Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box (Nintendo; DS; rated everyone 10+)

This is the second game in a new puzzle franchise from Nintendo for its DS platform. The first, Professor Layton and the Curious Village, didn’t register on my radar, but this title vaulted to the top of my “must-play” list.

Featuring Professor Layton, an archaeologist with a penchant for puzzles, and his assistant, Luke, Diabolical Box is much more than just a collection of more than 200 brain teasers. Yes, it will give your logic and reasoning muscles a workout, but the training is presented within a compelling mystery.

Come for the puzzles, stay for the story.