopted siblings, Alfendi and Katrielle]].

* UncannyValley:
** Professor Layton's BlackBeadEyes wouldn't be so creepy if not for the fact that he's the [[NonstandardCharacterDesign ONLY character with eyes like that.]] Plus he almost never blinks, has no visible eyebrows, and almost always has a smile on his face...
** And then there are the many [=NPCs=] you encounter, some of which are ''very'' weirdly-designed, sometimes to the point where [[{{Gonk}} they don't even look human]].

* ShockingSwerve: Every single Reveal following the once-a-game SummationGathering. After a game of bizarre and / or seemingly-supernatural events, Layton reveals that there is a "rational" explanation which is ''[[VoodooShark even more absurd]]''. The only exceptions being:
** [[spoiler:Randall]] being the Masked Gentleman in ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheMiracleMask''. Mysterious figure wearing the mask that [[spoiler:Randall]] had when he died, torturing the town that [[spoiler:Randall]]'s closest friend and ex-girlfriend (now seemingly ''wife'' of said friend) are heads of, yells about the greed and corruption of the town, and they never found [[spoiler:Randall]]'s body?
** In ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheAzranLegacy'', it is pretty obvious that [[spoiler:Desmond Sycamore really is Descole, at least when you played a previous game, as both have Raymond as an employee. And both Desmond and Descole seem to have the exact same taste in footwear]].

** The ridiculous amount of chemistry between [[FoeYay Descole]] and Layton, as well. The former bends the latter back over a control panel in the movie.

** The more... interesting designs of the [=NPCs=], which range from strange yet charming to bizarre and unsettling.

** Professor Layton's BlackBeadEyes wouldn't be so creepy if not for the fact that he's the [[NonstandardCharacterDesign ONLY character with eyes like that.]] Plus he almost never blinks, he has no visible eyebrows, and he practically always has a smile on his face...
** The more... interesting designs of the [=NPCs=], especially in later games like ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheUnwoundFuture'' and ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheLastSpecter'', which range from strange yet charming to outright bizarre and unsettling...

%% CrazyAwesome: DO NOT UNCOMMENT UNLESS AN ACTUAL CRAZY AWESOME CHARACTER GETS ADDED IN A LATER GAME. Crazy Awesome does NOT mean "over the top craziness that is awesome", contrary to popular belief. Scenes from the games cannot count, and Professor Layton himself actually is the opposite of this trope, since he is effective thanks to his ability to remain calm and focused even during intense situations.

** Konami's ''VideoGame/DoctorLautrecAndTheForgottenKnights''; a puzzler with with a similar art design and a dapper ''French'' guy in a top hat. In the US it even came out within a few months after ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheLastSpecter'', and a few fans have joked, "Oh, ''that's'' why Layton is [[VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonVsAceAttorney getting a lawyer.]]" It's not a ''complete'' knockoff, however, as gameplay isn't exactly the same and Dr. Lautrec is, shall we say, [[{{Jerkass}} NOT a gentleman]].

** Professor Layton. Layton and Randall, Layton and Luke, Layton and Flora, Layton and Future Luke, Layton and Claire, Layton and Emmy, Layton and Descole, Layton and Melina. [[{{Rule34}} You name it, it's out there]]. There is also now the possibility for [[VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonVsAceAttorney Layton and Phoenix Wright]].

* EvilIsCool: Jean Descole was most likely created with this trope in mind. He is a MalevolentMaskedMan who combines [[NiceHat almost]] [[BadassInANiceSuit all]] [[CoolMask the]] [[PrettyInMink over the top]] [[BadassCape clothing]] tropes and actually ''pulls it off''. And his coolness goes UpToEleven in ''Anime/ProfessorLaytonAndTheEternalDiva''.
** Don Paulo, on the other hand, is a subversion of the trope. Despite being an Anti-Hero compared to Descole (who is a turned villain), he does not make any smooth entrance or is cool in that regard, given how he [[spoiler: tries to kill Layton and Luke with a ferris wheel, then a helicopter. Additionally an [[IncomingHam Incoming Ham]]]].

%%** Luke and the Professor are close friends; some may see them as being too chummy at times, but it can easily just be read as a [[{{Franchise/Batman}} Bruce Wayne/Dick Grayson]] arrangement. Then again, [[MentorShip that one has similar problems...]] Somewhat {{lampshaded}} by Chelmey in ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheDiabolicalBox'', who decides not to probe too deeply into the relationship.

** Let us not forget Henry's motivations for creating Monte d'Or. Good LORD. It pretty much moves past subtext into straight up text by TheReveal.

** Arguably 'You can call me Tom', due to an icon that spawned from a [[http://community.livejournal.com/layton_luke/3598.html Layton x Older!Luke fanfic]]. Also 'puz', from a [[http://fiztheancient.deviantart.com/gallery/#P-Layton-Comics series of fancomics]] by fiztheAncient and Tennathing, and 'BAAAAASEBALL!' from a series of [[http://skaijo.deviantart.com/art/Professor-Layton-pt-1-95160643 fanmade flashes]] by Skajio.

** [[spoiler:Randall]] being the Masked Gentleman in ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheMiracleMask''. Mysterious figure wearing the mask that [[spoiler:Randall]] had when he died, torturing the town that [[spoiler:Randall]]'s closest friend and ex-girlfriend (now seemingly ''wife'' of said friend) are heads of, yells about the greed and corruption of the town, and they never found [[spoiler:Randall]]'s body? [[CaptainObviousReveal Hm. I wonder who he is?]]
** In ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheAzranLegacy'', it is pretty obvious that [[spoiler:Desmond Sycamore really is Descole, at least when you played a previous game, as both have Raymond as an employee. Not to mention both Desmond and Descole seem to have the exact same taste in footwear]].
** ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheDiabolicalBox'' is probably the subversion of this; It takes place between relatively mundane towns and cities and is centered around searching for an antique box (With locations like abandoned mines, old castles, and Art-Noveau inspired towns from the early 20th century). While the ending is shocking, it's not that bad compared to [[spoiler: a giant underground future city which houses a huge mecha designed to destroy London, to name others]].

* TheyChangedItNowItSucks: Layton 7 has gained this reaction from fans due to basically being Professor Layton InNameOnly. As in... in name only to the largest degree you can possibly get, to the point of being a non-traditional puzzle game that doesn't star Layton, has a new art style and is presented as an old-maid game for smartphones. [[http://3ebd2a0c0ea48a333aea-1f531def8e8befb67be56667ce3edd11.r77.cf1.rackcdn.com/494c218af1274d36c2adebf80342f7d1ad76ec1c.jpg__620x349_q85_crop_upscale.jpg Layton is shown on one of the cards (along with Emmy and Luke if you squint)]], but otherwise, there's nothing much about it.

** Some perceive Flora as this. While it is somewhat justified with her not being there for the beginning of the mysteries, and her character arc in ''Curious Village'' is finished, she still displays a cleverness when trying to follow Layton and Luke on their adventures, and ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheUnwoundFuture'' has her solve a handful of puzzles along with the rest of the crew. Beyond that, she's not very utilized at all, and spinoffs of the series like ''Mystery Room'' and ''Millionaires' Conspiracy'' try their damnedest not to mention where she's gone, especially in comparison with her [[spoiler:adopted siblings, Alfendi and Katrielle]].

** Luke and the Professor are close friends; some may see them as being too chummy at times, but it can easily just be read as a [[{{Franchise/Batman}} Bruce Wayne/Dick Grayson]] arrangement. Then again, [[MentorShip that one has similar problems...]] Somewhat {{lampshaded}} by Chelmey in ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheDiabolicalBox'', who decides not to probe too deeply into the relationship.

** Some of NPC designs can drift into this territory. While all the characters are drawn in the same ''ligne claire'' style to emulate European comics, the [=NPCs=] are often drawn in a more cartoonish manner to contrast the {{Animesque}} looks of the main protagonists and supporting characters. However, the downside to this is some of the [=NPCs=] are downright ugly, often to the point where they don't even look human.

** Some of NPC designs can drift into this territory. While all the characters are drawn in the same ''ligne claire'' style to emulate European comics, the [=NPCs=] are often drawn in a more cartoonish manner to contrast th {{Animesque}}

** Some of the designs of the [=NPCs=] look very off, sometimes to the point where they don't even look human. The fact they're always displayed across from the more realistically proportioned Layton and Luke during interactions doesn't help one bit.

** The more... interesting designs of the [=NPCs=], especially in later games like ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheUnwoundFuture'' and ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheLastSpecter'', which range from strange yet charming to outright bizarre and unsettling...

** Also the chess puzzles. "Here, this is a 10x10 chess board. Jump on every single space, and you can only move as a knight. Also, there is only one known way to solve this puzzle, and only one correct direction to jump for every single jump. [[HintsAreForLosers To top it off, we've replaced your hints with random chess trivia that is no help whatsoever.]] Oh, quit crying, you wuss." Luckily, by this point, the game has a memo function, which proves invaluable for planning the Knight moves before you try to put them into action. It actually makes life a bit easier.

** Some perceive Flora as this. While it is somewhat justified with her not being there for the beginning of the mysteries, and her character arc in ''Curious Village'' is finished, she still displays a cleverness when trying to follow Layton and Luke on their adventures, and ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheUnwoundFuture'' had her solve a handful of puzzles along with the rest of the crew. Beyond that, she's not very utilized at all, and spinoffs of the series like ''Mystery Room'' try their damnedest not to mention where she's gone, especially in conjunction with her [[spoiler:sibling, Alfendi]].

%%** Flora.

%%* In ''Spectre's Call'', Luke is very insistent of proving to everyone that Arianna isn't a witch as the townsfolk believe. [[spoiler: In ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonVsPhoenixWrightAceAttorney'', this happens once again when Espella is put on a witch trial, with Layton and Luke along with Phoenix and Maya trying to prove her innocence regarding being a witch.]]
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* EarWorm: The fact that there is exactly one puzzle theme per game means that it is incredibly easy to get the song stuck in your head after prolonged play.

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Back to the main VideoGame/ProfessorLayton page.

** If you want some carbon-copy versions of Layton, check Namco's ''Treasure Report'', or Konami's ''Zack & Ombra'', both of them for the DS appearing after ''Specter's Flute'' came out, having the same interface, same cutscenes, same "Correct!" animation, same puzzle structure... Also, Level-5 with their own ''Atamania'' series, comprised of 6 puzzle games, with the seventh retooled into the {{iOS}} ''Layton Brothers'' spin-off after they bombed in Japan. Unfortunately, all of these games (apart from ''Layton Brothers,'' probably due to it having the ''Layton'' name to lean on) are a case of NoExportForYou.

** Practically all the NPCs fall victim to this. Most of them are surprisingly well-rounded, have relationships with either each other or a main character, and even have their own situations Layton can talk to them about. And yet, once the story of whichever game they appear in is finished, they never appear again. In a way it’s justifiable in the first three games, since they’re not exactly "people" in the conventional sense (robots, illusions, and people kidnapped and duped into thinking they’re in the future, respectively), but come the second trilogy, there’s really no excuse for it at all. It gets a little better come the second trilogy, however, as with every chapter or area you complete, you unlock "Episodes" that delve into the backstories of the villagers, sometimes in extensive detail. Come ''Azran Legacy'', each area you visit has a distinct NPC that'll guide you during your stay.

** Konami's ''VideoGame/DoctorLautrecAndTheForgottenKnights''; a puzzler with with a similar art design and a dapper ''French'' guy in a top hat. In the US it even came out within a few months after ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheLastSpecter'', and a few fans have joked, "Oh, ''that's'' why Layton is [[VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonVsAceAttorney getting a lawyer.]]" It's not a ''complete'' knockoff, however, as gameplay isn't exactly the same and Dr. Lautrec is, shall we say, [[JerkAss NOT a gentleman]].

** There's something between [[LesYay Melina and Janice]] in ''Anime/ProfessorLaytonAndTheEternalDiva'', as well.
* InternetBackdraft: Generally happens in response to changing characters' names in the localization process. One of the bigger outcries was in ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheDiabolicalBox'' when they changed the perfectly fine name of 'Anthony' to 'Anton'. Lots of fans still refuse to use the latter.

%%* In ''Spectre's Call'', Luke is very insistent of proving to everyone that Arianna isn't a witch as the townsfolk believe. [[spoiler: In ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonVsAceAttorney'', this happens once again when Espella is put on a witch trial, with Layton and Luke along with Phoenix and Maya trying to prove her innocence regarding being a witch.]]

** This happens to virtually all of the NPC characters; most of them have very well-rounded personalities, have relationships with either each other or a main character, and some even have their own situations that Layton can talk with them about… and yet, once the story of whatever game they appear in is finished, they never appear again. In a way it’s justified in the first three games, where they’re not really people per se (robots, illusions, and kidnapped scientists and industrial workers duped into thinking they’re in the future, to be exact), but come the second trilogy, there’s really no excuse for it at all. It DOES get a little better come the second trilogy, however, as with every chapter or area you complete, you unlock "Episodes" that delve into the backstories of the villagers, sometimes in extensive detail. Come Azran Legacy, each location has a distinct NPC that acts as a guide during the protagonists' stay... but their only reason for being there is just plot exposition and giving you some puzzles to solve.

** Everyone in Miracle Mask, to various extents; Randall/Angela, Randall/Layton, Randall/Henry, Henry/Angela...It's all out there. Of course, the logical solution for a huge chunk of the fandom was to just ship them ''all'' together.

** Konami's ''VideoGame/DoctorLautrecAndTheForgottenKnights''; a puzzler with with a similar art design and a dapper ''French'' guy in a top hat. In the US it even came out within a few months after ''Last Specter'', and a few fans have joked, "Oh, ''that's'' why Layton is [[VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonVsAceAttorney getting a lawyer.]]" It's not a ''complete'' knockoff, however, as gameplay isn't exactly the same and Dr. Lautrec is, shall we say, [[JerkAss NOT a gentleman]].

* FunnyAneurysmMoment: A meta-example. It was revealed in ''Azran Legacy'' that [[spoiler:Layton and Descole are brothers. This makes the [[HoYay Layton and Descole]] pairing ''incestuous'']]. Whoops.
* GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff: The series is '''huge''' in Europe, selling as much as in the rest of the world combined. That makes the BadExportForYou only Europe got with ''Specter's Flute'' all the more jarring. To put things into perspective, the first game was released in Europe nine months after its American release. Due to its success, subsequent games were always released around one month after the American release, with ''Miracle Mask'' taking a two-day lead in Europe and culminating in ''Azran Legacy'' coming out in Europe in 2013 and in America in 2014.

** Luke and the Professor are close friends; some may see them as being too chummy at times, but it can easily just be read as a [[{{Franchise/Batman}} Bruce Wayne/Dick Grayson]] arrangement. Then again, [[MentorShip that one has similar problems...]] Somewhat {{lampshaded}} by Chelmey in ''Diabolical Box'', who decides not to probe too deeply into the relationship.

** There's something between [[LesYay Melina and Janice]] in the movie, as well.

** Professor Layton. Layton and Randall, Layton and Luke, Layton and Flora, Layton and Future Luke, Layton and Claire, Layton and Emmy, Layton and Descole, Layton and Melina.[[{{Rule34}} You name it, it's out there]]. There is also now the possibility for [[VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonVsAceAttorney Layton and Phoenix Wright]].

* {{Moe}}:
** Flora.
** [[spoiler:Layton as a little child.]] You will just want to reach through the screen and give him a crushing hug.
** Luke has his moments as well. Like in a cutscene in ''Miracle Mask'', where he wakes up in the morning and yawns. Never has bedhead looked so cute.
* NightmareFuel: Don't let the cute and quirky character designs and whimsical settings fool you; all of the games have several examples.

** The Chocolate Code in the North American version of ''Curious Village''. This one wouldn't be so bad if the translators hadn't changed the hints so that they didn't reference the most significant part of the clue's illustration.
** One of the [[BrutalBonusLevel bonus puzzles]] in ''Diabolical Box'' asks you to multiply a three-digit number by a one-digit number to get a four-digit number using the numbers from 1-8 only once.
* ShipsThatPassInTheNight: Flora and Clive. The ship potential is there, but they don't interact much unless you count [[spoiler:Clive kidnapping Flora]].

** [[spoiler:Randall]] being the Masked Gentleman in ''Miracle Mask''. Mysterious figure wearing the mask that [[spoiler:Randall]] had when he died, torturing the town that [[spoiler:Randall]]'s closest friend and ex-girlfriend (now seemingly ''wife'' of said friend) are heads of, yells about the greed and corruption of the town, and they never found [[spoiler:Randall]]'s body? [[CaptainObviousReveal Hm. I wonder who he is?]]
** In ''Azran Legacy'', it is pretty obvious that [[spoiler:Desmond Sycamore really is Descole, at least when you played a previous game, as both have Raymond as an employee. Not to mention both Desmond and Descole seem to have the exact same taste in footwear]].

** Some perceive Flora as this. While it is somewhat justified with her not being there for the beginning of the mysteries, and her character arc in ''Curious Village'' is finished, she still displays a cleverness when trying to follow Layton and Luke on their adventures, and ''Unwound Future'' had her solve a handful of puzzles along with the rest of the crew. Beyond that, she's not very utilized at all, and spinoffs of the series like ''Mystery Room'' try their damnedest not to mention where she's gone, especially in conjunction with her [[spoiler:sibling, Alfendi]].
* UncannyValley: Professor Layton's BlackBeadEyes wouldn't be so creepy if not for the fact that he's the [[NonstandardCharacterDesign ONLY character with eyes like that.]] Plus he almost never blinks, he has no visible eyebrows, and he practically always has a smile on his face...
** And then there are the more... interesting designs of the [=NPCs=], especially in later games like ''Unwound Future'' and ''Last Specter'', which range from strange yet charming to outright bizarre and unsettling...
* VideoGameMoviesSuck: [[InvertedTrope In a rare twist of events]], the ''Eternal Diva'' movie was actually well-received. Level-5 even expects to release more of them.

** The conversation Barton has with Luke in ''Unwound Future'' paints him as one.
** ''Layton himself'' becomes one over the course of the series as more of his backstory is revealed. ''Unwound Future'' reveals [[spoiler: the love of his life was blown up]], ''Miracle Mask'' reveals [[spoiler: his best childhood friend fell to his death and Layton couldn't save him]], ''Azran Legacy'' reveals [[spoiler: not only is Layton adopted and his real mother is dead, but his father and brother are criminal sociopaths]], and ''Layton Brothers'' reveals [[spoiler: his son is a violent asshole]].
** We can now add Arianna in ''Last Specter''. Luke had his moments [[spoiler:considering his mum was locked up in the wine cellar...]]
** The ''entire main cast'' of ''Miracle Mask'' in so many ways.

* YMMV/ProfessorLaytonAndTheCuriousVillage
* YMMV/ProfessorLaytonAndTheDiabolicalBox
* YMMV/ProfessorLaytonAndTheUnwoundFuture
* YMMV/ProfessorLaytonAndTheLastSpecter
* YMMV/ProfessorLaytonAndTheMiracleMask
* YMMV/ProfessorLaytonAndTheAzranLegacy
* YMMV/LaytonsMysteryJourneyKatrielleAndTheMillionairesConspiracy
* YMMV/LaytonMysteryDetectiveAgency
* YMMV/ProfessorLaytonVsPhoenixWrightAceAttorney
* YMMV/LaytonBrothersMysteryRoom
* YMMV/ProfessorLaytonAndTheEternalDiva

%%* EvilIsCool: Descole.

** Luke and the Professor are close friends; some may see them as being too chummy at times, but it can easily just be read as a [[Franchise/Batman Bruce Wayne/Dick Grayson]] arrangement. Then again, [[MentorShip that one has similar problems...]] Somewhat {{lampshaded}} by Chelmey in ''Diabolical Box'', who decides not to probe too deeply into the relationship.