Professor Layton and the New World of Steam Don Paolo Guide

In Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, the iconic antagonist Don Paolo makes a dramatic return during Layton and Luke’s investigation in the location known as Steam Bison. He is encountered piloting a giant mechanical crab, which is identified as one of his latest scientific inventions. While his specific motives in this new setting remain part of the unfolding mystery, his presence continues his long-standing tradition of challenging Professor Layton with high-level engineering and elaborate schemes.

Don Paolo in the New World of Steam

Don Paolo’s appearance in Steam Bison marks a significant moment in the series' revival. Known as a "brilliant but unfortunately evil scientist," he utilizes his mechanical expertise to intercept the protagonists. His choice of a giant mechanical crab serves as a testament to his status as a scientist of the highest order, despite his criminal ambitions.

The platform and specific control schemes for this title are not independently confirmed in the current technical documentation, but Don Paolo’s role remains consistent with his history as a master of both disguise and machinery.

Biography and Appearance

Don Paolo, whose real name is Paul, is a fairly tall man characterized by a distinct and somewhat eccentric physical appearance. His most defining feature is his hair; while he is bald on top, the hair on the sides of his head juts out in the shape of devil horns. This physical transformation is canonically linked to his past; in his late 20s, the shock and rage of witnessing a romantic moment between Hershel Layton and their mutual love interest, Claire, caused his facial features to warp into their current, more sinister state.

His standard attire includes:

• Coat: A purple coat with a red interior and upturned lapels.
• Shirt & Tie: A white dress shirt paired with a dark teal tie.
• Trousers: Bright orange pants.
• Accessories: Black gloves and brown shoes.

In his younger years, Paul had a much softer appearance, with his hair down and a face free of the dark bags under the eyes that define him today.

Personality and Rivalry

Don Paolo views himself as the "Moriarty" to Professor Layton’s "Holmes." His personality is the polar opposite of the Professor's:

• Demeanor: Where Layton is polite and composed, Don Paolo is rude, easily agitated, and overly loud.
• Motivations: He revels in causing chaos and has spent years plotting against Layton, often attempting to hinder his investigations or steal valuable artifacts.
• Hidden Depths: Despite his villainous nature, he is an accomplished musician and enjoys playing and listening to music when he is not scheming. He has also demonstrated a protective streak toward Flora Reinhold, often claiming that any assistance he provides to Layton’s group is "only for Flora."

Historical Context and Past Disguises

Don Paolo’s hatred for Layton stems from their shared history with Claire. After Claire chose Layton over Paul, and subsequently died in a tragic accident, Paul’s resentment solidified into a lifelong quest for revenge. This rivalry led to his exile from the society of scholars due to his "dark ambitions."

Throughout the series, Don Paolo has utilized his mastery of disguise to infiltrate various locations:

• Inspector Chelmey: In St. Mystere, he impersonated the well-known Scotland Yard inspector to "investigate" a murder and search for the Golden Apple.
• Flora Reinhold: He kidnapped the real Flora and took her place during the journey to Folsense to stay close to Layton’s investigation.
• Dr. Andrew Schrader: He posed as an aged version of Layton’s mentor to trick the Professor in a simulated future London.
• Dean Delmona: He utilized a white wig to impersonate the dean, though he was eventually caught due to a subtle mistake regarding the dean's actual baldness.

Scientific Achievements

Don Paolo is not merely a master of disguise but also a formidable inventor. His inventions often feature aeronautical or mechanical themes, such as the flying machine used in St. Mystere and the modified Laytonmobile provided to the Professor during the events in London. His latest invention, the giant mechanical crab seen in Steam Bison, suggests that his engineering capabilities have only grown more advanced in the era of steam.

Character Facts and Trivia

• Sweets: Don Paolo has an intense loathing for sweets; even the sight of them can make him feel ill. This trait was a key clue that exposed his disguise as Inspector Chelmey, who famously loves treats.
• Voice Acting: In the game series, he is voiced by Christopher Miller, though Jonathan Keeble provided his voice for the film The Eternal Diva.
• Origins: His name "Don Paolo" suggests Spanish influence, where "Don" is a title of respect or nobility.
• Anime Appearance: In Kat's Mystery-Solving Files, set years after the original trilogy, he appears disguised as a museum employee named Donald Zachbarn.