Puzzle games have usually been much too easy for me, or have such a learning curve to the title that it seems impossible to properly insert oneself into the title. However, Nikoli’s Pencil Puzzle 3D is a game that avoids these pitfalls and is ultimately one of the best puzzle games this year. This is because it takes advantage of the Nintendo 3DS well, and has a game play style that will be easy to pick up while taking forever to master.
The different modes that are accessible to players will be challenging in many ways, while the graphical interface will have viewers attempting to take everything into view. I believe that Nikoli’s Pencil Puzzle 3D’s version of Sudoku is perhaps the most interesting of these mini-games, as it is able to move Sudoku from the realm of boring games into something with much more vitality. However, the lighting / Museum game is a close second. This is because one’s strategy skills are put to the test in varied ways. Boxes is a title that blends together the previous two sub-titles, while bridges will showcase to players exactly how talented they are with the 3DS.
What results in Nikoli’s Pencil Puzzle 3D is a game that will do admirably in doctor’s appointments, classes, and anywhere else that an individual has a substantial amount of time to burn. The replay value of Nikoli’s Pencil Puzzle 3D is considerable, and the game will be in my 3DS for the next few months. Here’s to hoping that they can continue to build off of the goodwill created with this title in subsequent efforts – Konami really does have a hit on their hands with Nikoli’s Pencil Puzzle 3D. Check it out today.
Rating: 8.2/10
Nikoli’s Pencil Puzzle 3D (Nintendo 3DS) / 2011 Konami / http://www.konami.com