6 Best Picross Puzzle Games That You Have To Play

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Picross is Nintendo’s version of a puzzle game called nonograms. These puzzles became popular in Japan in 1995, originally played on paper with a pen. The goal is to fill in squares on a grid based on numbered clues to reveal a hidden picture. Nintendo owns the name ‘Picross,’ but other developers have also created their own versions of the game, expanding on the original concept. You’ll find both Nintendo-made and independent Picross-style games on the list below.

Here are the best nonogram puzzlers that you need to try.

6) CiniCross

Okay, this one’s a bit of a sneak peek since CiniCross isn’t officially out yet. It’s coming soon to PC, but the idea behind it is so good that I definitely suggest any Picross fan try the demo, which you can find on Steam and Itch.

Even as a work in progress, the CiniCross demo is incredibly promising. Developer Hydrobates has cleverly combined nonogram puzzles with the replayability of roguelike games. As you progress through the game’s map, you’ll unlock new items and abilities that help you solve puzzles more easily. This demo is definitely worth checking out, and it makes CiniCross a game to watch.

5) Picross Lord of the Nazarick

As a big fan of both Overlord and puzzle games, I was really excited to hear about Lord of the Nazarick! It’s a collaboration with Jupiter’s Picross S series, and what’s so cool about it is that it’s one of the first times Jupiter has really tried to tell a story within a Picross game. We’ve seen other puzzle games do this lately, but it’s awesome to see the people who basically created the genre trying out something new!

Okay, so it doesn’t quite reach the heights of some other puzzle games I’m excited about, but Jupiter really knows what they’re doing when it comes to making a good one. I’ve been having a blast with the over 500 Picross puzzles, and it’s fun meeting the 10 different characters they’ve included. Honestly, I’d love to see them really dive into storytelling in future games, but even as it is, this is a really well-made and enjoyable experience.

4) Squeakross: Home Squeak Home

Squeakross combines enjoyable logic puzzles (like nonograms) with adorable mice! You can even create your own unique mice, and as you solve puzzles, you unlock furniture and decorations to customize their homes. It’s a charming and engaging experience!

Squeakross feels a lot like Animal Crossing, but with Picross puzzles! You’ll solve over 650 puzzles, and as you do, you’ll unlock decorations to build the perfect home for your little rodent pal. Plus, the puzzles are really well-designed and fun to play.

3) Murder by Numbers

I previously mentioned that Jupiter struggled to create a compelling story within Lord of the Nazarick, and Murder by Numbers is a game that really succeeds in that area. Developed by Mediatonic, this murder mystery combines engaging nonogram puzzles with a lighthearted story and a vibrant art style reminiscent of Phoenix Wright and classic cartoons.

The soundtrack for Phoenix Wright, Murder by Numbers was composed by Masakasu Sugimori, who also contributed to the music for Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney and Viewtiful Joe. The game’s appealing character designs are by Hato Moa, the creator of Hatoful Boyfriend. While a sequel hasn’t been released, Murder by Numbers was a truly innovative and enjoyable game that brought something fresh to the genre.

2) Picross S+

Jupiter’s Picross S is the definitive version of the classic Picross puzzle game. While the series doesn’t rely on a lot of extra features, the quality of the puzzles themselves is exceptional, and that’s all it really needs. Since the original Picross S was released in 2017, Jupiter has created and released ten different games in the series.

Any of these games would be a good choice, but Picross S+ is the best option right now. While most of the games in the series have around 500 puzzles, Picross S+ offers almost 2,000 with downloadable content. All of these games are enjoyable for Picross fans, but S+ gives you the most puzzles in a single package.

1) Picross 3D

Hal Labs has done something amazing by taking the classic Picross puzzle and adding a third dimension. Instead of just filling in squares on a grid, you’re now shaping a larger cube, almost like sculpting with stone. It’s a really unique puzzle experience.

Picross 3D is widely considered the best Picross game ever made, and it really stands out from the rest. The original DS version is hard to find now, but fans are hoping Jupiter will release it on the Switch. If you’re looking for something similar in the meantime, Voxelgram offers a 3D nonogram puzzle experience that’s readily available, though it’s not quite the same as Picross 3D.

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2026-01-12 02:40