Hatsune Miku Logic Paint S+

Hatsune Miku and picross might seem like an odd combination, but it works. It's a shame that music feels like an afterthought here, but as far as picross games go, this is one of the best you can get on PlayStation.

Really, the question of whether this game is going to be worthwhile to you is ridiculously simple: Do you enjoy nonograms? If you do, then you don’t really need to be a Miku fan to get value out of this. You’re getting 1000 puzzles, and most of them are very well-designed nonograms. That is, by default incredible value. If you don’t like nonograms, then… well, I just don’t know you.

At the beginning, I asked if Hatsune Miku Logic Paint S+ had enough to set itself apart from the many other nonogram games out there, and I think the answer is a resounding yes. The customisation between the room, music, and Vocaloids themselves adds things that may not be necessary for the game, but brings it to another level that other games don’t reach. In the Picross S series, the reward for doing well is a colour picture! I much prefer the added incentive that Logic Paint brings. I would love to see additional music added in the future, but otherwise, this is a must-play for any nonogram fans out there.

It may lack originality, a couple game modes, and quality of life additions from later chapters of Nintendo's counterpart, but it's a polished and fun collection of nonograms with a distinct Hatsune Miku flavour that will keep fans of the genre entertained for several dozens of hours, filling exactly that Picross-shaped hole that's been missing from the Xbox One and Series X|S library.

Hatsune Miku Logic Paint S is the best classic-style Picross game that I've ever played thanks to its cheerful presentation, streamlined gameplay, ridiculous amount of puzzles, and rewarding unlockables. If you're a Hatsune Miku or Picross fan, it's a must-play.

The easier puzzles can be banged out in less than a minute once you know what you’re doing, while the larger puzzles offer more substantial challenges. And with more than 350 puzzles to get through — the majority of which can be found in the harder difficulty settings — there’s plenty of game here to keep you busy in the long term.

I had a great time with Hatsune Miku Logic Paint S despite not being a fan of the source material. You can easily ignore the anime and idol aesthetics and enjoy what’s essentially one of the best picross titles in the market.