New Konami DS Title Looks Somewhat Like Professor Layton

Konami's newest DS title is Zack & Ombra's Phantom Theme Park. Revealed in this week's Famitsu, the game looks a bit like Level-5's hugely succesful Professor Layton series.

Zack & Ombra is set on Delphino Island. Every 50 years, an odd festival takes place on this island, and main character Zack has come to the island to take part in the latest installment. However, a mysterious bipedal blob-like creature known as the Ombra has overrun the island and is causing trouble for the island residents. Zack happens to be one of the few people who can actually see the Ombra. Will Zack be able to bring about a miracle to the island and restore smiles to the residents?

Playing as Zack, you'll work through the game's story by clearing the "pranks" the Ombra have set out across the island. After hearing a claim from an island resident, you'll need to find the Ombra on the screen and touch it with the stylus. This will take you into a mini game.

Unlike Layton, the mini games don't appear to be strictly mind-bending puzzles. The two mini games introduced in Famitsu are action-oriented. One involves using the stylus to shuffle crates around while the other has you spot and tap Ombra with the stylus.

The game will have over 180 such mini games. Players will be able to select the difficulty level to suit their abilities.

Famitsu introduces the following characters who will play a major role in Zack & Ombra:

Zack

The game's main character, a skilled magician. He has the ability to make people happy. The Ombra like him.

Polly

She's come to Delphino Island on vacation and is staying with her grandparents. She takes great interest in Zack.

Jino

An elderly man who invited Zack to this year's festival. His heart hurts at the changes that the Ombra have brought to the island.

Raphaelo

A popular magician who works at a resort hotel on the island. He's Zack's rival and will meddle in the main character's affairs.

Gorongo

A mysterious man.

Like Layton, the game will have a major voice cast providing voices for these characters. The game is also getting some big backing from its animation component, which is being produced by Studio 4°C.

Despite the similar appearance on the pages of Famitsu, it remains to be seen how closely Zack & Ombra will resemble Layton. We should find out soon enough, as the game is due for release on October 28.