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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. Amazon Link |
My Confident Newbie Difficulty Rating: Medium (compared to others this piece count)
Well, this little puzzle certainly is a mystery to me for two reasons. firstly, it is only 300 pieces, usually puzzles that size are just a short, calming and relaxing puzzling experience, not so for this one. Secondly, from the title, I cannot understand the message this illustration is trying to convey, Buffalo’s description - “This 300-large piece puzzle, The Mysteries At Home, is part of the Art of Play collection by Buffalo Games. This puzzle is full of mysteries waiting to be discovered! There are hot air balloons drifting through a hazy setting of homes and colorful gardens.” - is not much help. I see the picture. Hot air balloons are not uncommon or necessarily mysterious. The singular mystery I see is the position of three of the houses. For me, it will remain just that, along with why it took so long to be pieced together. It is a lovely work of art; the intent shall remain with the clever and talented artist, Nicky Boehme.
I even looked her up. “Nicky Boehme’s paintings of quaint, peaceful, scenes awash with dramatic light and vibrant color, draw the viewer into a romantic and memorable adventure of a special place and time.” I could not find any references to hidden mysteries, but she has repeated the concept in this beauty. It is an $800.00 wooden puzzle. So, that is what happens when I become intent on answering my own questions and can’t find satisfaction. Why? Perhaps that is the mystery I should take away about the puzzle!
Oh yes, this is a puzzle review. I will get to it now!
Quality: Perfect - okay, except for the sturdy box, if pristine is important. The packaging is environmentally friendly, no shrink wrap, no plastic bag. But, the top and bottom sides are glued together. Even with careful splitting to open the box, some of the cardboard is damaged. The damage does not show when the box is closed. The full illustration is on the box top. Inside the pieces are loose; there is a large poster included. Both illustrations are true color matches to the pieces. There was no puzzle dust. The pieces are solid, none were damaged or connected uncut. None were missing. There were no false fits and piece fit was pick up off the table tight. Although it would be nice if they used clear stickers to secure the box shut, I repeat, perfect!
Getting started: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. Hmm, so much greenery. I sorted out each of the houses and nearby plantings, and the sky. Any foliage without house parts went in one sort (lazy —it’s only 300 pieces, I told myself).
Construction: I built the frame. I had the brilliant idea to build the sky first and work out from the center. Staring at the big and beautiful hot air balloon, I realized it wasn’t that brilliant after all - not much connection to house parts had been established. I switched to working in from the frame. I laid out the greenery pieces and each house sort by shape. It went okay for a while. But is was not fun. It was work. The houses didn’t just flow together. It probably got worse because my head kept asking why 300 pieces was taking so much effort. Anyway, that’s what happened, but finally it was complete. Without any mystery, it is still enchantingly beautiful.
Final thoughts: I think this is a beautiful puzzle; I’m glad it wasn’t 1000 pieces. I’ve done quite a few Buffalo 300 piece puzzles now, and larger ones as well. There have been no issues with quality, bar one that had a missing piece. Their replacement policy
is fair. Their selection is varied and numerous. They are competitively priced. I can recommend them without issue.
My grades: Quality A+, Fun Factor B+
We have collected a massive list of jigsaw puzzles in numerous categories on our Amazon Store link. It's a quick way to browse most current puzzles and/or specific seasons, accessories and themes. Makes for a terrific one-stop jigsaw puzzle gift giving shopping centre. CLICK HERE
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)