Fujiko F. Fujio was a mangaka that created a number of works that were particularly popular in Japan, but also found success with an international audience. One of his most famous works is most likely Doraemon, but he created additional children’s manga that are still known to this day, including Kiteretsu, or the more mature SF Short Stories. In this collaboration, Picross developer Jupiter brings Fujio’s characters to Nintendo Switch as number grid puzzles in Picross S: Doraemon & F Characters Edition.
The Picross S series is definitely a favourite that always convinces with its fantastic quality in terms of puzzles and gameplay. Picross is a number grid puzzle in which players have to solve a grid according to numbers at the start of each row and column, and are rewarded with a picture at the end. These puzzles can range from simple to incredibly challenging, but overall provide hours of relaxing brain-teasing experiences.
The Picross S series usually has a few more tricks up its sleeve, and this is the case for Picross S: Doraemon & F Characters Edition, as well. Apart from the classic Picross mode, the title offers Mega Picross, a variation in which two rows or columns may be combined. This creates a whole different challenge; however, the images that can be created in the classic and Mega Picross modes are the same. A particularly fun mode is Color Picross, where the numbers are displayed in different colours that correspond to those of the coloured squares in the grid. There are less puzzles available in this mode than the classic mode or Mega Picross, but it is fantastic nonetheless.
Clip Picross is a mode in which a number of smaller Picross puzzles need to be solved and combine to form a big picture in the end. Puzzles for this need to be unlocked first by playing through the classic or Mega Picross modes. They feel a bit simple but are worth solving for the resulting large images. Finally, under Extras, a few particularly difficult and large Picross grids are available. These are a true challenge, and it feels fantastic when one is solved! The game also offers different background music to choose from, which supports the creation of a cosy environment to play in. Sound is not necessary, though, so it can be played while watching TV or listening to podcasts.
As usual with Picross games, this edition is great for total beginners as well as seasoned veterans. Tutorials for each mode are available but can be skipped easily, while under the options menu a variety of support abilities are available. It is also possible to change input modes from buttons to touch controls, alter the cursor speed, and adjust the volume and type of soundtrack. Everything runs and feels incredibly smooth.
In this entry, every single puzzle is a scene or character from the works of Fujiko F. Fujio, and his works also feature in the background while playing, so fans of the mangaka will get their money’s worth. However, even if someone is not familiar with the works of Fujio, the puzzles are still challenging to solve and provide hours of fun.
