Professor Layton and the Lost Future Review (DS)

For a parent looking to stimulate their child's learning, Professor Layton is one of the best games out there. With a huge variety of puzzles that test everything from a child's problems solving, to maths, science, observation, and comprehension, Layton will give your child's brain a full workout, helping them brush up on the skills they need to succeed, both at school and in life.

Although it's rated as a 7+, the puzzles in the game are most likely a bit too hard for a child of that age - we'd recommend 10+, although only you can be the judge of how well your child may cope with a game like this.
Although Professor Layton is rated as a 7+, for violent content, we're at a loss to explain why. As an anime style, cartoon influenced game, what little violence there is is of a light hearted nature. One example is where Layton constructs a gun that fires gambling chips when he and Luke come under attack in the casino. Of course, you see very little, and there's no gore on show, making this suitable - at least in terms of content - for all ages.
While Professor Layton doesn't have a multiplayer mode, if you're buying it for your child, you can definitely expect to be called on when they come across a tricky puzzle - of which there are plenty.

Of course, all this means is Professor Layton and the Lost Future can give your brain a workout too - which is never a bad thing!