Picross DS

Picross DS is a touch screen-based puzzle game for the Nintendo DS. By following the numbers on the left and top of the game grid, players can uncover the picture hidden away. The rules are simple: any series of numbers on a row or column indicates how many unbroken lines of filled-in squares there are on that given row or column, as well as their length. For example, if there is only one 10 on a particular row, then you know that there are ten adjacent squares that must be filled on that row. If numbers on a column read as "2 7", then you must fill two adjacent squares somewhere on that column, leave at least one empty square after that, and then fill seven other adjacent squares before the end of the column. By applying these rules to every row and column of the grid, you can work out the picture using logic.

There are two methods of control: you can use the Control Pad to move a cursor, the A Button to fill a square, the B Button to mark it, and the X Button to zoom in or out (similarly to Nintendo's previous Picross games). Alternatively, you can use the stylus to play. In this mode, the Control Pad changes the function of the stylus. When you press Up, you'll fill squares, Down will mark them, Left will zoom in and out, while Right will allow you to scroll. The buttons on the right side of the DS perform the same functions, which is helpful for left-handed players.

Picross DS has a variety of different modes:

• Picross - This is standard Picross. Play through easy, medium and difficult puzzles, or learn how to play. You incur a time penalty for any mistakes you make in easy and medium modes. In difficult mode, your mistakes are not notified at all.

• Daily Picross - Play a quick set of five Picross puzzles, once a day. Each day, your score is added to a chart, so you can track whether you're improving or getting worse, similarly to Brain Age.

• My Picross - Design your own Picross puzzles by drawing on the grid. When you're done, you can play your puzzles, or send them to others.

• Competition Picross - Play Picross against others in this mode. You can choose to use single-cart multiplayer, multi-cart multiplayer, or online play via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

You can also download additional puzzle packs for Picross DS by using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, including puzzles from Mario's Picross.