Color Challenge Puzzle 
by Guest Writer Roberta Shore

We invite you to read Roberta Shore's review on the following jigsaw puzzle. Since she has discovered the advantages of jigsaw puzzling, she has reviewed/journaled several that will be available on this website.  

You may like this similar Rainbow Puzzle Amazon link

Color Challenge Buffalo Games Ribbon Cut 1000 Pieces Finished Dimension: 19.75” x 26.75”

Color Challenge Puzzle - Roberta's Review

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Color Challenge Buffalo Games Ribbon Cut 1000 Pieces Finished Dimension: 19.75” x 26.75”

Color Challenge

Buffalo Games
Ribbon Cut
1000 Pieces
Finished Dimension: 19.75” x 26.75”

My Confident Newbie Difficulty Rating: Hard

This was the most time consuming, annoying, yet compelling puzzle I have completed. Yes, it is a “challenge” puzzle, but frankly, I didn’t see the illustration as that much of one. All the division lines go in the same direction. That’s a big help when searching for the piece you need. Plus, there are 7 fairly distinct sections of color; another big clue toward piece choice.

So, while I was working on it, why did I keep asking “why is this so difficult?” And why did I keep going after telling myself “this isn’t fun, bag it up.” Answers in the construction section . . .

Quality: There were several slightly damaged pieces, and a few with tabs I had to glue together, but they didn’t interfere with construction or the appearance of the finished puzzle. Otherwise, almost no complaints unless you want a pristine looking box. The sturdy box is small, no shrink wrap. The top and bottom sides are glued together; separating them tears some of the cardboard layer. It does not show when the box is closed. Inside, the pieces are loose. A full size poster is included. Color match to pieces was great! Piece fit was pick up off the table perfect, False fits — there were a few. I had one that went unnoticed long enough to have to take a section apart. But for the most part, it was immediately clear that the piece did not fit the illustration. I had no false fits in the frame. The pieces are quite shiny, making evening room light puzzling difficult. No pieces were missing.

Getting started: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. That was an easy task for this rainbow puzzle. I built the frame and then sub sorted by shades of color and transitions between colors. I had 16 trays, each sorted by piece shape as I went along. Later into it, when orange and red were left, I resorted those even more deliberately.

Construction: As I said earlier, it was compelling; this challenge puzzle was not going to beat me! To answer my questions, the problem was with the pieces. All known traditional pieces were represented, but there were noticeably few of the common 2 in / 2out shapes where the knobs and holes are opposite each other. The most represented piece was the 2 in / 2 out shape where the holes and knobs are at right angles to each other. Whatever the piece shape, there was not much difference between any of the same shape. Obviously, what color piece to look for was a given, and the shape pretty clear as well. Until thinking you’ve found just the right one, but no, try again, but no, and again, but no, over and over with each new search, and with almost every one of those 1000 pieces. Annoying is putting it mildly!

This puzzle sat on my table for 9 days. Some of those days, I only had limited time even in daylight. But when I did have some concentrated time, I walked away from it more often than usual. This was in no way an easy puzzle, it required a lot of concentration. I started with the green, blue, purple and some of the yellow. After that is was just so tedious. Sheer determination, plus the miracle of the puzzling process that clears your mind and offers calm, is what kept me going.

Did I have any fun? Sure.The last 50 pieces went relatively quickly. (Smile) Once I knew I wasn’t going to bag it up, I looked at the experience differently, I guess. The sense of accomplishment putting in the final piece was definitely a fun moment.

If you want to take on this puzzle, here’s a couple of clues. Correct pieces immediately snap into place. If you think you can push it in, it is the wrong piece. Don’t bother. If the corners of adjacent pieces do not meet exactly, the piece is also wrong. Sort thoughtfully and arrange by color, shape and direction. Enjoy the process!

My grades: Quality A-, Fun factor B+

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About: Buffalo Games

A Global Jigsaw Puzzle Powerhouse and Its Subsidiary Brands

Introduction: When it comes to jigsaw puzzles, Buffalo Games has established itself as a prominent name in the industry, known for its high-quality puzzles and innovative designs. With a rich history and a diverse range of subsidiary brands under its umbrella, Buffalo Games has made a significant impact in the world of puzzles. In this article, we will explore the captivating history and biography of Buffalo Games, highlighting its subsidiary brands, including Ceaco Puzzles, Brainwright, Gamewright, and Chuckle & Roar.

A Brief History of Buffalo Games: Buffalo Games was founded in 1986 by Paul and Eden Dedrick in Buffalo, New York. The company's initial focus was on producing traditional board games, but it soon ventured into the world of jigsaw puzzles. Buffalo Games quickly gained a reputation for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovative puzzle designs.

Expansion and Worldwide Recognition: Over the years, Buffalo Games expanded its operations and gained worldwide recognition. The company's puzzles became known for their premium quality, precision-cut pieces, and vibrant artwork. With an emphasis on providing engaging and challenging puzzle experiences, Buffalo Games captured the hearts of puzzle enthusiasts across the globe.

Ceaco Puzzles: A Subsidiary Brand: Buffalo Games acquired Ceaco Puzzles in 2019, expanding its reach and diversifying its puzzle offerings. Ceaco Puzzles, founded in 1987, had already built a solid reputation for producing high-quality puzzles with a wide range of themes. With the acquisition, Buffalo Games incorporated Ceaco's expertise and unique designs into its portfolio, further enhancing its puzzle offerings.

Brainwright: A Dedication to Brain Teasers and Logic Puzzles: Brainwright, another subsidiary brand of Buffalo Games, specializes in brain teasers, mind-bending puzzles, and logic games. Since its inception, Brainwright has been committed to developing games that challenge the mind and stimulate critical thinking. Their innovative puzzle designs and engaging gameplay have earned them a dedicated following among puzzle enthusiasts.

Gamewright: Bridging the Gap between Puzzles and Board Games: Buffalo Games expanded its presence in the gaming industry with the acquisition of Gamewright, a renowned board game company. Gamewright is known for its family-friendly games that blend strategy, luck, and creativity. By incorporating Gamewright into its portfolio, Buffalo Games offers a diverse range of puzzle experiences that bridge the gap between puzzles and board games.

Chuckle & Roar: Fostering Playfulness and Creativity: Chuckle & Roar, another subsidiary brand of Buffalo Games, focuses on providing engaging and interactive toys and games for children. The brand encourages imaginative play and creativity, offering a range of puzzles, building sets, and activity-based games that promote learning and fun.

A Commitment to Innovation and Quality: Buffalo Games and its subsidiary brands are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of puzzle design and manufacturing. The company utilizes advanced technology and printing techniques to create puzzles with intricate details, vibrant colors, and seamless fit. Moreover, they prioritize using eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices, reflecting their commitment to environmental stewardship.

A Worldwide Presence and Enduring Legacy: Buffalo Games' commitment to quality, innovation, and diverse puzzle experiences has solidified its position as a global leader in the industry. Their puzzles can be found in major retail stores, specialty toy shops, and online marketplaces worldwide. Buffalo Games' enduring legacy lies in its ability to captivate puzzle enthusiasts of all ages and offer engaging, high-quality products that stand the test of time.

Conclusion: Buffalo Games, with its rich history and subsidiary brands including Ceaco Puzzles, Brainwright, Gamewright, and Chuckle & Roar, has made a profound impact in the world of jigsaw puzzles. Through its dedication to quality, innovation, and diverse puzzle experiences, Buffalo Games has gained worldwide recognition and captivated puzzle enthusiasts of all ages.

Whether you're seeking challenging jigsaw puzzles, brain teasers, family-friendly games, or interactive toys, Buffalo Games and its subsidiary brands offer a wide array of captivating and enjoyable experiences. With their commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, Buffalo Games continues to shape the future of the jigsaw puzzle industry, inspiring puzzle lovers across the globe.

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)