Pokemon Picross is a prototype that was leaked via the internet, and while I can't say it's 100% a full fledged game, it certainly plays like one. From the extra bits you get from completing a Picross fast enough to the little story marks that seem to parody the Pokemon Anime at the time; Pokemon Picross really does come across as a fully functional game, perhaps more than some other Picross titles out there. It even uses a wide range of pokemon, music, and cutscenes. I was absolutely shocked to see a full credits sequence too, and honestly it pains my heart to think there may be more fully functional games out there that weren't released due to marketing.

Regardless, I don't have much to say about the Picross side, as much of the praise really just comes from the fact they didn't release this game at any capacity. Pokemon Picross plays just like any normal Picross game at the time, and while it does have a few fumbles for it's UI, ultimately it functions on a bare bones level. You simply figure out where to fill the picture with the numbers indicting where they are, and you're all done filling the puzzle. Absolutely nice brain teaser for a gameplay loop, but really not something I haven't seen before. Ultimately, Pokemon Picross just becomes a showcase of an average idea that is made more exciting by putting an IP on it, and while I like Picross, I can see this being a harder sell for kids.