Picross S Capcom Classics Version and Picross S SNK Classics & NEOGEO Version Overview

2025 has, fairly frankly, been a really superior yr for video video games. A lot so, I’ve been having a troublesome time maintaining with them. Whereas I’ve managed to see finish credit for the likes of Clair Obscur, Donkey Kong Bananza and Kirby Air Riders, I’m nonetheless working my method via runs in Hades 2, but to scare myself foolish in Silent Hill f, and now simply grew to become conscious of the extremely addicting Absolum. Then Jupiter drop one other bomb and announce not one however two Picross video games, every centered on a writer and their retro catalogue. Why do you do that to me Picross gods?!

If that opener hasn’t already closely hinted at, I occur to be a relatively huge Picross fan, taking part in them because the ‘e’ collection again on the Nintendo 3DS. It’s the simplistic brilliance that retains me coming again again and again, the tease of a pixellated piece of artwork awaiting after each accomplished puzzle and most significantly, the easy enjoyable available from what’s nothing greater than filling in packing containers in a grid.

There isn’t a lot level in reviewing Picross S Capcom Classics Version and Picross S SNK Classics & NEOGEO Version individually, to be sincere, the video games providing just about the very same from a content material perspective. For returning Picross… ers then, it’s just about enterprise as regular, each video games providing a smorgasbord of more and more more durable Picross puzzles, solely this time with some added Capcom or SNK/NEOGEO flavour.

Meaning as an alternative of step by step unveiling pixelated interpretations of flowers, cassette tapes and kangaroos, you’ll be spoiled with the likes of Avenue Fighter, Mega Man, Ghouls ‘n Goblins, Breath of Hearth and Remaining Struggle in all their retro glory with the Capcom Version and Steel Slug, Deadly Fury and King of Fighters in SNK’s. Whereas it’s definitely been enjoyable revealing essentially the most mundane of issues in pixel type, these sprite-based objects, characters and extra really feel like a extra pure match for Picross. In fact, anticipate a great variety of music tracks from each Capcom and SNK’s catalogue, each mode fully customisable as to what you take heed to.

As for the modes, alongside your customary vanilla Picross, you’ll additionally discover Mega Picross (clues providing hints to pairs of traces and rows as an alternative of simply the one), Shade Picross (which provides colouring to the combo), Clip Picross (smaller puzzles that every one piece collectively to create a large image) and a handful of mammoth grids. A brand new time assault mode challenges gamers to finish puzzles inside a set time, while an artwork gallery wraps issues up properly. All in all, you’re getting a variety of content material.

A couple of neat quality-of-life updates have been made, together with grid references, making it simpler to decipher sure squares on a grid (making it a great function throughout multiplayer), alongside mouse help for Swap 2 gamers. Whereas I wouldn’t suggest utilizing the mouse choice if you happen to’re resting the management in your leg, I’ll say taking part in on an precise tabletop labored actually properly and alongside touchscreen and conventional button controls, you’ve an choice irrespective of the place you’re taking part in.

Jupiter has already labored with SEGA and Namco, giving them every their very own Picross package deal, and CAPCOM and SNK’s addition to that checklist solely makes me extra excited for future team-ups. Konami? Sq. Enix? Nintendo? With a lot to do and a wealth of nostalgic references in each video games, what you choose actually comes right down to the place your personal affection lies. Both method, you’ll be able to’t go unsuitable.

Model Examined: Nintendo SwitchReview Copy Offered by Jupiter