# Paint It Back - GameClub — Pixel picture crosswords!

> Pixel picture crossword game to restore lost museum art. (iPhone/iPad app by GameClub.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paint-it-back-gameclub/id1491508092 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [GameClub](https://appshunter.io/developer/1339587139)
- Category: Games, Puzzle, Strategy
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.02/5 from 317 App Store ratings · 56 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 168 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2020-01-01
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: subscription
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paint-it-back-gameclub/id1491508092/reviews.md

## What is Paint It Back?

Paint It Back takes a staple of classic puzzle books and gives it a humorous twist. An incident at an art museum wipes out all of its masterpieces just before it's about to have its grand opening. There's no time to bring in an expert. Whoever is on-hand that can fix them has to step up, and that 'whoever' is... you! 

Yes, it falls to you to paint back each and every lost piece of art, square by square in a picture crossword. Luckily, you're not entirely on your own. Not only do you have the extremely helpful title of each piece to guide you, you'll also be given all of the clues you need to decide which squares should be painted and which should be left alone. Apply a little logic and paint and the museum will be ready to go in no time.

The works range from tiny 5 x 5 grids all the way up to gargantuan 40 x 36 monsters. A total of 150 puzzles are grouped into 15 different galleries, each with its own unique theme. Multiple difficulty levels allow even a learning player to tackle the larger works. With intuitive touch-to-paint controls, anyone can become a master artist with just one finger. Finished all the puzzles? Challenge the Mystery Masterpiece mode and see how far you can get with a bare minimum of clues.

Classic Puzzles: Use the clues and a bit of logical deduction to decide which squares to paint and which to leave blank!

Restore the Art: With little more than an assortment of bizarre titles to go on, you have to paint back an entire museum full of lost works!

Piles of Paintings: With 15 different themed galleries and 150 puzzles, your artistic duties won't be finished anytime soon!

Multiple Sizes: Got a few minutes to spare? Try out a 5 x 5 puzzle. Got a few hours? Grid sizes go up to 40 x 36 squares!

Mystery Masterpiece Mode: Can't decide on a puzzle? Take the Mystery Masterpiece mode for a spin and see if you can paint back a randomly-selected picture!
**************************************************

GameClub is a subscription mobile gaming service. If you like our games, try our auto-renewing monthly subscription for 30 days free, and play all of our games with no limits, no ads, no hidden fees, and no other in-app purchases.
 
If you choose to purchase GameClub’s optional subscription, payment will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. No charge will be made for the free trial period. Your subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior of the current period, at the cost indicated. You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal by going to your App Store account settings after purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable.
 
Terms of Use: gameclub.io/terms
Privacy Policy: gameclub.io/privacy
 
_________
 
If you have any questions, please contact us at support@gameclub.io
 
Facebook: facebook.com/gameclub
Twitter: twitter.com/gameclub
 
Thank you!

## Key features

- Pixel picture crosswords
- Restore lost art
- 150 puzzles in 15 galleries
- Multiple grid sizes
- Mystery Masterpiece mode
- Intuitive touch controls

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| GameClub Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| GameClub Unlimited | $4.99 | per month |
| GameClub Unlimited | $4.99 | per month |
| GameClub Unlimited | $24.99 | per year |
| GameClub Unlimited | $49.99 | per year |
| GameClub Unlimited | $49.99 | per year |
| GameClub Unlimited | $49.99 | per year |


## What do users think of Paint It Back?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- 🎨 Beautiful and imaginative artwork/paintings
- 🧩 Addictive puzzle gameplay mechanics
- 😌 Relaxing and zen-like gaming experience
- ✅ Responsive controls and intuitive interface
- 🔄 Developer restored purchases for some previous owners

**Cons**

- 💰 Forced subscription model ($5-8/month) instead of one-time purchase
- 🚫 Removed free version from App Store without warning
- 📵 Severe paywall after only 2-3 free rooms
- 📧 Poor customer support and unresponsive to inquiries
- 📢 Intrusive ads promoting subscription service
- 🔐 Previous purchase owners locked out without access
- 🎮 Inconsistent eligibility for purchase restoration
- ⚠️ Incompatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- 🔊 Missing or bugged sound effects
- 📱 Display scaling issues on certain devices

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Sound effects not playing or too quiet
- Animation errors (missing pupils in character faces)
- Game incompatible with updated iOS versions
- Display/puzzle scaling issues on certain devices (iPhone XR)
- Progress deletion after app removal and reinstallation
- Login/authentication issues preventing play despite valid subscription

**Most requested features**

- One-time purchase option for the game instead of subscription
- Individual game purchase option (not bundled with other games)
- More art galleries and painting levels
- Removal or reduction of subscription advertisements
- Better sound effect implementation
- Improved display scaling for all device sizes

## Recent user reviews (10 of 56)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paint-it-back-gameclub/id1491508092/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Why is it a subscription?

*2025-04-20, version 1.0.32*

I used to love this game when I played it on my mom’s iPad when I was young. I was thinking about it again recently and decided I wanted to buy it. Turns out you can’t do that though because there is zero option to buy the game outright anymore. Instead, in order to play the full game, you have to pay $6 a month. I understand the value of a subscription like this but as someone who has no interest in any of the other games included in the subscription, there should definitely be an option to purchase the game outright, especially when it used to be an option.

### 1/5 — Rip off

*2025-04-19, version 1.0.32*

Purchased this game before Gameclub took over and I was promptly locked out. Restore purchase didnt work. Emailed support and provided proof of purchase and never heard back.

### 1/5 — Bait and switch.

*2025-04-01, version 1.0.32*

I used to own this game, I recently returned to find it gone and a subscription model implemented on a new coating of the old game. Apples limited search function won’t allow me to search directly for when I purchased this so cannot offer ‘proof’ so I’m now unable to access the game. Con artist level bait and switch move from a company trying to sell me old rope.

### 3/5 — A nostalgic but flawed return

*2024-09-23*

On a whim I looked up this game again and was absolutely delighted to see it actually back! …however when checking its reviews and hearing about a subscription that delight faded away. For $5 a month you can play EVERY game club game to its fullest, but if you want to play just one, you’re completely out of luck, you can’t buy just one game like you could back when they were first on the App Store. If you DID own it you can contact them to get it back and people have actually gotten it back that way it seems! But personally, I never got a reply even saying my proof wasn’t enough from them. You used to be able to buy this game but now you’re forced to pay a membership even if this is the only one you care for. I hope they add a single purchase option because I understand having the old game offloaded not being enough proof, but I still want to play this game again like I used to.

### 1/5 — Stupid

*2024-07-27, version 1.0.32*

Was my absolute fav and PAID for it. Then they moved it to Gameclub and can’t play anymore. And you literally have to pay just to talk to Gameclub customer service. Such a joke.

### 1/5 — You ruined a good game

*2024-07-04, version 1.0.32*

I paid for this game, and you to have it removed and rereleased under your ad spamming version. I have no interest in your subscription service.

You have ruined this otherwise great puzzle game.

### 5/5 — Yipee!

*2024-03-05, version 1.0.32*

Whoops!

### 5/5 — Amazing game

*2024-02-07, version 1.0.32*

It's really addicting and it's fun to play

### 1/5 — Great game ruined by greed

*2023-12-16*

I purchased this great game years ago but apparently now it’s cost $5 a month to play. They say previous owners will get full version doesn’t apply to me. Other review responses from developer say not all purchases will be eligible but that feels like an easy way to claim good business practices but have an asterisk that gets you out of it. Go play Konami Pixel Puzzle or any of the Luna Nona gram games. 

Also for what it’s worth the controls were not nearly as responsive and nice as most current picross games

### 1/5 — Ruined it

*2023-10-19, version 1.0.32*

Thanks now it’s 60$ a year once was free oh how the mighty have fallen

## Frequently asked questions about Paint It Back

### What is Paint It Back?

Paint It Back is a puzzle game where you restore lost masterpieces by solving pixel picture crosswords. You use clues and logical deduction to determine which squares to paint and which to leave blank, recreating the artwork square by square.

### What are the key features of this game?

The game features classic picture crosswords with logical deduction, a unique theme of restoring lost art, 150 puzzles across 15 galleries, various grid sizes from 5x5 to 40x36, and a challenging Mystery Masterpiece mode. It also offers intuitive touch-to-paint controls.

### How much does Paint It Back cost?

Paint It Back is part of the GameClub subscription service. GameClub offers an auto-renewing monthly subscription with a 30-day free trial, providing unlimited access to all their games without ads or hidden fees.

### What platforms is Paint It Back available on?

The application data indicates it is a mobile game, and the subscription details mention charging to an iTunes account, suggesting availability on iOS devices. GameClub typically offers its games across various mobile platforms.

### What is the Mystery Masterpiece mode?

Mystery Masterpiece mode is a special challenge within the game where you attempt to paint back a randomly selected picture with a minimal amount of clues. It's designed to test your deductive skills when presented with less information.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.0.32 — 2021-04-09

Thanks for playing this GameClub game!

This update contains bug fixes and performance improvements.  Let’s play!

### 1.0.31 — 2021-03-05

Thanks for playing this GameClub game! 

This update contains bug fixes and performance improvements.  Let’s play!

### 1.0.30 — 2021-02-01

Thanks for playing this GameClub game!

This update has a new friends section in the GameClub Home area, with recommended friends to follow and connect with on GameClub!  Let’s play!

### 1.0.29 — 2021-01-11

Thanks for playing this GameClub game!  GameClub offers a curated catalog of iconic games, with new titles released every week. Subscribers get access to unlimited gameplay, no ads, and no additional purchases — just pure fun.

This update contains bug fixes and performance improvements.  Let’s play!

### 1.0.28 — 2020-12-22

Thanks for playing this GameClub game!  GameClub offers a curated catalog of iconic games, with new titles released every week. Subscribers get access to unlimited gameplay, no ads, and no additional purchases — just pure fun.

This update contains bug fixes and performance improvements.  Let’s play!

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All apps by GameClub: https://appshunter.io/developer/1339587139

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*
