This is a puzzle game in which players follow Professor Layton and his protégé as they attempt to solve a mystery surrounding a strange antique. Players solve puzzles, explore areas around a town, and earn "Hint Coins" by tapping on conspicuous objects. The storyline sometimes includes discussions about murder or death: a box that is infamous for killing anyone who opens it; a colleague that dies under curious circumstances; a police inspector pointing out a possible cause of death (e.g., "What do we have here. A murder? Or was the crime self-inflicted?"). In one cutscene, Professor Layton has a sword fight with another character, though neither combatant is injured. One puzzle includes a text hint that mentions villagers toasting with red wine and dancing until late in the night.
