Do you like logic games? One type of logic game I’ve really been enjoying is nonograms. These are also commonly known as griddlers, hanjie, or picross (based off the Nintendo Gameboy and DS games with the same type of puzzles). These can be done on paper but I think that tablets are the ideal medium to enjoy these relaxing yet addictive games.
Brain Teasers for Adults & Kids : Nonograms / Picture Puzzle Apps
The gameplay is very simple but it takes some getting used to. Also, despite the simplicity, some very complex puzzles can be made so it can be super challenging even for adults.
Basically, you are a given a grid with numbers along two edges. These specify which squares should be filled in and which to leave blank. If you’re able to get it right, a pixelated picture will be revealed. If you don’t, well, the boxes won’t end up right and you’ll have to try again. There is only one solution for each puzzle, though there is no particular order you have to follow. Most puzzles are only one color but some do include more. The color to use in each box will then be shown as well. If there’s interest, I may write a tutorial with some tips. Be sure to let me know in the comments if you’d be interested in that 🙂
Image source: Wikipedia
Top Nonogram Puzzle Games for Tablets
There are a lot of nonograms apps that exist on every platform. However, not all are made equal and I’ve spent quite some time finding my favorites.
- Easy to see the numbers
- Finished images actually look like something
- Controls are simple and responsive
- Can drag selection to fill/unfill multiples boxes at a time
- Zooming into the puzzle and scrolling is not required (unless it’s a monster-sized puzzle)
- Title of the picture is not known until after the puzzle is solved
- A good amount of puzzles are included for free
Out of everything I tried and based on the above criteria, I finally found the best nanograms iOS app and Android app. They’re so good that I’m actually considering paying for more levels. That’s HUGE for me!
For the iPad, iPacross is fantastic and blows away its competition despite its being created in 2010. For Android tablets, GraphiLogic is my favorite with five additional free puzzle packs to give you access to more than 300 puzzles. I’ll be publishing individual reviews on each soon so stay tuned. Aside from those, there are two other apps you can try that are available on various platforms – FlipPix and CrossMe.
FlipPix is easy to use and has several free packs. However, the pictures rarely look like anything and only the shape resembles the intended subject. ColorMe has a great interface but only a limited number of free puzzles are included before you have to purchase more. Oh, and it has weird puzzle sizes. ColorMe has a second version called ColorMe Color which, as the name suggests, offers color puzzles but suffers from the same issues as the original.
18 comments
I absolutely LOVE brain teasers!
I’m not terribly good at puzzle games. The only one I really play is Soduko. My daughter though would really enjoy these apps, she likes and is really good at puzzle games.
I love games like this, I get such a thrill when I figure them out…thanks for my new addiction 🙂
Sometimes I like puzzles, other times I just simply get frustrated at not being able to come up with the solution. It’s good, though, to work the old noggin!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen them. I’ll be looking for them now though. I’m curious. 🙂
I love brain teasers. These sure are some tough ones.
I absolutely love brain teasers! I could literally spend hours doing them.
Thanks, I love puzzle games.
I’m a huge fan of brain teasers, I should do them more often. Nonograms look like fun.
I like them but my second oldest loves them! I’ll have to share your post with her.
I love puzzle games, but don’t spend a ton of time playing them. I think I’d love doing brain teasers though. It’s nice to have a break from all the writing, cleaning, mom-ing.
I have never tried this type of puzzle before. Thanks for sharing!
I love Sudoku so this looks right up my ally. Thank you for sharing!
We are a family who loves brain teasers. These look like a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing.
I used to do that kind of thing with pencil puzzles. I had no idea it could be done on apps. I’m gonna have fun!
These brain teasers look like fun. I will have to check them out.
I am a big fan of puzzle games that make you think and strategize. Now all I need is spare time to indulge and have some fun!
I’m always looking or brain teasers and puzzles to help keep my mind sharp.
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