Picross S: Konami Antiques Edition – Iconic Classics Transformed into Puzzles on Switch

Jupiter Corporation has announced the latest installment in its acclaimed Picross S puzzle series, titled Konami Antiques Edition. This new game takes the sprites and characters from eighty classic Konami series and transforms them into intricate nonogram puzzles. The title is set to release on Nintendo Switch on April 30th.

Players will discover characters and elements from beloved Konami games such as Gradius, TwinBee, Castlevania, Goemon, and Contra reimagined as puzzles. The official game website provides a comprehensive list of references, featuring everything from Kid Dracula and Parodius to the legendary Metal Gear series.

In terms of content, the game offers a substantial number of puzzles: 150 standard puzzles, 150 Mega Picross, 5 Clip Picross (each composed of 40 smaller puzzles, totaling 200), 30 Color Picross, and 5 massive nonograms in the Extra mode. A fan-favorite feature, the Time Attacks, also makes a return in this Konami edition. These challenges include 30 "carefully selected" puzzles with specific time objectives and dynamic backgrounds that react to gameplay, offering a surprisingly difficult yet stimulating experience.

Regarding pricing, the Konami Antiques Edition will cost 18 euros, aligning with the price point of previous licensed Picross editions, such as those featuring Capcom and SNK properties. This marks a shift from the traditional 10-euro price for non-licensed Picross S titles. While the Mega Drive edition maintained the lower price, others like the Namco version were slightly more expensive at 11 euros.

For those eager to try before buying, a demo will be available on the eShop on April 16th, a couple of weeks prior to the full game's launch.

It's worth noting that this isn't Konami's first foray into nonogram puzzles. Fans may recall Pixel Puzzle Collection, a free mobile game that offered a wide array of puzzles in this style, serving as a popular way to enjoy nonograms featuring Konami's classic pixel art.