Calvins Puzzle Tony Overlapping Cube

Calvins Puzzle Tony Overlapping Cube

At first glance it looks like an ordinary 4x4 cube, but after a few turns you can see that a second grid of cuts is at work in the middle of each face. Tony Overlapping Cube by Calvins Puzzle is a shape mod designed by Tony Fisher. The name "overlapping" comes from the fact that the 4x4 layout overlaps with a central section divided 3x3. The cube comes in a stickerless bright version.

How this puzzle works

Sources describe the mechanism in slightly different words, but they all mean the same thing. On the outside you see a 4x4 cube, while inside there is a mechanism similar to a 5x5, with some of its pieces hidden. In practice, the middle layer turns independently of the outer layers, and the layers in between move together with the outer ones. The internal blocking found in classic 4x4 cubes has been removed. As a result, scrambling creates shapes and patterns that are impossible on any standard cube.

Turning and difficulty

This is a collector's puzzle, not a speedcubing cube. There are no magnets inside, and according to users the turning is slightly sandy, though decent. The middle layer tends to turn together with the neighbouring layers if you don't hold it with your fingers, so it's best to turn calmly and precisely. It takes patience, but it also makes it easier to create interesting patterns.

Solving it feels more like cracking a riddle than executing memorised algorithms. Knowing 4x4 and 5x5 methods will help, along with some figuring things out on your own. The Tony Overlapping Cube is not suitable as a first cube.

Who is it for?

For cubers who can already solve NxN cubes and are looking for something unusual for their collection. It will also appeal to fans of Tony Fisher's modifications and puzzles with non-standard mechanisms.

Specifications

• Type: 4x4 cube shape mod (overlapping puzzle)
• Manufacturer: Calvins Puzzle
• Designer: Tony Fisher
• Size: approx. 65.5 mm
• Dimensions: 6.3 x 6.16 x 6.1 cm
• Weight: approx. 199 g (with packaging)
• Magnets: none
• Material: ABS plastic
• Colour scheme: stickerless bright