So the big question was whether or not the buffet would undergo the kind of sweeping thematic remodel that the rest of the hotel is undergoing and if it was “More” than just a moniker swap.

The short answer is “no” and that’s both a good and a bad thing.

The wacky archaeological dig décor is still very much intact although that may change at some point in the future. And the food is as solidly dependable as it always has been, with a wide range of choices from fresh salads, crab legs and other seafood, a carving station, Mexican and Chinese selections, pizza and pasta, and plenty of good old American dishes like roasted chicken and mashed potatoes. Everything we sampled on a recent visit was good but not exceptional; warm when it was supposed to be and cold when it needed to be.

The one area they seemed to make an improvement was in the dessert section, which used to be completely unexceptional. These days a wide variety of tasty pies, cakes, tarts, mousses, pastries, cobbler, and soft-serve ice cream end the meal well.

That’s the good news, but along with it comes a bit of bad in that “solidly dependable” just doesn’t seem to cut it in the competitive buffet market in Las Vegas, especially since the prices have gone up as well. It’ll cost you $20 for dinner here, which is cheaper than many of the high-end buffets by as much as $10 or $12 but the leap between the quality and quantity of food at those pricier places and this one seems greater than the cost differential would justify. I don’t like paying $30 for a buffet but if I’d rather do that and have amazing food than pay $20 and have dependable food. Or I’d rather go to one of the locals’ hotels like Santa Fe Station or Gold Coast and pay half that.

More is still a good buffet and if that $10 price difference makes a big difference to you then it’s worth your attention. Hey – there’s nothing wrong with solidly dependable.