Game: Pic-a-Pix Deluxe & Pic-a-Pix Pieces
System: Nintendo Switch
Publisher/Developer: Lightwood Games
Price: £6.99| $7.99| € 7,99 (Pic-a-Pix Deluxe is currently discounted by 40%)
Age Rating: UK 3| USA E
Release Date: 4th January 2018/3rd January 2019
(Pic-a-Pix Pieces review code kindly provided by Lightwood Games)
Lightwood Games have released some excellent puzzle games for Nintendo Switch. Pic-a-Pix Deluxe and Pic-a-Pix Pieces are two such titles.
What is Pic-a-Pix?
Pic-a-Pix is a form of nonogram puzzle which plays very similar to Picross. The significant difference between both games has to do with colour. In Pic-a-Pix, just as in Picross, players must unveil a picture by colouring in cells within a grid by using the clues provided. As in Picross, each set of clues help the player to know both the number and pattern of cells in any given line which must be coloured. The big difference between both titles is that Picross stipulates that at least one empty block must follow each block sequence, but this needn’t be the case in Pic-a-Pix. If blocks of different colours immediately follow another, this could result in a whole sequence of coloured blocks without needing to leave any empty squares at all.
To quote the games’ tutorial:
“The Colour of a clue indicates the colour of the corresponding block. Adjacent blocks with different colours may or may not have empty squares between them.”
So far, I’ve played both Deluxe and Pieces randomly, depending on my mood. Pic-a-Pix Deluxe boasts hundreds of nonogram puzzles which range from easy to hard. Beginners can start by reading the tutorial and solving some 5X5 puzzles. As soon as you begin to feel comfortable, there’s a nice selection of bigger puzzles ranging from 10X10 up to 25X25. Some may require the use of multiple colours whereas others may be limited to just one.
Pic-a-Pix Pieces is more of the same except each completed puzzle is one piece of a bigger image. Again, pieces and picture sizes vary depending on difficulty. As in Deluxe, there are hundreds of puzzles to solve, but unlike the title mentioned earlier, each one is but part of up to 20 larger images.
Is it easy to pick up?
Both Pic-a Pix titles are easy to grasp. The tutorials provided are helpful, and there are plenty of resources available online if further help is needed. In preparation for this review, I’ve given my non-gamer wife time with the game, and I’m happy to write that she grasped it with ease.
Are both titles recommended?
Both Pic-a-Pix titles are fun, addictive and provide excellent value for money. If you enjoy paint by number type games, then you’ll love Pic-a-Pix. If somehow you manage to rush through every puzzle then there are some DLC packs available via the eShop. Another nice addition to Pic-a-Pix is the two-player co-op mode. I do find it surprising that this feature isn’t listed as a central feature on the game’s main menu. I discovered it purely by accident while browsing for more info online.
Suitable for both Casual and Serious Players
Hard-core puzzle players wouldn’t dare need such a feature, but there’s a handy tip and fix option for more casual players. This feature enables players to identify mistakes easily and automatically correct them if required. More hard-core puzzle fans can also turn off clue hints via the options menu.
Visual and Audio Presentation.
Both titles share the same visual and audio features. The only thing that sets both games apart are the puzzles themselves. Some may wonder why the newer of the two titles hasn’t received any visual enhancements, but I don’t think the game’s audience cares too much. If you are not a fan of either game’s limited musical score, then it can be switched off via the game’s options menu.
Overall
I wholeheartedly recommend both Pic-a-Pix titles to fans of the picross/nonogram genre. Both games are available to download via the eShop, and players will have to decide whether they want to purchase either one or both. If you’re new to Pic-a-Pix then I’d probably recommend Deluxe over Pieces due to its individual puzzle format. If you’ve already purchased Pic-a-Pix Deluxe then Pieces provides more of the same puzzle solving fun.
Love these games