DaYan Bermuda Neptune

DaYan Bermuda Neptune

DaYan Bermuda Neptune is one of the eight "planetary" puzzles in the Bermuda series, released by DaYan in 2011 and designed by Daqing Bao. It starts out as a regular 3x3, but on three adjacent faces that meet at one corner, the usual 3x3 layout is replaced by large triangular centers. The other three faces are standard. This gives Neptune threefold symmetry: when you look at it from that corner, you see a pattern similar to a 3x3.

What makes it challenging

The triangular centers act as bandaging, meaning pieces are joined together in a way that blocks some moves. You can't turn every layer at any moment, and some turns have to be made by 45° to line the layers up. While you do this, the puzzle temporarily loses its cube shape. The triangular centers also have orientation, so near the end you need to keep track of which way they are facing, much like solving a supercube. That's why in the final stage it helps to use algorithms that don't rotate the centers, or separate sequences to fix them.

In the puzzle community, Neptune and Uranus are considered among the harder planets in the series, because they have more triangular faces than, for example, Mercury. At the same time, the approach you develop on Neptune carries over well to other Bermuda puzzles, so it can be a good starting point for the whole series.

Mechanism and turning

The puzzle uses springs with tension adjustment. According to users, it's worth setting the tensioning and lubing the springs after taking it out of the box, as it turns noticeably more pleasantly after this preparation. This is not a speedcubing puzzle. What matters here is solving the problem, not TPS.

Who is it for?

For anyone who can solve a 3x3 and is looking for a puzzle that requires thinking rather than repeating memorized algorithms. It's also a great fit for collectors completing the Bermuda series. For a child's first cube, a classic 3x3 is a better choice, as Neptune can quickly become discouraging without knowing the basics.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: DaYan
• Series: Bermuda (8 planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune)
• Type: 3x3-based puzzle with bandaging and triangular centers
• Layout: triangular centers on three adjacent faces, three classic faces
• Size: approx. 57 mm
• Body color: black