Nintendo DS Review: Picross 3D

This extensive puzzle game series expands to more than 365 3-D solutions. This game has interesting elements similar to a combination of Sudoku, the Wii game Boom Blox, and the basic PC classic Minesweeper. Players must follow simple rules for each 3-D block puzzle grid, which are marked with numbers on the rows and columns. Nintendo developers add plenty of appeal as players smash unneeded blocks away and take some occasional risks.

The puzzle work requires educated guesses based on themes, background, and shape symmetry. Players alter a block assembly with the touch stylus combined with specific buttons. Players should calibrate the touch system on their Nintendo DS/DSi before starting this exciting game. Developers consider right-handed and left-handed people here as players mark blocks using a green paintbrush icon (right or Y) and take cubes out using a red sledgehammer (up or X). The creation mode includes a third action, placing cubes using a purple cube icon (left arrow or A).

Number markings on the rows and columns remain as players alter the puzzle. These markings eventually change to grayscale when they have the entire chosen row or column marked correctly. Players must unmark the cube to take it out – a great failsafe to prevent players from accidently erasing their work. It is not necessary to mark every box, but it helps, especially in the more complex block assemblies.

A circle on the number means the given row or column contains two non-consecutive groups. A square on the number means separate block groups of three or more in the same row/column.  Simply remove the extraneous squares to uncover the hidden animals, food, vehicles, letters, figures, or other items, which follow special themes. Each solved puzzle also becomes part of a collection.

Blue and red “slicer” handles can be chosen to pull and push through each row and column – a helpful option requiring some visual and spatial recognition skills. Developers add appealing elements such as cube destruction sounds and touch rotation capabilities, which work well even in 10 x 10 x 10 puzzles. The 3D objects animate after they are solved and a separate animated character reacts to gameplay and guides players through the tutorial.

Article Author: Tall Writer

Visit Tall Writer's author page