Nintendo Direct details new Professor Layton, Game Freak titles

Comparing the current release schedule for the Nintendo 3DS with how it looked a year ago is quite the contrast. As part of its Nintendo Direct series of webcasts today, the company showed that its handheld means business, with games coming out nearly every week in Japan between now and Christmas. On top of all the already announced titles, some big-name developers were also on hand to offer support. A new Professor Layton game, titled Choubunmei A no Isan in Japan, is due for release on the 3DS next year. It will be the final adventure for Layton, said Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino, although he did not explain whether this would mean the end of the series altogether, or simply that it will receive spinoffs, as with the Phoenix Wright franchise. Game Freak, the developers of Pokemon, also had a new title to offer. Rhythm Hunter: HarmoKnight (pictured above) appears to be a cross between Rhythm Thief and the Emperor's Treasure and Maestro! Jump in Music, with rhythm-based jumping and shooting. The game is due for release in Japan later this year via the Nintendo eShop. Project X Zone, the mashup role-playing game from Namco Bandai, Capcom and Sega was also shown, with turn-based tactical gameplay featuring characters from all three publishers. A release date of October 11 for Japan is set. Plenty of other games were shown off too, as title after title was piled into the show, including wacky Lost Planet 3 spin-off EX Troopers, Soul Hackers, Lost Heroes and Bravely Default: Flying Fairy. The company also debuted a new 3DS installment of its Tomodachi Collection series, due next year. While the original game on the Nintendo DS did not see Western release, it was a hit in its home territory, eventually selling over 3 million units.