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How Metascores Are Calculated
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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Like finding the underlining 'picture' in a 'crossword puzzle', the goal in Picross DS is to fill a grid with squares and crosses in order to 'paint' a picture. Numbers at the head of the puzzles' columns and rows signify how the grids need to be filled out, but it will take a sharp mind to figure out the solution - and some speedy fingers to defeat the competition. The game's main Picross Mode offers a staggering 300 puzzles available to play at your leisure. Ranging from the elementary five by five grids to highly complicated twenty by twenty grids, this mode can keep even the most hardened gamers happy. Those less certain of their skills can opt to receive clues to help finish puzzles, or get a head start with a roulette-style hint function that reveals one line of the puzzle. Bring your individual talents to the table with My Picross Mode, in which you can create your very own puzzles to share with your friends (locally, or via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection). Designing your own puzzles is simplicity itself thanks to the easy-to-use stylus and Touch Screen. For that extra personal flair, you can even design the image beneath the puzzle which is revealed upon completion. A variety of unlockable skins - with themes ranging from nature to sports or video game heroes – give you all the customisation tools you’ll need to make Picross DS fit your style. [Nintendo Europe]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
Gaming Age
Picross DS has me captivated. Ever since I received it I can’t put it down. I’ve played it every night before bed.
 95
Game Informer
Like Sudoku or crossword puzzles, this is one of those endlessly replayable games. The solution is always there, right in front of you. It’s just a matter of using logic and careful planning to place the block correctly.
90
GameSpy
There's an awful lot to do in Picross DS, but given the addictive nature of the puzzles, don't be surprised if you plow though the puzzles in a couple of weeks. The downloadable puzzles and custom puzzles will keep you busy for a while longer, but the fact is, you'll want more.
90
Cheat Code Central
Picross DS is quite literally you, a grid, some numbers, and the seemingly endless combinations of them. If you have $20 and a DS, Picross DS should be at the top of your shopping list. Games that sell for three times Picross DS's price don't have this much entertainment in them.
90
GameZone
This is Picross at its finest. If you are looking for something to keep you busy for those long bus rides or even while relaxing at home, Picross DS offers nearly endless, addictive gameplay, and with a $20 price tag you can’t go wrong.
90
IGN
A brilliant, mature-focused Nintendo DS product that's incredibly addictive with near endless gameplay.
90
Thunderbolt
Picross DS isn't really a traditional video game. Despite this, if you like puzzle games, Picross DS is one of the best non-games you can pick up.
90
Yahoo! Games
In Picross DS, you get a real sense of accomplishment, while still being just as enthralled as with the Tetrises and Meteoses of the world. It rewards intelligence over reflexes, broadening its target audience immensely. Play it for 10 minutes, or five hours; either way, you'll have a smile on your face the entire time.
88
WHAM! Gaming
"Picross" is an elegant, alluring option that will keep you coming back for more.
87
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
Simply one of the best puzzlers on the handheld. [June 2007, p.94]
85
GameBrink
With the fairly large number of puzzles that come with Picross DS, the game will keep you occupied for quite some time. But with the addition of Wi-Fi features, you could find yourself picking up the game very often even after completing all puzzles.
85
1UP
Inevitable immaturity aside, Picross is an exceptional puzzle game with a no-nonsense presentation. It's especially great to see it in America at long last, a decade's worth of entries having been Japanese exclusives.
85
Deeko
Of the many puzzles games currently available, this is one of the most inventive and imaginative, offering up a tiny reward each and every time you solve a puzzle.
83
GameShark
“Easy to pick up but hard to put down” has become a trite phrase but it fits Picross DS perfectly. It’s hard to believe that such a fun and puzzle packed game only costs 20 bucks, especially when many “next gen” games clock in at three times the price with barely as much content.
83
NGamer UK
You turn on the DS at 5pm. Next thing you know, it's 11:30pm and the stylus has worn a bloody groove into your finger. Forget The Matrix: it's Picross's grids that'll enslave us all. [JPN Import]
82
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Simplicity is bliss, and these puzzles are satisfying, but Picross requires patience of both the mental and physical variety. [Sept 2007, p.98]
80
GameSpot
Picross DS is a high-quality collection of logic puzzles at a terrific bargain price.
80
Gamestyle
Picross DS is yet another fine example of what “Touch Generations” is all about, and is a great addition to the series.
80
Hardcore Gamer Magazine
Best of all, Picross is a wonderfully pure test of logical puzzle solving, with a deep challenge that's as satisfying as it is addictive. [Oct 2007, p.61]
80
EuroGamer
It is, simply, just about the best version of just about the best logic puzzle out there. [JPN Import]
80
games(TM)
If you’re not remotely interested in logic brainteasers, then Picross DS is unlikely to change your mind. But Nintendo’s effort is the most complete version yet of this fearsomely addictive pastime. [June 2007, p.122]
80
Pocket Gamer UK
Picross DS isn't the most alluring game you'll ever clap eyes on, but it's startlingly addictive and will provide endless hours of utterly compulsive amusement.
80
Edge Magazine
It’s impossible to ignore the fact that, with titles like this, Nintendo has perfected a genre. [July 2007, p.95]
80
AceGamez
It makes a real change from many of the other puzzle games out there for the Nintendo DS and if this crowded genre is going to survive, we're going to need a lot more innovative games like Picross that try something different - and succeed. Simple and harmless fun, Picross is definitely worth a look.
80
GameDaily
Picross DS is one of the best puzzle games for the system, and therefore, a must play.
80
NintendoWorldReport
A good little package. Competitive play just doesn't work as well as it does for some other puzzle games, but it can still be fun in short spurts.
80
Nintendo Power
Picross DS has several additional modes that extend its appeal. [Sep 2007, p.85]
80
Games Master UK
Sounds dull, but like Sudoku, once it gets its claws in you'll be hooked. [Sept 2007, p.85]
75
Game Revolution
Though most of its bells and whistles do not hold up to scrutiny very well, the simplicity and depth of the main modes will keep you occupied with more than two hundred unlockable puzzles.
71
Game Almighty
If you like your puzzle games like Puzzle League or Meteos, then you'll want to stay clear of Picross DS. However, if crosswords or brain-benders like Sudoku is more your style, then you will love this version. It has a lot to offer and the ability to create and share puzzles ensures a long-life span.
70
VideoGamer
It won't last forever, and it has its faults, but if you've ever got addicted to Minesweeper you'll likely enjoy this curious puzzle game.
70
GamePro
It's a good little title that's enjoyable but ultimately of limited appeal. [Sep 2007, p.80]
60
G4 TV
While the touch-screen interface is a downer, the amount of play options in Picross DS is uplifting.
Vijay gave it a10: Ryan S. gave it a10: Uwe P. gave it a10: AB CD gave it a10: Arex S. gave it a9: Jared C. gave it a0: |
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