Picross S+ (Nintendo Switch) Review

For anyone that isn't familiar with the Picross series, it consists of number grid puzzles, that, when solved, result in a picture. It is a relaxing and yet challenging past-time and requires players to use logical thinking and patience.
Picross S+ allows players to go back to puzzles previously released under the Picross e series on 3DS, but there is more to this.

The titles have been completely converted to mirror the look and controls of the Picross S series on Nintendo Switch. This is great since Jupiter put a lot of thought into the design of controls for these games over time, to a point where they, and therefore Picross S+, are now a joy to play and controls can be customised, as well. Apart from button controls, touch screen controls are available, feeling like a throwback to the 3DS titles.

Since this title is adapted into the Picross S style, the usual support options are also available. This includes Hint Roulette, an option to check for mistakes, and the possibilities for showing correct or incorrect rows. Generally, there are a lot of options that allow a surprisingly personalised gaming experience, which is amazing. For example, the volume of background music can be changed, as well as the speed of the cursor.

The base game that can be purchased includes the puzzles from the first game, Picross e, and is essentially the size of a Picross S puzzle game. It includes a total of 300 puzzles. Additional content can be purchased as DLC, which corresponds to Picross e2 to e9. By purchasing DLC, additional bonus Picross puzzles can be unlocked, as well. This is the only way to unlock Color Picross puzzles, unfortunately. That's a bit of a shame since these are great, but on the other hand, the DLC aren't too expensive and each is essentially a whole game in itself again.

Thanks to the tutorials, anyone can jump right in and play. The tutorials are very helpful and aid in having a comfortable learning curve that explains one step at a time while allowing players to still jump straight in. These tutorials can be skipped with the click of button for the more seasoned players, but should they want to revisit them, they are available on demand, as well.

As expected, the puzzles themselves are fun, engaging, and, at times, very challenging! They provide hours of fun, with some relaxing music as an added bonus, and the controls are responsive enough that anyone solving puzzles super quick will not be disappointed!