They are definitely puzzles. But they are closer to sudoku than crosswords in that no knowledge is required besides the rules of the game. As for the skill cap

They are definitely puzzles. But they are closer to sudoku than crosswords in that no knowledge is required besides the rules of the game. As for the skill cap. It is the same for the Rubik's cube, once you know the algorithms, solving it is straightforward. It doesn't make it less of a puzzle. And if you want to up the skill cap, time it (as in speed cubing).