A wise gentleman once said that every puzzle has a solution. In Picross 3D Round 2, finding those answers may have players tearing out their hair while simultaneously cracking a smile.
Picross 3D Round 2 is a game that is as addictive as they come. Like its predecessor puzzles are in 3D (as the name so helpfully points out) and not the two dimensional offerings typically associated with these games. In this latest entry to the series puzzles are split into sections as 'books', with each containing a number of levels that match a designated theme. For instance, there's a food-related theme that aptly comes with food item puzzles. Pretty straight-forward, right?
Players use the stylus to chisel away at blocks, muse over number combinations, and paint blocks to reveal masterful 3D creations. The paint, hammer and outlining tools can be mapped to the direction pad, the ABXY buttons or the Circle Pad, which are used by selecting and holding these down while tapping along with the stylus.
The game begins with a step-by-step tutorial detailing the finer points of gameplay. Players are handed a square or rectangular block that has blue and/or orange numbers scattered in rows and columns. It seems daunting, and it can be, as specific rules apply to each of the numbers that appear on any given board.
Each number represents how many of that particular coloured block will show up in the row or column. There are different rules on how numbers can and cannot be placed, with certain symbols designating required conditions. For instance, solid numbers mean painted blocks appear consecutively in the row or column. Numbers with circles or squares around them means they are separated into groups. Then there are blocks with dual numbers on them, meaning that particular column or row will contain blocks that have both, with their specific rules applied. Between these rules and figuring out which blocks to hammer away, Picross 3D Round 2 delivers a complex, brain teasing game. It's a simple concept that manages to be intriguing, and it's when presenting players with a large puzzle block that it can prompt both fascination and a slight fear of the challenge.
While there is the aforementioned tutorial at the start of the game, even that can feel a little confusing; it's always best to learn from first-hand experience. While the tutorial does let players do hands-on training, it may take a few puzzles to really understand the fundamentals of the rules. Thankfully there are a multitude of puzzles to play to become familiar with particular patterns and exercise the mind.
It's easy to make mistakes in this game, and players will probably make quite a few of those if rushing through, or become set back by carelessness in selecting the wrong tool. It can be a little intimidating and frustrating, sometimes. As all the rules are logic-based, however, the game is not unfair. It may be trickier to manoeuvre through larger puzzles if players aren't cautious. Solutions, however, are always there. They may be hidden in between blocks, and the game gives the ability to peel away layers to work sections at a time, if necessary. Some solutions are easy to spot, and some will require rotating the view of the puzzle via the touch screen. Ultimately, approaching puzzles in this game requires a combination of patience, thought, and the process of elimination.
All puzzle stages have a timer and a mistake counter. The better players do, and depending on the difficulty level which accounts for a score multiplier, players are awarded an overall total of points and gems which are used to unlock more puzzles. There are different modes, each bringing satisfying levels of challenge for players. The three basics are "easy", "medium", and "hard" which are tailored for players' comfort. Not only do these modes present different ways to look at a puzzle, but easier levels are also good for finishing puzzles in a timely manner and with fewer mistakes. Accomplishing this can net higher quality gems and additional points; all puzzles can be replayed, at any difficulty. Best of all, this means unlocking all the puzzles won't be very hard.
There are a couple of other modes in Picross 3D that are conditions of specific puzzle book challenges. These include a time trial mode, and one in which a single mistake means a game over screen. While the one error mode can be a bit tricky, the time trial mode is not very taxing. A three minute timer is given for each puzzle but completing various parts will add a generous minute to the timer. Picross 3D Round 2 is the type of game that - in general - is incredibly relaxing, even when it can sometimes take players' brains to task.
A part of what makes it so relaxing is its presentation. It exudes charm and is downright adorable; many of the puzzles reveal themselves to be quaint 3D wooden toys, for example. How did a block get created into a cucumber? Or how did a block hide an octopus? Or a serving of takoyaki? These are the joys to finishing puzzles in Picross 3D Round 2. As players chip away at puzzles, the parts transform into rounded shapes where applicable. You may not know what treasures are hiding within, and even when nearing the completion of a puzzle the game might still have you guessing.
When they are revealed, the results are delightful as they are neat, curious surprises. Every puzzle also comes with a sweet little write up about the object. They're simple, fun, often educational, sometimes containing snippets of cultural knowledge; they add to the wonderful overall impact of the game. Also of note is some amiibo support, where you can unlock puzzles by scanning compatible figures.
Picross 3D Round 2 doesn't stop there. The board backgrounds are a collection of sketches, or colourful designs. They don't distract in any way but just add to the overall feel-good presentation. The soundtrack aids in this as well, with tracks that vary from vibrant to chill, from the triumphant sounds of a marching band to the lull of waves gently crashing on a shore. The option to choose particular music tracks or settings is there, or players can select the random feature to leave it all to chance. Certain tracks may become a tad annoying if stuck on a puzzle for too long but these are minor things. Everything about this game is made to give a feeling of concentration and motivation, while being overwhelmingly pleasant at the same time.
Conclusion
Picross 3D Round 2 is a gem of a game that's chock full of charm in its presentation. From its music to the reveals in puzzle solutions, the game is an audio and visual delight. As a puzzle game, it's wonderfully challenging with options to tone down the difficulty and tailor the experience. There may still be moments of frustration for some in the larger puzzles, but that's primarily the nature of the game and its requirement of patience. Overall, it's a beautifully crafted and pleasant experience - whether that involves solving plenty of puzzles over a long play period, or shorter sessions for enticing brain exercises.
Comments 35
I've never played a Picross game in my life, but if everything goes as intended I'm gonna try my first one next week after I get the Zelda Picross game.
@Equinox - I know, so frustrating
A wise gentleman once said why isn't this on Wii U as well instead of the crap indie titles we have to endure and the complete lack of first party software?
not getting this yet...it's like $42.49 on the Canadian eShop....way too expensive for my tastes
@Equinox - agree completely, I played loads of NA games on original ds/lite etc before this stupid region lock came in. So frustrating.
I just wish this game had some of the zaniness of the original. It was one of my favorite parts of that game.
Nice review and nice score. And another 9 in a very short timespan on this site. Nintendo is on a streak, it seems.
A pity we Europeans have to wait untill December. Ah well!
Wouldn't be a N-Life comment section without at least one salty individual crying about a 3DS game not being on Wii U, or visa versa.
I love Picross 3D Round 2. I got into Pokemon and Zelda Picross first, and loved it so much I bought Picross DS, Picross 3D and Picross e-series. Naturally this sequel's announcement brought a lot of excitement. And it doesn't disappoint.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Because Picross has never worked on consoles.
Picross has always worked better on handhelds than on consoles because of the pick-up-and-play nature of the series. You might do one on the train, then one during a lunch break, or in between long gaming sessions.
On consoles, the SNES Mario Picross games aren't even that good, as they suffer from awkward controls and the numbers were often too small to see.
I was right to complain so much that this didnt get localized. Very good game with tons of puzzles.
Sorry that Europeans have to wait longer but you get the option of physical that we dont, as with RH Megamix.
-cries in European-
I don't get the 3 month waiting period on this game, it doesn't seem to have an awful lot of translation to be done.
@Nilesse. Issues:
1.- It has to be translated to 3-5 different languages: Spanish, French, German, sometimes Italian, sometimes Portuguese.
I worked in the technical translation of a 300-pages book: the book was already translated and it took 4 Masters in Structural Engineering 5 months to iron the kinks.
2.- Minor changes, whatever they are, require a full repacking of the files (I think it was the Shovel Knight developer who pointed that out). I don't know whether Nintendo follows the same pattern or rules for its own games though...
3.- After and only after the work on the US version is over (including any day-one patches), then they start on the EU version.
I think that is why, sometimes, the EU are getting some releases earlier than the US to appease to some Europeans crying foul.
I am addicted to 2D Picross but this 3D version is confusing to me. Nintendo should bring Picross to the smartphone, it's a great game for commute.
While I loved Picross 3D enough to 100% it, that was back when light-content releases were actually cheaper than full-priced games. At $42 Canadian, no way is this worth more than, say, Style Savvy (not that I'm even a fan of that series; just saying that the pricing for this digital-only package is nonsense).
I am inclined to agree the price is just too high. Even at the US $29.99 I don't see the appeal. I got the original for about $15 a few years ago and that seemed to me the perfect price. If I see a decent sale or, fingers crossed, a discounted physical release maybe as a compilation of other eShop games (I would pay the full $39.99 for a retail physical copy of this and Picross e 1-7 day one) I will be on this day one for sure.
@roy130390 My Nintendo Picross LOZ was my first Picross game, I loved it!
Just as others have been saying, I'd be more inclined to buy it if the price was cheaper. The demo was promising, but I probably wouldn't pay more than $20 for it, mainly because I don't usually finish every puzzle in these types of games.
Can't wait for this to arrive in Europe! And the presentation looks really nice this time. The first one was tons of fun but aesthetically it was somewhat lacking.
@TruenoGT Top marks for your Kururin avatar!
10/10 in my book!
If you aren't sure and need a cheap way to try this style of picross out, I urge you go find a copy of the original Picross 3D for DS (which will play on 3DS thanks to BC, of course). That game will ease you in to solving these 3D puzzles a bit more than Round 2 does, which for some players is a godsend. It also didn't feature two colors like Round 2, a rather complicating factor.
@BensonUii Look everyone, it's.......
Please no more picross, how did this get a 9!!!!?????
@troj27 it's not more picross, it's picross 3d which works quite a bit differently compared to 2d picross and this is only the 2nd game in the series lol
I was sad when I saw that they completely removed the cross-references between the puzzles (in their descriptions) that were present in the Japanese version. Really a weird cut to make.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Look who's talking.
@TruenoGT it's such a simple but fun game! I was really hoping they'd bring it back as an eShop title for 3DS, the top-down view would work really nicely in 3D!
@LemonSlice I commented on the story and would like this game on the Wii U. That other clown didn't comment on the story at all but once again attacked my post. I'm sick of it.
I played a lot of the original for the DS while I was recovering from back surgery years ago, so it's great to see a sequel. Just wish it wasn't $30...
I somehow got the DS version for $9.99 many years ago, and it was a fantastic value. Looking forward to another go-around with this one. If you like puzzle games, I heartily recommend this one.
Still playing Zelda Picross but will pick this up when there's a sale on.
THIS is what I was waiting for.
NOW I might be getting a 3DS.
.......I thought these were just a pointless pixel art creating program. >_>
lol, anyways trying out the free Zelda Picross game from My Nintendo, looks like I found a new puzzle series.
Waiting for a physical release in NA.
@NImH: I was about to say the same thing.
$30 bucks for a DL is too much.
Yes it should have been $29
BUT.... it is really a fantastic game. Wish I had not waited so long to get it. it NEVER goes on sale, but it is a My.Nintendo 40% discount.
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