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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
Picross DS
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 33 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 17 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Genre(s): Puzzle
Players: 5
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: July 30, 2007
Summary
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]
Cheat Codes & Hints: GameFAQs
Also On The Web: Official Website
What The Critics Said
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...
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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >IGN
A brilliant, mature-focused Nintendo DS product that's incredibly addictive with near endless gameplay.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >WHAM! Gaming
"Picross" is an elegant, alluring option that will keep you coming back for more.
Read Full Review >Official Nintendo Magazine UK
Simply one of the best puzzlers on the handheld. [June 2007, p.94]
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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >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]
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]
GameSpot
Picross DS is a high-quality collection of logic puzzles at a terrific bargain price.
Read Full Review >Gamestyle
Picross DS is yet another fine example of what “Touch Generations” is all about, and is a great addition to the series.
Read Full Review >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]
Eurogamer
It is, simply, just about the best version of just about the best logic puzzle out there. [JPN Import]
Read Full Review >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]
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.
Read Full Review >Edge Magazine
It’s impossible to ignore the fact that, with titles like this, Nintendo has perfected a genre. [July 2007, p.95]
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.
Read Full Review >GameDaily
Picross DS is one of the best puzzle games for the system, and therefore, a must play.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >Nintendo Power
Picross DS has several additional modes that extend its appeal. [Sep 2007, p.85]
Games Master UK
Sounds dull, but like Sudoku, once it gets its claws in you'll be hooked. [Sept 2007, p.85]
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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >GamePro
It's a good little title that's enjoyable but ultimately of limited appeal. [Sep 2007, p.80]
Read Full Review >G4 TV
While the touch-screen interface is a downer, the amount of play options in Picross DS is uplifting.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 8.9 (out of 10) based on 17 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Vijay gave it a10:
If you love logic, and games like Sudoku and Mineweeper, you absolutely must own this title. Unlike Sudoku, I find that this game is actually much more enjoyable than the pen and paper version. Extremely addictive.
Ryan S. gave it a10:
This is the most addictive game ive played on the DS... even more than mario kart. Im at the point in my life where video games cannot hold my interest like they used to. I keep buying games and play them for a few hours and then put them away never to be touched again but ive used up my battery on my ds at least 10 times in the last month only playing this game. In fact I went to my parents house with this and my mom picked it up and started becoming interested in it and she hasnt played anything since tetris for the first game boy.
Uwe P. gave it a10:
A magnificent game that succeeds where others in the genre fails, making you feel smart as you logically uncover each part of the picture puzzles. It is simply unputdownable and absolutely the best game on the DS for both casuals and veterans to enjoy.
AB CD gave it a10:
A great addictive game that every puzzler can enjoy.
Arex S. gave it a9:
Complex and intuitive game with lots of rewarding factors to it.
Jared C. gave it a0:
I'm a guy that don't care about games, I enjoy most of them but this one is terrible. I can't understand how a game can be so bad. This is so boring. I tried to enjoy myself but its just a huge letdown.
