You could call the original Picross DS, the bastard lovechild of Sudoku and Minesweeper, one of the most addictive puzzle games on a hand-held console. Using numeric clues, you use logic and the process of elimination to correctly fill grids with patterns of dots that result in a picture once the puzzle has been solved. Perhaps not so surprisingly, the final goal in Picross 3D is a three dimensional object. The basic game mechanic is much the same however the grids of flat squares have been replaced by planes of cubes, often layered to provide height and depth to the puzzle. Will Picross 3D simply leave you with a headache or has Nintendo been able to add a new dimension to an already exceptional puzzle series? Let’s find out.
The mechanics of Picross 3D are pretty straight forward, though difficult to describe without a visual aid. Initially, a rectangular or square-shaped cube consisting of smaller blocks is presented to the player (easier puzzles often consist of a single plane). Some of the blocks will be labeled with a number indicating how many of the blocks in that row or column should remain. To form the final object, the player must look at how the rows and columns intersect to determine which blocks stay (by coloring them in) and which are removed (by smashing them). Think of the process like a sculptor with a hammer and chisel, chipping pieces of rock away from a stone in order to realize a final object in 3D space. However, the game is not all surface work as the player will need look at cross sections of the object to manipulate the blocks on the inside. It can be mind boggling work at times but thankfully the tutorial system is excellent in showing you the techniques and logic you’ll need to employ to figure out these puzzles.
Solving puzzles in Picross 3D is a very satisfying experience. Using the stylus to navigate the puzzles by spinning them around to hunt for the next elimination is very intuitive. It’s another shining yet simple example of the benefit of a touch screen. Being able to smash blocks (with pieces flying and crunching sound) is also fun and satisfying. Then there are small rewards for completing puzzles – the 3D object will become part of a cute but quick animation sequence and placed in a collage of similarly themed items as collections. Completing puzzles within set time limits will earn you stars that go towards unlocking bonus puzzles. There’s always something happening for each puzzle you complete, keeping you interested and hopelessly addicted.
The game’s aesthetic is a little more of a mixed bag. The layout is not very eye catching – mishmashes of colors and uninteresting menus abound. Not to mention the completely forgettable music. Picross DS was also simple in its aesthetic; it was minimalist but somehow sleeker or more pleasing to the eye. Picross 3D isn’t terrible in this way, just unimpressive. Thankfully, menus and music are not what’s bringing you to the dance as the gameplay shines through. So just grab your iPod and enjoy the puzzles.
Multiple game saves are such a simple addition but a welcome one. The original Picross only had a single gamesave so at that time I had to wait for my wife to completely finish with the game before I could erase her save and forge my own. With Picross 3D, we can pass the DS back and forth and so there can be some serious bragging rights as we compare completion times and numbers of stars. I only wish comparing these things was easier, as the only direct comparison on a single screen is the number of stars. Something like an inter-gamesave leaderboard that lists each puzzle with their fastest completion times would facilitate some friendly competition.
Finally, I don’t usually like to discuss price when I discuss a game as I usually try my best to get games on the cheap anyway. However, the regular price of Picross 3D is just $20 and that is a real bargain. There are over 350 puzzles to solve, keeping you occupied for hours and hours. It is time well wasted as Picross 3D is the kind of DS game that I really love. It’s simple, addictive pick up and play fun for a very reasonable price.
Highly recommended.
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