The makers of the popular Puzz 3D brand puzzles have come out with this spectacular 3D puzzle game that goes beyond simple puzzle-making. Victorian Mansion not only contains a virtual 3D puzzle of a gorgeous Victorian Mansion, but also incorporates interesting historical tidbits, a murder-mystery adventure, and various "puzzling" games.
The puzzle itself is challenging even at the "easy" level. The goal is to construct a beautiful 3D model of the Richmond Mansion. Puzzle-lovers will have a great time with this, and they can choose between the different levels of Easy, Average, Challenging, and Super Challenging. At the easy level, there are 150 pieces and the settings are defaulted to having the pieces presorted by color, non-overlapping, and requiring no rotation. Additionally, there are 3D guides that help with putting the pieces into the final model. At higher levels, there are more pieces, rotation of the pieces may be required, and the 3D guides disappear. Each level can be customized further.
The difficulty level you choose will directly affect the adventure that opens up for you after completing the puzzle. For example, completion of the easy level earns a Bronze Key which only unlocks the first floor of the mansion. If you complete the puzzle at the Super Challenging Level, you will earn a Platinum Key that opens up every little secret of Richmond Mansion to explore.
To construct the puzzle, players have 2 tables: a construction table and the main table on which the finished sections will go. Most of your efforts will be spent at the Construction Site table, where you have a number of options to customize your puzzle experience. Choose from a number of views and 3 magnification levels (zoom). Reference pictures are available every step of the way.
There are also great sorting options in the form of trays -- you can use them to sort out partially completed sections by type or color. Once sections are complete, they can be taken to the Main Table where you can build the puzzle in 3D.
There are architectural and historical video clips at various points in the puzzle-making process (and can be turned off if you are not interested). The Book is a reference tool that appears in the corner of the screen and can be used to view the video clips and for learning the many construction tips. The Exploration Phase comprises Part 2 of the program. Once the puzzle is complete, the exploration begins. There is an interesting cast of characters to meet and games to play, which include The Sheet Music Game (piece the music sheet back together), The Magic Lantern Game, The Wooden Puzzle Game, and The Investigation Game (which involves picking up clues and answering questions about the disturbing events in the history of the Mansion).
We found the puzzle extremely challenging on the Easy level. It requires patience, and takes a bit of adjustment trying to think in 3D terms on the 2D construction site table. The design of the program is excellent and the whole process very compelling.
