are the puzzles much blander? yes. are the trials much cooler and this mechanic only came in the other cool spin offs? also yes. so there is that. the story is cool but with unpredictable twists (as many other layton ones tbh, because there is also a scientific explanation) in a too heavy manner, and the last case does kinda drag its feet. still, its an awesome crossover to have happened and i love them both and i love this exists