Games · iOS
Nonogram - Jigsaw Number Game
by Yunbu
Yunbu's Nonogram wraps the classic Picross formula in a secondary collectible mechanic: completing grids drops jigsaw shards that gradually assemble a larger image. Free to download and rated 4.66 across roughly 4,000 iOS reviews, it has clearly found a receptive audience. The 231 MB install is heavier than most puzzle apps, and in-app purchases are present, so it rewards a little upfront research before committing storage space.
Nonogram puzzle solving with jigsaw reward collection
At its core, this is a faithful nonogram implementation: row clues read left to right, column clues top to bottom, and an X-marking system lets players flag confirmed blank cells. Nothing here reinvents the Hanjie or Griddlers format, nor does it need to. The standout design choice is the jigsaw-shard layer, where each solved grid contributes a fragment toward a larger collectible image. That secondary loop reframes what could otherwise feel like an endless puzzle queue into something with visible, accumulating progress. For players who might drift away from a flat puzzle library, that tangible background reward is a meaningful retention hook rather than a superficial gimmick.
Stable performance across most devices and screen sizes
A 4.66 rating across around 4,000 reviews is a reliable signal of stable, broadly satisfying performance rather than a niche cult following. The 231 MB install size is notably large for a grid puzzle game, suggesting substantial asset libraries, likely the jigsaw imagery and puzzle packs, rather than bloated code. On smaller iPhone screens, dense nonogram grids are a genuine usability concern: accidental cell taps can corrupt a careful solve, so the quality of the zoom and tap-lock controls matters considerably. Qualitatively, the high rating and steady review volume suggest most players do not encounter persistent crashes or grid-logic errors, though individual experience on older or smaller-screen devices may vary.
Free entry with undisclosed premium purchase scope
The free entry point removes any upfront risk, and the core puzzle experience appears accessible without spending. However, in-app purchases exist and their scope is not disclosed in the store metadata, which means players cannot easily gauge whether premium content is cosmetic, time-saving, or genuinely gating meaningful puzzle volume. Dedicated nonogram fans who already own premium Picross titles on Nintendo hardware or paid iOS apps may find the free-to-play structure more restrictive than liberating. For everyone else, trying the free tier costs nothing beyond 231 MB of storage, making a test run a reasonable first step before any spending decision.
Ad-supported model requires checking privacy label
As an ad-supported free game, Nonogram almost certainly requests permissions tied to advertising frameworks, potentially including tracking or device identifiers. The definitive source for what data is collected and how it is used is the App Store privacy nutrition label on the app's product page, which Apple requires developers to populate. Before downloading, prospective players concerned about data sharing should review that label directly. It is also worth noting the content rating is 4+, suggesting no mature content, though ad-supported apps can surface third-party ad networks whose data practices extend beyond the developer's own label.
Visual grid format presents accessibility considerations
The nonogram format is inherently visual and logic-driven, which presents accessibility challenges for players with color vision differences or motor precision limitations. A well-designed mobile implementation should offer adjustable grid zoom, clear contrast between filled, empty, and X-marked cells, and generous tap targets that reduce mis-taps on dense grids. The app's strong rating suggests the interface works well for the majority of users, but players who rely on VoiceOver or other assistive technologies should approach with caution, as grid-based puzzle apps historically require deliberate accessibility engineering that is not always prioritized. Checking recent App Store reviews filtered by accessibility concerns is the most reliable way to assess this before downloading.
Six years of active development and updates
A June 2026 update on an app originally released in June 2020 represents six years of continued development, which is a strong signal for a free mobile puzzle game in a competitive category. Regular updates typically address compatibility with new iOS versions, bug fixes, and occasional content additions, all of which matter for long-term playability. The combination of ongoing maintenance and a healthy 4,000-plus review base suggests Yunbu is treating this as an active product rather than an abandoned catalog title. Players investing time in the jigsaw collection mechanic can reasonably expect the app to remain functional and supported on current iOS releases.
Pros
- Jigsaw-shard reward system gives each solved puzzle a meaningful role in a longer-term visual goal
- Strong 4.66 rating across roughly 4,000 reviews points to consistently stable and well-received execution
- Actively maintained with a June 2026 update confirming six years of ongoing developer support
- Free to download with no upfront cost, making it easy to evaluate before any spending commitment
Cons
- 231 MB is a notably heavy install for a grid puzzle game, consuming significant storage on entry-level devices
- In-app purchase scope and pricing are not transparent upfront, making it hard to judge long-term cost
- Dense grids on smaller iPhone screens risk accidental cell taps if zoom and tap-lock controls are not robust
Related guides
Similar Games apps
apptidal is independent and ad-supported. We earn no commission on installs and no company can pay for a better score. How we stay independent.