If you are an avid fan of puzzle games and also an owner of a Nintendo DS/DSi game console then you probably already know the two are a perfect match just meant for each other. Yet, although it seems the people who designed the world's most popular game console had puzzle gaming in mind, you are also likely to be aware of how few NDS/DSi puzzle games are available when one actually wants to play. Due for release in early October, Puzzler World for DS/DSi is one of those rare occasions where the love story between Nintendo consoles and puzzles works out in the most perfect way.
Picross, the grid-filling logic puzzle that Nintendo first brought to the Game Boy in 1995, is officially taking the plunge into full 3D. Rittai Picross (Japanese for "Solid Body Picross," though this name will almost certainly change into something nicer-sounding for the US market) is coming out for the Nintendo DS March 12 in Japan for the bargain price of 3800 yen, and -- at the risk of sounding like a lazy PR man -- it's Picross like you've never quite seen it before.
Picross DS, a puzzle game based upon a rather popular classic Game Boy title from years ago, is enjoying moderate success in Japan, and was also just shipped in the European territories last week. Though Nintendo of America has not officially revealed any intention of bringing the game to the US, the latest ESRB ratings listing indicates that, internally, the wheels are turning to get Picross DS on shelves stateside.
Nintendo revealed they will be showing Mario Party 8 for Wii at the Nintendo World 2006 exhibit tomorrow.