Games World of Puzzles June 2017

The poet Wallace Stevens once said, “Accuracy of observation is the equivalent of accuracy of thinking.” That is quite true for this issue’s featured puzzles, in which careful observation plays a key role. First, we welcome Croatian illustrator Mrcela Mladen back to these pages; his “Change of Art” find-the-difference puzzles appeared frequently in GAMES, starting in 2010. On page 37 you’ll find a brand-new Change of Art puzzle that will test even the most eagle-eyed observer.

On the very next page you’ll find “Marketing Mayhem,” in which we took 10 well-known logos and modified them in subtle ways. Can you pick out the genuine article from the three choices—all of which look quite similar? Only the most observant solvers will get all 10 correct!

Observation also comes into play in our mini special section, “However Improbable,” which starts on page 49. The focus of these puzzles is abstract logic, and in the words of the author, Andrew Parr, “The process of solving an abstract logic puzzle through observation, induction, and deduction is very satisfying.” Parr is no stranger to these pages; his last mini special section, “Escape the Mysterious Elevator,” appeared in our August 2016 issue. Even if you think abstract logic isn’t your forte, give these puzzles a try. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

We also extend a warm “welcome back” to our mechanical puzzle correspondent, Tom Cutrofello. Along with coauthor Nancy Ray Taylor, he brings us a profile of Eric Fuller, a master craftsman who creates precision puzzles. Starting on page 34, you’ll get to read about and see several of Fuller’s favorites. Cutrofello’s articles on mechanical puzzles and their creators appeared frequently in GAMES, and we are glad to once again feature his writing.

Now that you have a few places to start, dive right in and enjoy!