Buffalo Games Puzzle Review: A Comprehensive Guide to Quality Puzzles
A top-selling American brand known for its tight fit, vibrant images, and excellent customer service, offering a vast array of themes perfect for both the casual and avid puzzler.
*Originally published on MyPuzzleDay.com — February 1, 2023*
⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Buffalo Games, founded in 1986 in Buffalo, New York, is one of the leading puzzle and board game manufacturers in the United States. Renowned for their high-quality, durable puzzles and vibrant artwork, the brand offers an extensive catalog spanning dozens of themes and special collections, including panoramic, glow-in-the-dark, and pop culture puzzles.
Just The Deets!
• Piece Cut: Grid Cut (Systematic, straight edges)
• Piece Fit: Snug
• False Fits: Yes (Be careful with similar color areas)
• Piece Gauge: 2.0 mm
• Puzzle Finish: Glossy
• Reference Poster: Yes
• Dust Level: Low
• Customer Service: Excellent
• Finished Puzzle Size 1000 Piece: 26.75″ × 19.75″
• Made in USA
Image Quality & Themes
Buffalo Puzzles are known for their bright, crisp images and vibrant colors. The brand’s themes and collections are vast and diverse, catering to nearly every taste:
Vivid Collection: Striking and colorful designs.
Night & Day: Scenes transitioning from dusk to dawn.
Pop Culture: Marvel, Star Wars, Pokémon.
Themed: Americana, Country Life, Dog Days, Cats, Noir.
Artists: Features popular artists like Charles Wysocki and Aimee Stewart.
A Look at the Variety
To demonstrate the sheer depth and diversity of the Buffalo Games catalog—which spans nostalgic Americana, vibrant photography, and major pop culture licenses—here is a gallery showcasing the wide range of themes and styles they offer:
✋ Hands On Experience
Buffalo Puzzles make up about 25% of my puzzle collection. Their bright images and tight fitting interlock means I can celebrate the end of the puzzle by rolling it up like a taco!
Buffalo Games consistently delivers a satisfying assembly experience. The pieces are made from high-quality, 2mm thick paperboard and are precision-cut, resulting in a very secure, tight fit. This excellent interlock is a key feature, as it allows you to pick up and move large completed sections, or even the entire puzzle, without it falling apart.
While the grid cut is standard, the gloss finish can sometimes create glare, and the tight fit/similar piece shapes can lead to false fits in areas of uniform color. The inclusion of a reference poster is a valuable addition, especially for navigating trickier sections.
A major benefit is the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction; their customer service is excellent and will often send a whole new puzzle if you report a missing piece (provided the puzzle is still in print).
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros (The Experience & Quality)
Tight Interlock: Pieces lock together securely, allowing the puzzle to be moved and lifted easily.
Vibrant Art: Images are consistently bright, crisp, and high-quality.
Reference Poster: A helpful bonus for assembly.
Made in USA: Appeals to those who prefer domestic manufacturing.
Exceptional Customer Service: Reliable replacement policy for missing pieces.
Variety: Huge catalog, including specialty series (Noir, Vivid, Pop Culture).
❌ Cons (Minor Imperfections)
Glossy Finish: Can cause frustrating glare under certain lighting conditions.
False Fits: The systematic cut and tight fit can occasionally lead to pieces interlocking in the wrong place.
💡 Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Buffalo Games is an American standard for a reason. If you prioritize a tight, secure fit and vibrant, engaging artwork, this brand is a must-have. While the glossy finish and potential for false fits are minor drawbacks, the overall quality, piece thickness, and excellent customer support make them a consistent winner for any puzzler’s collection.
🧩 Ready to find your new favorite image?
Explore the wide selection of Buffalo Games puzzles on Amazon by clicking below.