Picross S4 earned generally favorable reviews, with critics praising its 485-puzzle lineup, range of modes and approachable presentation. The qualification is that the favorable verdict rests on just five critic reviews—and reviewers largely see it as a polished continuation of Jupiter’s familiar formula, not a reinvention.
What is the critic consensus on Picross S4?
Metacritic lists Picross S4 at 77, labeled “Generally Favorable,” based on five critic reviews. Its displayed distribution is three positive, two mixed and no negative reviews. That is a favorable snapshot, but five reviews are a small sample rather than a broad measure of critical opinion. Metacritic’s critic listing may change if additional reviews are indexed.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Picross 3D (Nintendo DS) (Pre-Played) | $18.62 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Picross 3D - Nintendo DS (Renewed) | $16.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nintendo Picross 3D Round 2 | $58.12 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Yoshi's Crafted World - Nintendo Switch | $52.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| NintendoWorldReport | 85 |
| Nintendo Insider | 80 |
| Nintendo Life | 80 |
| Cubed3 | 70 |
| Gameblog.fr | 70 |
The reviews converge on quantity and variety as the game’s strongest points. NintendoWorldReport called it “very good” and pointed to its nearly 500 puzzles. Nintendo Insider praised the expanded content and larger grids, while Nintendo Life highlighted the selection of modes and friendly presentation. Cubed3 found it enjoyable and relaxing.
What do critics like about Picross S4?
A substantial puzzle collection
Nintendo Life’s game listing gives a total of 485 puzzles, organized across several modes. For players who enjoy gradually working through nonograms, that breadth is the clearest part of the game’s appeal.
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- Nintendo Picross 3D (Nintendo DS)
| Content | Listed amount |
|---|---|
| Picross and Mega Picross | 300 puzzles |
| Clip Picross | 150 puzzle pieces |
| Color Picross | 30 puzzles |
| Extra | 5 puzzles |
The Extra set includes two 30×30 puzzles. Linking play data from Picross S, S2 and S3 unlocks one 40×30 puzzle for each corresponding earlier game, for up to three additional puzzles. The 485 figure is the listed base total; those linked-data unlocks are additional. Nintendo Life’s game listing provides the breakdown.
Four modes built around the same logic
In standard Picross, numbered clues beside each row and column indicate how many cells to fill in consecutive runs and the order of those runs. By combining the row and column clues, players determine which cells are filled and which remain empty, gradually revealing pixel art.
Rank #2
- Nintendo Picross 3D (Nintendo DS)
- Picross: The standard nonogram format.
- Mega Picross: Uses altered clue rules that require solving larger combined clue patterns.
- Color Picross: Adds colored cells to the deduction process.
- Clip Picross: Breaks a larger image into smaller puzzle pieces to solve.
Critics generally treated this mix and the approachable presentation as refinements of a proven format, rather than as a dramatic change to how the series plays.
What are the main criticisms?
It is familiar rather than a reinvention
The most consistent reservation is that S4 does not substantially change the series’ formula. Nintendo Life described it as another solid entry despite bringing little new to the series. Nintendo Insider likewise suggested it may not convert someone who is not already hooked on nonograms. For an existing fan, consistency and a large puzzle supply can be positives; for a skeptic, those same qualities may leave little reason to reconsider the genre.
Rank #3
- NINTENDO
- High-quality dimensions
- Durable
No touchscreen controls
Touchscreen controls are unavailable, according to Nintendo Life’s game information. NintendoWorldReport wished they had returned, and Gameblog.fr also raised control concerns. This matters if you expected to mark cells by tapping the Switch screen; the game’s control options do not include that approach.
Color Picross is a smaller part of the package
NintendoWorldReport wanted a larger presence for Color Picross. There are 30 Color Picross puzzles in the 485-puzzle listing, so players primarily interested in that mode should weigh its limited share against the larger Picross and Mega Picross collections.
Rank #4
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Is Picross S4 worth playing?
Picross S4 is most compelling for people who already like nonograms and want a sizeable, varied set of puzzles in a familiar format. The five-review aggregate is favorable, and the strongest praise centers on content volume, mode selection and an inviting presentation. The case is weaker if you want a sequel that transforms the series, or if touchscreen play is important to you.
Jupiter Corporation developed and published the digital Nintendo Switch game, which launched on April 23, 2020. Nintendo Life listed launch prices of $9.99 in North America and £8.99 in the UK/Europe; those are historical launch listings, not current prices. Check your regional Nintendo eShop for present availability and pricing.
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- Explore each stage and then find even more secrets by making your way through the stage backwards on the flip side
- Overcome varied enemies and obstacles, like Zombie Guys, Skelesaurus, Ukiki, and Monty Mole as you seek out hidden collectables; ESRB Content: Mild Cartoon Violence; Genre: Action, Platformer
- Pass a Joy Con controller to a friend for 2 player cooperative exploration
- Clad Yoshi in collectable, protective, handicraft costumes as he makes his way through each stage
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