It was only in September 2022 that we got out last nonogram puzzle hit as PICROSS S8 released on Switch, but publisher Jupiter isn't one to wait around so we have the next entry in the series heading our way on 27th April.
Picross S9 seems to be a pretty standard affair — what do you expect? It's Picross — with 485 puzzles for you to complete across a variety of game modes (Classic, Mega, Colour, Clip). Once again, you can use either touch screen or button controls and multiplayer options are available for up to four players.
S9 also marks the debut of the 'Rewind Board' feature, which looks to be a nice addition for when you realise that you've made a mistake.
Here are some screens so you can see what this entry has on offer (spoiler: it's more Picross):
Picross S9 will release later this week for £8.99 on the Switch eShop.
Will you be crossing this entry off your puzzle list? Let us know in the comments.
[source nintendo.co.uk]
Comments 23
The rewind feature looks like it also offers a replay/fast forward, which could be a usual visual aid in visualising progress and the way towards a solution.
It's a shame that these improvements tend to not be retroactive for the previous volumes.
While I do love Picross games, at this point I'd much rather have one release and extra content as DLC. I mean, nine games is a lot.
@KoopaTheGamer
Would it really make a difference if it was 9 games or 1 game with 8 DLC?
That's also assuming the content in 1 game = the same content amount in the DLC
I'll take whatever is bigger and also have improvements built into it.
I’m wondering if Peer Schneider (IGN) managed to clear all 8 previous games before he undoubtedly starts with this one.
Think I have about 5 of these, missed out on the last few as it was getting a bit samey. This looks nice, I might get this as its a nice chill puzzle game to play that you can dip in and out of.
I do think maybe they should release an Ultimate edition next containing all puzzles and then release paid DLC
@KoopaTheGamer @Dunan Releasing them as new entries means they can implement new things without having to worry about retroactively applying that to older puzzles, so in theory it allows them to be more innovative and push things forward. I say in theory because it's Picross, there isn't a huge amount new they've done as much as I love it. Not since Picross 3D.
It also gives them more eShop exposure, both in the amount of entries visible in the shop but also they'll more frequently be nearer the front with a new entry. And with so many similar games, they want to keep their name out there.
It would be interesting to see exact figures, but I expect that more people would be inclined to buy a new entry than boot up the game they bought years ago for yet more DLC as well. I don't think it's really the kind of game where multiple DLC packs is going to keep people coming back, but a new entry? Yeah sure why not.
Insta-buy when they add online multiplayer.
@RupeeClock I'm pretty sure they do.
I know I have Picross S and the SEGA game, which at launch didn't have touch controls, but at one point they got 'em. Also Picross S1 didn't allow you to preview the grid before starting the puzzle, but at one point it also got that.
I'm sure the rewind function will be added to past entries.
Anyway, not counting branded games, now we have as many Picross S games on Switch as there were Picross e games on the 3DS (though e9 was Japan-only).
OK, so how many games do I have to get again? S2-9, Lord of Nazarick, Kemono Friends and Picross X.
I eagerly await your review of this, @SwitchVogel.
@r_p_trzy Picross X has online multiplayer.
"Here are some screens so you can see what this entry has on offer (spoiler: it's more Picross):"
@JimNorman please put the spoiler warning at the start of the article next time.
So how about a round 3 for picross 3D?
@Ogbert I'm sure they could implement new game modes and features to existing games, but I suppose releasing them separately has its own advantages too. Picross 3D I can definitely understand deserving its own line of games.
It's just kind of silly that you can't access all the content in one game but have to keep nine of them in your home menu (plus that SEGA Picross if you're into it). That said, I doubt most people will get more than one or two of these anyway.
First Zelda and now this. Will all Switch games end up with rewind?!
@KoopaTheGamer I mean I have 8 of them (plus Twilight Princess Picross plus Pokémon Picross) in my 3DS Picross folder and it hasn’t been so much hassle
@Cashews WOW THANKS! That totally passed me by!
@r_p_trzy they have a pretty good demo up - gl;hf
@Dunan This is probably the better Picross game, though I went with Pic-a-Pix for this reason. It has a ton of puzzles, and then dlc packs for like $3.
I love picross. I’ve been playing Picross DS randomly for what seems to be years… it’s taking forever.
@zombie-paper I've been playing 7 since it came out. At times regularly. A better value is kind of hard to find really.
I just REALLY want them to do more console / franchise themed titles, akin to the Sega one from a bit ago.
@NotArmani : Absolutely. I'm quite sick of all of the generic iterations. And we've only had two crossovers, both pertaining to obscure Japanese IPs.
Frankly, I'm surprised that they haven't yet bothered to port (and/or expand) the Sanrio and Pokémon instalments from the 3DS, or make new entries with those IP.
And I would so love a new Picross 3D game.
Wake me up when picross 3d gets announced
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