Picross has been a staple on Nintendo Switch for years now, and it is great to see it still going strong. Apart from Jupiter’s classic Picross S series, there are also a good handful of crossovers available; that is, Picross titles with specific themes such as Doraemon or Sega. Alongside Picross S: SNK and Neo Geo Classics Edition, Jupiter most recently published Picross S: Capcom Classics Edition – a throwback to classic Capcom titles and characters.
Retro Capcom fans will be delighted to hear that players are exposed to artwork from the title screen immediately. The background constantly scrolls through classic Capcom characters, which can become mildly distracting at times, but luckily can be turned off in the settings. The soundtrack is also a throwback to original Capcom titles (with Mega Man being heavily featured here). Players can choose which theme plays in different modes – however, the tunes do not have names, merely being called BM1 to BM8.
Picross itself is a simple idea: a number grid puzzle where players need to apply logical thinking to fill in squares in order to create an image. Numbers at the end of the rows and columns are the only way to work out how to proceed. Of course, there are a couple of support options available, but these can be turned off if desired. For example, it is possible to automatically highlight correct or incorrect rows or columns, check for mistakes, or use Hint Roulette, which automatically fills in a random row and column before the player starts the grid. Other settings can also be changed, including input method (button or touch controls) and cursor speed.
Tutorials are available for newcomers but can be skipped by seasoned players, while all the favourite modes are available. In the classic Picross mode, grids need to be solved in the classic style. Mega Picross puts a little twist on gameplay by combining the numbers of particular rows and columns, requiring players to think outside the box. In Color Picross, each number at the end of rows and columns has a specific colour to indicate which colours are to be used, again requiring to slightly adjust the way in which a grid needs to be tackled. Clip Picross is a mode in which large images are completed by solving smaller individual grids – these need to be unlocked by completing the normal or Mega Picross modes.
Under Extra, players can find five particularly large and difficult grids to solve. These are a little bit tough to see when playing the Nintendo Switch in handheld form, but the challenge they pose is absolutely worth it. Finally, new to the series is the Time Attack mode. Aimed more towards experienced players, grids here need to be completed under time pressure and without making mistakes. While exciting, it is also somewhat stressful. For anyone that enjoys the relaxing atmosphere Picross puzzles usually offer, this mode may not be for them, but it is nice to provide an extra challenge nonetheless.
Capcom fans are definitely in for a treat in terms of titles represented. Grids solved may reveal characters and scenes from series such as Final Fight, Mega Man and Street Fighter, as well as titles such as Super Ghouls ‘n’ Ghosts, Code Name Viper and Commando, to mention just a few. Every single grid is in one way or another a homage to a classic Capcom game.
