Nonogram 3D: Mega Puzzle Review
Nonogram 3D: Mega Puzzle scratches that Picross 3D and Voxelgram itch.
Nonogram 3D: Mega Puzzle. Credit: Seven Jams
As a big fan of Picross, I eagerly jumped at the chance to try out Seven Jams’ Nonogram 3D: Mega Puzzle. It appears to be a modern reimagining of one of my favorite Picross games, *Picross 3D,* developed by HAL Labs for the Nintendo DS. This isn’t the first time a developer has created a new version of that puzzle game. Voxelgram by Procedural Level was released in 2019, for example. While Nonogram 3D: Mega Puzzle may not be as polished as Voxelgram, it introduces the challenge of solving puzzles with two colors instead of one, which adds complexity to some of the puzzles.
For those unfamiliar, Nonograms are logic puzzles where you must determine what squares to shade on a grid based on numerical clues on the rows and columns. The clues dictate how many sequential squares to fill—a clue of “2 5 3” means that the row or column has an unbroken sequence of 2, 5, and 3 squares, each with at least one blank square in between. Nonogram 3D: Mega Puzzle, like the other games I mentioned in the intro, is a version of Picross in 3D space, with three axes that provide hints about cubes instead of the usual 2D grid of squares.
Nonogram 3D: Mega Puzzle. Credit: Seven Jams
In this game, the numerical clues are drawn on the sides of the cubes that make up the puzzle. You can mark, paint, or chisel away cubes; marking is temporary, while painting a cube designates it as part of the solution, and chiseling deletes a cube you know shouldn’t be included. The game is built with mouse controls, where you can select a tool and then click on cubes. Hotkeys also allow you to select tools quickly.
You can easily adjust your view of the puzzle by rotating it along any axis. To hide specific columns of the puzzle, simply click on the arrow buttons, but note that this only works for one axis at a time. I found it frustrating that there isn’t a hotkey for this cross-section feature, as it would have been convenient to show or hide columns without moving the pointer away from the puzzle cubes. While using the Steam Deck, I utilized the Steam controller configuration for mouse control.
Nonogram 3D: Mega Puzzle. Credit: Seven Jams
So far, nothing I’ve described differs significantly from Picross 3D or Voxelgram; those games offer a more polished presentation and superior controls. Honestly, the models revealed by solving the puzzles in Seven Jams’ game are a bit unattractive and not as engaging as the dioramas created in Voxelgram. However, Nonogram 3D: Mega Puzzle sets itself apart by incorporating a second color. Instead of simply deciding which cubes to paint, players must also determine their colors. This additional layer makes for intriguing puzzles, and this feature alone is a compelling reason to try the game.
Nonogram 3D: Mega Puzzle offers over 200 puzzles and a procedural puzzle generator. The tutorials are not presented all at once; instead, they are spread out to introduce new concepts gradually as they arise. While the 3D graphics are adequate for puzzle solving, I would have appreciated a bit more flair in the models revealed upon completing puzzles. My main complaints, however, are the lack of built-in controller support and the inefficiency of clicking arrows to show and hide columns.
Nonogram 3D: Mega Puzzle. Credit: Seven Jams
Nonogram 3D: Mega Puzzle is an excellent, reasonably priced game for Picross fans looking for more 3D puzzles. While it’s not especially challenging—no Picross game really is—I enjoy immersing myself and relaxing as I solve the puzzles, and this game is perfect for that. If you have a Steam Deck, it’s an ideal game to play on the go or while relaxing on your couch.
Nonogram 3D: Mega Puzzle is available now on Steam.
Overall Score: 7/10
Played on: Steam Deck
