Early in 2007, whilst the masses mindlessly grinded their way through umpteen Sudoku

Go figure...

knock-offs, I happily stretched logic and math to the limit with what is easily the cream of the touch generations titles on the DS. Not surprising then, that this is my next slow burning hit for 2007.

It is not since the maroon buttoned days of the grey brick (many lovingly remember as the original Gameboy) that a Picross game graced a handheld. We need to be thankful for Nintendo’s determination and deep pockets that they have tried again on the DS; the original release bombed at retail in the US and Europe. It fared slightly better in Japan, but even there it hasn’t seen the light of day since 1995. Happily then, in their new role as video game trend setter, the big N set their face to the wind and decided to bring the joys of Picross to the gaming hoards. Not only did we have this release on the DS but soon after came a Virtual Console reappearance of the old SNES system’s Mario’s Super Picross.

Even as a puzzle game fanatic myself, I probably wouldn’t be convinced yet, I had not had the benefit of playing the game. But before I can eulogise the merits of Picross DS we need to have a brief sketch of what the heck it is.

In brief, it is part of a family of picture puzzles known as Nonograms, all of which involve colouring in grid cells, according to numbers, given at the side to reveal a hidden picture. A quick google will reveal a more in depth explanation than we have space for here.

As with any good puzzle games, an incredibly simple premise evolves into a whole world of approaches and tactics. The combination of each number-clue allows the player to use techniques with names as wonderful as simple boxing, simple spacing, forcing, gluing, joining and splitting; we could go on. The bottom line is that this is the gaming equivalent of sour cream Pringles; once you’ve popped you can’t stop. And while it may not bring you the popularity or partying lifestyle so well portrayed by their moustache wearing moniker, you will certainly avoid calcifying your kidneys and bringing your breath into disrepute.