| Brand: | Nintendo | ||
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Fill in squares using simple hints to reveal the hidden picture. You’ll need both puzzle-solving skills and creativity to earn your picture reward. more info
Picross DS
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{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Extraordinarily addictive!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
If you have played Mario’s Picross and loved it, put this in your cart immediately! Picross is a simple and elegant puzzle game. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Any puzzle fan should try it out. There are a ton of puzzles to play, starting from supremely easy and progressing slowly and casually to extremely challenging. Intial puzzles can be solved in a minute, while later puzzles can take as much as 45 minutes if you don’t guess or take hints. Touch screen control is a wonderful addition, as is the ability to create your puzzles. A common complaint is that the larger grids later in the game are bigger than the screen and need to be magnified and moved around in order to play them, but the touch screen control is perfectly done and very intuitive. It only took me minutes to adjust and the larger puzzles are a welcome challenge. This is one of the best puzzle games ever made. Please try it out!
PICROSS DS
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
If you like a game where you really need to think, this is it. There are 100 puzzles to solve and some are really hard. The thing I don’t like about it is that there are only 100 puzzles. I use this game in my DS while I’m on the treadmill. I have to really consentrate to keep my pace up and solve the puzzle and that makes my 30 minute walk fly by.
This game is a keeper.
Done in time for #3
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This game replaced the original (Mario Picross) as my night-time sleep inducer. I’ve probably spent a few hundred hours playing the game and all of the online downloadables. It was a nice evolution from the original, and I’m expecting the new one (Picross3D) to add an even newer spin to Picross.
Very Addicting
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I love this game. Picked it up on the cheap rack at the local Wal-Mart and gave it a try. Had no idea how to play it when i first put it in. Thank goodness it has a step by step how to play tutorial in the game. Took a few minutes to get the hang of it, but ever since I am hooked. Have had the game for over a year now, and I do have several other games since I have bought Picross, but I still go back to it and try to beat old scores from time to time. It’s definately one of my top 3 favorite games for my DS (and I have quite a few games).
Picross – Fun!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I really liked this game, I sort of wish there was another game for the DS just like this one with different picture so of course.
This is a game for people who enjoy a good puzzle. It’s fun figure out where the right filled pixel goes.
There are even bonus levels if you finish everything. There are downloads (if you have a wifi connection) that are great too.
Tip – If you finished all the puzzles and want to start over – just like I wanted to do, you have to press L and select when you start the game, and the game will load on a screen that will ask you if you want to erase all your pervious data (this is also help if you bought this game used) ^_^
exactly what I wanted
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have been doing this type of puzzle for years (picross puzzles are also known as griddlers, nonograms, or japanese paint by number), and this game is exactly what I was looking for.
I’ve owned some actual books with these puzzles, but it is extremely difficult to do these in pencil. You have to shade in so many boxes, and then if you’ve made a mistake you have to try to erase some of the boxes (without erasing all of them).. then there are all those messy eraser shavings to deal with. The books also take up a lot of space when I travel (not convenient to take with me to waiting rooms), and if you get stuck you have to count boxes in the answers and match them up to the actual puzzle. I also had a nonogram game for my pda called PictureLogic which I liked a lot, but they stopped making new puzzles for it and I finally ran out. I think I could have made my own, but when PalmOS was upgraded the program wouldn’t work anymore. I think griddlers.net has the best interface, but you really need a larger screen to do those puzzles. Plus, you need an internet connection. I wouldn’t have that on a plane.
The interface for Picross DS is very easy to manage. Obviously there is a limit to the grid size (the screen on the ds isn’t as big as a computer monitor). When the grid size is larger than can fit on the screen, it is very easy to zoom in and out and pan around. When you’re zoomed in, whenever you click on a line you can see the numbers corresponding to that line and a few of the surrounding lines. There are 4 options while zoomed in (select, zoom out, draw, and X), and 2 options while doing a smaller puzzle (just draw and X). The options are on the upper right corner of the touch screen, and rather than use the stylus to go back and forth I just use my thumb to select which one I want. It’s much faster that way. The top screen shows you the zoomed out puzzle whenever you’re zoomed in on the bottom screen. At the moment, I can not remember what the top screen has on it when you’re not zoomed in, or when you’re working on a puzzle that is small enough to fit.
More of an annoyance than a negative for me just because I’ve been doing these for so long, is that there is no way to skip the tutorials the first time you play each mode. Nintendo seems to do that a lot. I appreciated the first few screens explaining how to use the interface, but I did not need to see screen after screen after screen explaining how to do the puzzles. They should have had this as a seperate menu option, not a required tutorial in order to get to the games. If you’ve never done these before, then the instructions looked good enough to explain how, and there are varying difficulties.. if you’re just starting out, the easy puzzles probably will not be too hard. The harder puzzles are challenging enough for me so far.
Also, you can download more puzzles if you run out. There appear to be a lot of puzzles available, I’ve only downloaded a few so far. I don’t know how much space is available on the game card, but it hasn’t given me any low memory warnings yet.
It says that you can download original puzzles, but I think that is only if you have exchanged friend codes with people who submit puzzles. I think I can make my own too, but I’m not interested in doing that so I haven’t explored those options yet.
There is an option for overlays — this is extremely useful. If you have to guess, you can turn on overlay and just try things out. If you like it, you can apply the overlay, but if you don’t you can dismiss it without messing up the parts that you already know for sure.
The only thing that I wish they had added is the ability to save more puzzles in progress. If I get stuck in one, I would like to be able to save it and go back to it later, but there is only one save slot available. If you are in the middle of a puzzle and you want to put in a different game, then it lets you save the one you are working on, but you can’t save more than one at a time. I don’t know if there are hints or not, because I never actually looked. I didn’t read the manual at all, either.
Anyway, I think that Picross is a wonderful game, and I’m so happy that it exists.
The 3-star reviews are spot-on
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I first encountered Picross puzzles in Japan about 15 years ago. I was captivated by this rather simple yet very addictive logic-based picture puzzler. (If you like Sudoku or Kakuro, you will probably like this.) Of course, you used a pencil to do these puzzles. Later, I saw that there were also color Picross puzzles available, increasing the complexity over simple black-and-white.
A few years later, I bought the Japanese version of Mario’s Picross, which was a great version for the Game Boy. The puzzles were great fun, but all too soon they were finished! So, I was quite happy to see a DS version of Picross. I imagined that you could use a stylus for easy input and that there were probably some color Picross puzzles using the wonderful DS screens!
Unfortunately, as the other 3-star reviewers have pointed out, this version is somewhat disappointing. Too many puzzles are solved more easily by guesstimating from the final picture rather than logic. Personally, I think the controls are somewhat lacking — I wish it were easier to use the stylus, especially in larger puzzles when you have to switch between 4 different controls (fill, x, scroll, zoom in/out) when you are racing against time. And, I find it hard to play the larger puzzles with the bottom zoomed in, even with the full puzzle on top and some numbers on the sides of the touch screen.
So, all in all, I’m glad I got this puzzler (for cheap used!) but I am underwhelmed with the implementation.
Major irritation with the larger puzzle size vs screen size
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
The easy puzzles (small size) are too easy…but then you move up to the more challenging puzzles. Yes, challenging they sure are, BUT with the zoom size and the numbers along the sides, return to normal size with the tiny numbers to get the “big picture” in order to figure the puzzle out takes more time AND irritation than I am willing to give for a puzzle game. Now don’t take me wrong, I love a good challenge and have succeeded at the most challenging levels of Sudoku and other puzzle games, but Picross is not one for the small Nintendo DS Lite machine…a more apt game for the PC IMHO. I had high hopes for the use of logic while determining the solutions and also think that the images that come up after you succeed in completing a puzzle are not visually pleasing as one could expect for the DS games. So I give it 5 stars for the challenge, 1 star for the smallness and poor quality of the imagery, thus averaging a 3 star rating for this game. I feel that only die-hard Picross fans will get any enjoyment of this game.
Picross DS
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I played the original version of this game on the Gameboy system. I was very surprised to see it for the DS. I am having so much fun with it. It is even better than the original. This is a must have for anyone who loves puzzles.
An excellent implementation of Picross that makes great use of the stylus
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The control system is a little bit weird, using the control pad to switch between different modes when filling in squares, but features like Daily Picross and competitive play get you used to the controls quickly. Daily Picross helps you fine tune your solving skills, and competitive play encourages you to become the fastest player around.
With the huge number of Picross puzzles in the game, I haven’t finished them all even after having the game for over a year. You’re rewarded for finishing groups of puzzles with a minigame.
Different puzzle levels have different styles of filled in squares, crossed-out squares, and empty squares, complete with their own special sound effects, which adds richness and fun to the games.
The background music is well-composed, although it would be nice if they were longer, because you can be sure that you’ll hear the same song looping over and over again for a long time as you get into the harder levels.
All in all, a really fun game that I recommend highly. Check out my Picross tutorial for a more comprehensive look at the strategies you need to become a Picross player: http://picross.thonky.com/
Game review
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
Fun and keeps your attention. I don’t like the zoom effect and not being able to see the whole puzzle in that mode.
Ended too Soon!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This game was very addicting. I love puzzle type games and this one was exactly what I was looking for. I was very sad when I finished all of the puzzles, I tried to play it again and it just wasn’t the same. Hopefully they will come out with a second edition.
Worthwhile game for a quiet puzzle gamer
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I confess that I’m not much into puzzle games, unless I’m playing a flashy combo-crazy game like “Tetris Attack” or “Meteos.”
While “Picross DS” is not too flashy, it is a nice diversion from the typical snazzy sound effects-laden games.
In case anyone hasn’t heard about it, Picross is a simple game in which players fill in a little picture based on the numbers on the border of a square grid. For example, if there is a number 5 on the column or row of a 5×5 square, the player would fill in five squares in that column or row. However, if there is a 22 on the row or column, the player would fill in the first two squares and the last two squares.
Anyhow, it’s a fun game to play, just for the simple pleasure of drawing pictures in a puzzle. Some of the 15×15 squares may take a few more minutes to finish, but “Picross DS” is a refreshing challenge. And with an internet router, players can download puzzles off of the Internet.
The only big complaint about this game is that there isn’t much of an incentive to continue playing for the sake of making nice pictures. Sure, the animated picross picture at the end looks really cute, but there aren’t any especially stunning picross pictures available in the original game, unless one counts the bonus Mario pictures at the end of the game.
Also, the music sounds like cheap elevator music. After a certain point, most players will likely keep the music turned off in the game.
However, the game also offers different types of Picross grids with their own unique look and sound effects. For example, some stages look like a grass lawn or an ocean. It’s a cheesy, but beautiful-looking change from typical pencil and paper Picross.
Overall, “Picross DS” is a fun diversion from the typical run-and-gun shooters and action games. However, keep in mind that it is very time-consuming.
Picross DS
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This game sucks you in – have had to delay many real life actions while I worked on “just one more” or “let me just finish this one.” Many levels, many customizable options – great game!
So Fun and Addicting
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Picross DSThis game is soooo addicting! I already played all the games and am now playing the classic ones you can download, plus there is a daily skill thing that tracks your progress, so you can keep playing this same game forever, though you’ll want more and more. The only thing I hate about this game is that there is not a Picross 2!!! If you like stuff like Sudoku, you’ll love this! Some of the bigger puzzles seem hard at first, but don’t give up. You’ll get used to it, and then you won’t be able to put it down, believe me.
Addictive Fun
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Any fan of logic puzzles (especially Sudoku) will love this game! Challenging and addictive! Includes tutorials to help get you started.
Incredibly fun.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
My spouse and I play this every night to unwind. It plays well in small time allotments and is very engaging.
missed opportunity
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
super mario picross (only in Japan on Super Famicom, or now on virtual console for wii) is much better. It has more options, more puzzles, etc. My biggest gripe with Picross DS is it only has a SINGLE save slot, meaning if more than one person in your household wants to play it with their own progress (i.e. without seeing the solution for already solved puzzles), you’re out of luck, or have to buy a copy for each person. What was Nintendo thinking??? :p
Favorite game
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I love this game! I am fully on board with everyone requesting a follow-up game!!!
Pretty good!
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This is a very good game for those times where you’re in the waiting room with your ds. I wouldn’t suggest this for car rides, especially if you get nauseous concentrating while riding like me.
My only complaint is the music…very repetitive…so if you have an mp3 player or an iPod, it’d be better to use that as music. Well…yes the gameplay is repetitive, but it’s fun to a challenging point because each of the puzzles are different.
I would actually rate it 4.5/5.
picross found
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
It took some searching to find this product.
It arrived quickly and several people enjoyed playing it during the holidays.
Thanks Amazon!
The only downside is there’s not a sequel game!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’ve been doing these ‘paint by number’ puzzles for more than 11 years. This game is absolutely wonderful. There are three levels. Each level has several separate ‘themes’. The first two levels tell you when you’ve made a mistake, though with a two minute penalty. The last level does not. Finish all the puzzles in a group you get a bonus round.
I’ve finished all the puzzles and I’m now working to beat my times. This is not easy! The best part of this type of puzzle is it’s not possible to remember from one time to the next which boxes to fill in. It always takes logic. There’s one puzzle I’ve only managed to complete once. It took 26 minutes, nearly two months AND included using the hint option before the puzzle begins.
RELEASE ANOTHER ONE PLEASE!!!
Fun game that takes some thought
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This is a game that you use a graph a numbers to make a picture. It takes some thought as you solve more puzzles. You start with a blank graph with some numbers telling you which blocks to fill in. There are hints, so if you make a mistake and fill in the wrong block, it will let you know. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what the picture is. though, but the game tells you what it’s a picture of. It’s easy to get hooked if you like puzzle games.Picross DS
Excellent game for casual and hardcore players alike
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought this game on a whim after trying some Picross flash games online, thinking I’d enjoy it since I’m a big sudoku fan. I have to say though, this game far and away exceeded my expectations. There are A LOT of puzzles here, and if you manage to finish all of them you can go online and download A LOT more. You can also make your own puzzles and share them with friends.
There are two basic modes, Normal and Free (the first which notifies you if you make a mistake, the second which doesn’t and lets you use “Try It Out” mode for more advanced gameplay). Both mode has 10 sets of 15 puzzles (plus 3 minigames) with their own themes, visuals, effects, and sounds, which adds a cool and refreshing twist every so often. Most of the themes are amusing and visually clear, though there are one or two you might have trouble seeing. You can always switch to the basic blue theme if you’d prefer. The pictures have a lot of charm, and if you complete them in <60 minutes it will show you an animated, colored version of the puzzle. The difficulty increases at a good pace, building from 5x5 and easy to 25x20 and challenging, with an occasional tougher one thrown in here and there throughout. I haven't taken inventory of all of the puzzles they have online, though they've got even more than the game totals out of the box. You can have 100 of those downloaded puzzles saved on your game pack at any given time, and you can delete them to make room for more when you've decided you're done with them. It also has Daily Picross mode (and 5 modes within that), which will train you to perform puzzles quickly and flawlessly. It keeps track of your times like Brain Age so you can see how you're doing. The game also has single and multi-pack multiplayer, though I haven't had the opportunity to test those yet.
The touch controls work excellent and once you get used to them you can scroll your view across the puzzles marking and Xing spots smoothly. The music is fine (it has several different options including Rock, House, and a few relaxing ones) though I prefer to relax and listen to my own music. I consider myself a hardcore gamer, but this game has surprised me and has perhaps even exceeded Final Fantasy Tactics A2 in play time on my DS by now. I feel like I’ve had to recharge my DS again and again every couple days because this game can keep you engrossed for so long. DEFINITELY worth its price if you’re a fan of logic/puzzle games. This is a great value.
It’s ok at the beginning
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
The game seems like fun at the beginning but then the puzzles get long and tedious. I would only recommend this product if you have a lot of patience.