Best puzzles I've ever bought.
Okay buckle up, here's my long, intensely dorky review of "Last Chance Gas" and Chuffed puzzles in general.
I bought "Last Chance Gas" on a whim. There are quite a few indie puzzle companies cropping up lately, and I have not been overly impressed with any of them. Mostly they're fine, but no standouts. Chuffed frankly blows them all out of the water.
For starters, shipping was fast, and I appreciate that I didn't have to sign up for some app to track the package.
The packaging is BEAUTIFUL as well as functional. The boxes have full color, matte finish photos of the puzzles themselves, and the color matching is superb. No fades or blurring, no cropping or weird aspect ratios. The cardboard is study as hell, and I'll be honest that at first I was confused about how to get the puzzle out at all because I was so entirely NOT expecting the magnetic close. The cardstock cutout stand that's included is a wonderful touch, though I personally preferred the size of the image on the box and just used that. Still, it's a thoughtful addition.
I was even impressed with the bag. Generally speaking, the bag (if included at all) is a sad, flimsy, drawstring contraption that never totally closes and which I toss almost immediately. Chuffed bags are well made: medium weight canvas with a metal zipper enclosure, and neat, secure stitching.
The puzzle pieces themselves are a dream. The image quality is gorgeous. I would call it a true matte finish; I had an overhead light on at some points while working on it and there was very little glare. The detail is amazing, as well. It's clear Chuffed really cares about showcasing the work of the artists they partner with. The heft and size of the pieces are lovely. The compressed cardboard feels sturdy and the backing is smooth.
One thing I want to highlight about the pieces is that they came entirely separated. This was such a lovely surprise and makes me think Chuffed staff really are avid puzzlers. There were no pieces stuck together, no tears, no peeling, ZERO shavings. Heritage, high quality brands like Cobble Hill can't manage that.
The pieces are a grid pattern, but for myself I didn't have a single false fit. The pieces fit together solidly; not too ridig but not all loosey-goosey, either. I also appreciate how none of the pieces were cut in a way that would compromise their integrity. I have bought several puzzles recently where pieces had arms cut so thin that they tore off before I got them out of the box.
Again, ZERO shavings.
As far as difficulty -- everyone's mileage will vary here. Personally, I found it to be nicely challenging, but not aggravating. I like to puzzle leisurely, and I worked on this one for about 45 minutes to an hour each night for five nights before I finished. It was lovely.
Overall, this puzzle was a joy to do. Just an elevated puzzle experience all around. When I was about halfway through, I bought the other five puzzles Chuffed has and I'll be starting another one today. I hope they add more soon.
Hats off to the Chuffed team! Many thanks for creating such a wonderful product. You've got a fan for life in me.