Doctor Lautrec Might Not be Your Typical Puzzle-Solving Hero

With so many video game franchises out there, there are bound to be some that contain characters that look alike, no? Be it a simple case of coincidence, or what is supposedly the simplest form of flattery, Konami has revealed a little bit more on its upcoming puzzle-solving protagonist that isn't a million miles away from a certain Level-5 professor.

As revealed in last month's issue of Famitsu, Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights is a puzzle game with an archaeology theme to it. Set in 19th Century Paris, Lautrec, an archaeology professor doesn't seem to be the most popular member of staff at the university where he teaches. His attitude and methods certainly sets him apart from Professor Layton, and his student Sophie is often at hand to learn from him, as well as to tone his "excesses" down too.

The narrative revolves around an ancient treasure map and throughout the game, players will need to utilise the 3DS stereoscopic visuals in order to solve some of the more three-dimensional puzzles. Judging from the early screenshots and stills from the cut sequences, Lautrec certainly does look menacing and that constant frown is either because he is on the verge of solving something, or trying to repress his urge to beat someone up for clues.

Introducing Doctor Lautrec...

KONAMI unveils the latest puzzle hero for Nintendo 3DS

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has revealed a new puzzle-based adventure game set in the 19th Century Paris for the new Nintendo 3DS handheld system, provisionally entitled Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights.

Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights centres on a treasure map that details a series of locations the player must visit as the game progresses. Doctor Lautrec, an archeology professor, is a combative figure whose love of mysteries and history draw him to follow the many instructions the ancient map details. Lautrec is not a popular man at the University where he teaches, with his unorthodox attitudes also reflected in his less than moral ways of tackling puzzles. Thankfully, he is assisted by a young, eager student called Sophie who uses the adventure to learn from the master and to temper his... excesses.

As such, the player steers Lautrec through the game, using reasoning, logic and a keen eye to decipher riddles, solve object-related puzzles and work out the puzzle at the very heart of the map. Thanks to the power of the Nintendo 3DS, the game makes full use of the system's added dimension to add 3D solutions to key puzzles, including the ability to scrutinize located objects from all directions, or zoom in to highlight a piece of scenery that matches something on the map. Similarly, the linking scenes are also viewed in stunning 3D, with the cartoon links brought to vivid life.

In total, Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights offers hours of puzzling and exploration, with a rich cast of supporting characters on hand to both assist and hinder Lautrec's quest. As the Doctor and Sophie search for clues, rival Professors will attempt to sabotage his mission, while an elegant colleague is revealed to be a member of a notorious crime gang. And, even then, that's just the start of the many perils that Lautrec and Sophie find themselves facing...