Inspired by Zelda Picross, I had an idea for a Metroid-themed Picross game. It would have similar out-of-puzzle backtracking and stat mechanics.
Items & upgrades to benefit in-puzzle and others outside
In-Puzzle:
Energy Tanks = Health for wrong choices
X-Ray Scope to enable Navigation Hints
Reveal Skills? Like Pokemon Picross had. Power Bomb to be similar to a Diamond Reveal.
Outside:
Map Station for maps
Missiles = Keys?
Chozo Artifact = Hypothesis Mode
Some item to reveal challenge goals for more item unlocks
Upgrades to allow backtracking as needed. Ice Beam, Varia Suit, etc
Battle System?:
Maybe something like Final Fantasy Pictologica, with status effects (Blind hides horizontal hints, etc)
Items & upgrades to benefit in-puzzle and others outside
In-Puzzle:
Energy Tanks = Health for wrong choices
X-Ray Scope to enable Navigation Hints
Reveal Skills? Like Pokemon Picross had. Power Bomb to be similar to a Diamond Reveal.
Outside:
Map Station for maps
Missiles = Keys?
Chozo Artifact = Hypothesis Mode
Some item to reveal challenge goals for more item unlocks
Upgrades to allow backtracking as needed. Ice Beam, Varia Suit, etc
Battle System?:
Maybe something like Final Fantasy Pictologica, with status effects (Blind hides horizontal hints, etc)