About my ratings

Perhaps because of my day job, I'm a tough rater. Everything 3/5 and above I consider worth the time and money. If I purchase on Etsy or a similar platform and the puzzle is as expected, I will give a top rating on the platform because of how seller ratings work, but here "as expected" is probably a 3/5 in most cases.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

The Silent One, John Rattenbury

 Nautilus, 429 pieces. Nautilus's spiky cuts aren't my favorites, but they indisputably match certain subjects, like tigers! Steady assembly due to the areas of distinct color. 3/5




Good as Gold

 Stave, 50 pieces. This is marked as a Touzzle, though I didn't think it was quite as much of a challenge as previous ones I've done, which justifies the three-sword rating. For whatever reason, it didn't feel like the fit was as perfect-when-right as usual, which was occasionally frustrating. 5/10





Cat in a Wrap

 Elms, 622 pieces. Fun image with lots of cat whimsies, as expected. 7/10






and the occasional mouse


upside down, but fluffy


Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Chris Yates, Baffler #4822 Sunset River

 Chris Yates, 51 pieces. Another delightful benefit of Artifact's Hoefnagel rental club: the occasional unique puzzle, like this one, with a small piece count but wonderful hand feel. 4/5




Pilates

 Stave, 340 pieces. I love Stave's rental program. I understand those who find it too pricey, but I love Stave's quality and cleverness, and the rental program allows me to build puzzles I never usually would. This one is another pleasure, with workout whimsies. 7/10









this one, I don't know: great exertion?


Summer Cat, Oxana Zaika

 Nautilus, 533 pieces. I really like the artist (I'm a sucker for color and cats), so this was just my speed. 3/5


Google, why do you task me with upside-down images?


Wednesday, April 3, 2024

American Skat, John Rausch

 Elms, 462 pieces. Usual fun Elms experience, with difficulty coming from the fact that the various cards shared suit patterns. 7/10




two suits




two other suits