Puzz-3D's logo |
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| Manufacturer(s) | Hasbro |
|---|---|
| Years active | 1991 - 2006 |
| Age range | (dependent on puzzle) |
Puzz-3D is the brand name of three-dimensional jigsaw puzzles, manufactured by Hasbro (formerly by Wrebbit, Inc.). Unlike traditional puzzles which are composed of series of flat pieces with parts of an image on them, when put together, create a single unified image, the Puzz-3D series of puzzles are composed on plastic foam, with the part of an image graphed on a stiff paper facade glued to the underlying foam piece and cut to match the piece's dimensions. When the pieces are put together, they create a structure such as a building.
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Puzz 3D puzzles, invented by Paul Gallant, started in 1991 under the Quebec-based company Wrebbit. Throughout the 1990s, 3-dimensional puzzles were made, leading to a rapid growth in the company and a successful fad.
In 2005 Wrebbit was sold to Hasbro, who moved the manufacture of Wrebbit's puzzles to its East Longmeadow, Massachusetts facility in 2006.[1]
The last series that were made were Towers Made to Scale. The structure consisted of 13 skyscrapers from around the world, including the Petronas Towers, the Sears Tower, the Empire State Building, Taipei 101, and the John Hancock Center, among others. All are at a 1:585 scale, and all of the towers glowed in the dark.
By 2006, all Puzz 3D puzzles had been discontinued.
Typically, the structures released were famous landmarks, like the White House, Big Ben, CN Tower, or the Neuschwanstein castle. In addition to this, Puzz-3D has also released science fiction related puzzles, such as the Millennium Falcon of Star Wars fame, or structures from legends, such as King Arthur's Castle. There has also been the creation of period buildings, such as a Victorian Mansion. In addition to these structures, they have also produced Classic cars, such as the 1956 Ford Thunderbird. The puzzles released also include the New York, New York puzzle, which included the area around the World Trade Center and the Empire State Building. This puzzle is Hasbro's largest, at 3141 pieces.[2]
Puzz-3D games were also made for Windows and Mac. One must first build the puzzle, which is a digital version of an existing 3D puzzle, by clicking and dragging the pieces. When completed, a fictional mystery must be solved taking place in that landmark. Four games were made for Windows and Mac. These are Puzz3D: Neuschwanstein Bavarian Castle, Puzz3D: Notre Dame Cathedral, Puzz3D: The Orient Express, and Puzz3D: Victorian Mansion.[3] A fifth game was also made of The Lamplight Manor featuring a 3D tour when completed.[4]