Treasure Trove Review

I got a chance to puzzle Treasure Trove ( to & ) recently.



First off, a big hint, actually follow the directions, you know the little placard that comes with the trick puzzle. Why you say? Because if you do what you think is on the placard as opposed to what is there you will get fouled up. I did.



This puzzle is from Stave's "Treasure" line of puzzles celebrating 25+ years of puzzling and so it includes a huge variety of teaser and trick elements. The artwork is by Barbara Stender and is absolutely gorgeous. Lush colors go well with the pirate/hide-the-treasure tropical theme.

While not officially a "modular" puzzle in Stave speak, the many regions of the puzzle each are somewhat modular in terms of the challenge offered. Some of the fits are amazing IMHO even by Stave's own standards. For example, getting the dozen or so multi-colored starfish to fit with each other "just so" is amazing. Or the push-fit pieces that will likely drive me crazy when I finally get my copy of What a Gem.

I would highly recommend this puzzle to any Stave puzzler who likes Teaser elements since it has dozens of them in one place. The trick element is not too hard and if you bribe the gals with candy, they'll help you out. I would highly recommend this puzzle not just as a "sampler" but in its own right as an outstanding experience. If not for the fact that my existing orders are about the break my piggy bank, I would have my own copy of this puppy on order. Also, in terms of one puzzle to put out/show people to help them understand Stave, this is a winner.

Meanwhile, solving this also put Palace of Pranks, the other current "Treasure" puzzle on my list. And it makes me curious what will happen as the team continues to develop the third "Treasure" puzzle with us here on the board.