KRYPT Gradient 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.  

KRYPT Gradient jigsaw puzzle (Amazon link)

KRYPT Gradient Puzzle Ravensburger Random Cut 631 Pieces Finished Dimensions: 19.625” X 27.5”

KRYPT Gradient Puzzle - Roberta's Review

Roberta-Profile
KRYPT-Gradient-puzzle-box

KRYPT Gradient Puzzle
Ravensburger
Random Cut
631 Pieces
Finished Dimensions: 19.625” X 27.5”

My Confident Newbie Difficulty Rating: Moderate to Hard 

This is the first KRYPT puzzle I have done. The others are each a solid color and may have different piece counts, different piece cuts and different piece layouts. This puzzle is possibly a way to get to know a KRYPT without jumping into a solid color one. The piece layout is clearly unusual compared to a typical rectangular puzzle. However, the gradient allows for more information than just depending on piece shape for the build.

Quality: Good enough, but a few niggles. Some tabs were bent, one tab was splitting. There was a lot of puzzle dust. Otherwise, the box is sturdy. The cover had an enlarged portion of the puzzle. A smaller but complete image was on the box bottom. Inside the box was a sealed bag of pieces and a sealed envelope with the full piece cut (still unopened). There was no poster, but color match of the box image to the pieces was fine. The solid pieces had very low sheen. None were missing.There were no false fits, and the completed puzzle was pick up off the table tight piece fit.

Getting started: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. Sort by color is definitely required. I sorted yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, and the transitions - yellow orange, yellow green, green blue, blue purple, purple pink. I also had a sort for the center piece and paler / curved pieces that surrounded it.

Construction: With a gradient puzzle, I usually build the frame first because it offers a lot of color information. With this KRYPT, there were some very unusual edge pieces; several of them did not interlock. A definite annoyance until quite a bit of the body of the puzzle got filled in. I actually started by building from the center out 9 rows left and right of the circular piece. I built out to the frame from there. The upper right quadrant was the last to get filled in. Because. I am lucky enough to have excellent color vision and am not bothered by irregular, random piece cuts, this construction was not at all frustrating. It did however take enough time, patience and concentration to call the difficulty moderate.

Final thoughts: Has this ever happened to you? Partway through the sorting I wasn’t sure this was the puzzle I wanted to do at that moment. I knew I could finish it, I wasn’t intimidated by the crazy piece layout, I enjoy gradients, I just was not in the mood. But I started it anyway. What happened then was I just wanted to get it done, so there wasn’t a lot of fun going on. Too bad, because once it was completed I realized I missed out on the biggest part of this hobby I adore.

And one more thing of note. Ravensburger now offers the opportunity to order a 631 piece KRYPT, with the same piece cut as this one, in any color of your choice. Yes, any color from the full spectrum! One could even give it a title that would be printed on the cover. For just a few dollars more it will arrive in a silver metal box. Did I need one? To be honest, the last kind of puzzle I want to do is a solid color one. But, sure, I decided I needed one of those in my ever growing collection. But, only if I could think of a clever title for a puzzle I would probably never do. “Once in a Blue Moon”, in a shade of blue unlike the Ravensburger blue backing of course, arrived, and the metal box went in my puzzle cabinet. Guess what? Blue moon is not a thing that never happens. “The moon phases actually take 29.5 days to complete which means it takes just 354 days to complete 12 lunar cycles. So every 2.5 years or so a 13th full moon is observed within a calendar year. This 13th full moon doesn't conform to the normal naming scheme and is referred to as the Blue Moon.” The next one happens on August 19/20, 2024. Oh gosh, what will I do?

My grades: Quality A-, Fun factor A

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About: Ravensburger, Pioneering the World of Jigsaw Puzzles

Since its inception in the late 19th century, Ravensburger has emerged as a leading name in the world of jigsaw puzzles, captivating puzzle enthusiasts with their high-quality craftsmanship and captivating imagery. Let's delve into the rich history and legacy of Ravensburger, a company that has shaped the puzzle industry for over a century.

A Humble Beginning

The story of Ravensburger dates back to 1883 when Otto Robert Maier founded the company in Ravensburg, Germany. Initially, the company specialized in producing board games and educational materials. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that Ravensburger expanded its horizons and ventured into the realm of jigsaw puzzles.

The Rise of Jigsaw Puzzles

In the early 20th century, jigsaw puzzles gained popularity as a recreational activity for people of all ages. Recognizing the potential of this burgeoning market, Ravensburger embraced the opportunity and began producing their own puzzles. With a commitment to quality and innovation, the company quickly gained recognition for its meticulously crafted puzzles, characterized by their precise interlocking pieces and vibrant artwork.

Unparalleled Craftsmanship

Ravensburger's commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail set them apart from their competitors. The company employed advanced printing techniques and high-quality materials to ensure the durability and visual appeal of their puzzles. Every piece was carefully crafted to fit snugly together, providing a satisfying puzzling experience for enthusiasts around the world.

Expanding Horizons

Over the years, Ravensburger expanded its puzzle offerings, catering to a wide range of interests and skill levels. Their collection encompasses various themes, including landscapes, animals, famous landmarks, and works of art. Collaborations with renowned artists and licensing agreements with popular franchises further enriched their puzzle selection, appealing to diverse audiences.

Innovation and Advancements

Ravensburger has consistently embraced innovation to enhance the puzzling experience. In 1964, they introduced their signature "Softclick" technology, revolutionizing puzzle assembly by creating a distinctive clicking sound when pieces fit together correctly. This innovation simplified the process and elevated the enjoyment of puzzle-solving.

Educational Puzzles and Beyond

While Ravensburger is synonymous with entertainment and leisure, they have also recognized the educational value of puzzles. The company developed a range of educational puzzles aimed at fostering cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and spatial awareness in children. These puzzles not only entertained but also provided a platform for learning and growth.

Global Reach

Ravensburger's popularity transcended borders, and their puzzles became highly sought after worldwide. With subsidiaries and partnerships in various countries, Ravensburger established a global presence, ensuring their puzzles reached enthusiasts in different corners of the globe.

A Legacy of Excellence

Throughout its history, Ravensburger has remained committed to their founding principles of quality, innovation, and captivating design. Their puzzles continue to captivate both young and old, providing hours of entertainment, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment.

Today, Ravensburger stands as a prominent and beloved name in the puzzle industry. With their vast collection of puzzles, ranging from small beginner puzzles to massive and intricate designs, Ravensburger has something for every puzzler. Whether you're an avid enthusiast or a casual solver, Ravensburger puzzles are sure to engage your mind and bring joy to your puzzling endeavors.

In conclusion, the story of Ravensburger is one of innovation, quality craftsmanship, and a passion for puzzles. From its humble beginnings to its global recognition, Ravensburger has left an indelible mark on the puzzle world. As we piece together their puzzles, we not only experience the joy of solving but also become part of the enduring legacy that is Ravensburger.

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)