To cross or not to cross?

Picross DS is sort of a cross between Minesweeper and a Crossword. You are given a grid, numbers, and a hint (if needed). The object is to fill in the squares with either a block or an X which will gradually make a picture.

You can control the game with either the stylus or the keypad. The main menu has 6 options.

PICROSS - This is where you would solve picross puzzles. You can choose from 3 different levels: Easy(beginner), 5x5, with a tutorial to help you start / Normal(beginner to intermediate), 5x5, 7x7, and 15x15 / Free(intermediate to advanced) same as normal but the program doesn't tell you when you've placed an incorrect square. There are also Touch games to unlock in each level. These are just basic games called Catch, Sketch, and Hit.

DAILY PICROSS - Solve certain scenarios and try to get a best time. You can only play these once a day and unlock more scenarios as you go along. Try to beat your best score!

MY PICROSS - bored with the puzzles offered? create your own, share with friends, swap with friends, edit puzzles.

Also on the menu screen is DS Wireless Communications where you would play head-to-head or exchange puzzles with a friend nearby. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection where you play against others via a wireless connection, either at a wi-fi hotspot or in your house if you have a wireless LAN. Settings, where you'd adjust the game settings.

The game automatically saves info when you solve a puzzle or switch modes. There is one Save Data slot available to save a puzzle if you have to shut the DS off in the middle of a puzzle.

I found this game to be very addictive. I play puzzles over and over again trying to beat my score. The 15x15 puzzles can be a little confusing but get easier the more you do. When a puzzle gets to be 15x15 you have to scroll around the screen and zoom in to start putting in blocks or x's.

I found it for sale used at a Gamecrazy, so look around and I'm sure you can find a copy of it. The instruction booklet is not needed, but provides some good info about the create a puzzle feature. This game really kept my mind going and helped me waste hours of time!