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Picross DS
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Picross DS

200780/100
Puzzle
Picross's simple elegance, the core of its appeal, quickly proves addictive: you're given a grid, a set of numbers, and the promise of a satisfying reveal. Each puzzle presents a logical challenge, forcing you to deduce which squares to fill and which to leave blank, using numbers as your only guide. The game's intuitive controls and gradual difficulty curve make it easy to pick up, while the sheer number of puzzles available, coupled with the joy of uncovering the final image, keeps you hooked for hours.

About Picross DS

Details
Fill in squares using simple hints to reveal the hidden picture. Players need both puzzle-solving skills and creativity to earn a picture reward. Each puzzle has a sequence of numbers written in the margins of each column and each row. Those numbers show how many squares within that column or row need to be filled in. Players must deduce where each filled square is based on the numbers in the puzzle. Incorrect guesses earn the player a time penalty. If players solve the puzzle in under one hour, they earn a reward picture, an animated illustration of the thing represented in the puzzle. Puzzles range in size from simple 5x5 squares to much more challenging 15x15 squares—and larger. Players can create and swap puzzles with one another.

Top 2 Alternatives to Picross DS

1
Rating
Critic & community
82
Match
Recommendation strength
85%

Balatro

2024 · Strategy

Like Picross, the core is simple: arrange elements to achieve a goal. Here, it's poker hands, but the escalating synergies and strategic depth create the same 'just one more round' compulsion.

Why recommended

  • Criteria — Balatro is a puzzle game at its core, challenging players to build poker hands to meet escalating score requirements.
  • The roguelike deck-building mechanics and the need to optimize hands and utilize special cards provide a layer of strategic depth.
  • The game's difficulty curve and the need to adapt to blinds and escalating ante requirements provide a challenging experience.
2
Rating
Critic & community
75
Match
Recommendation strength
78%

The frantic pace and spatial reasoning of Tetris aligns with Picross's core strengths, but the DS version adds a layer of competitive strategy.

Why recommended

  • The puzzle gameplay revolves around manipulating falling blocks to clear lines, similar to Picross's grid-based challenges.
  • The game features various modes, including a competitive multiplayer mode, adding a strategic element to gameplay.
  • The gameplay's fast pace and the need for quick thinking provide a challenging experience.

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