DaYan Bermuda Saturn

DaYan Bermuda Saturn

At first glance it looks like an ordinary 3x3 cube. After a few moves, though, you'll see that the DaYan Bermuda Saturn works in a completely different way. It belongs to the DaYan Bermuda series, in which some of the faces have large triangular centers. The mechanism is bandaged, and some faces turn like on a Fisher Cube. Saturn has four triangular centers pointing in different directions, which makes it one of the versions with the most of these pieces in the whole series.

How it solves

When solved, Saturn is a cube, but it changes shape as you scramble it. Restoring the cube shape is therefore a separate part of the challenge. The triangular centers block some of the turns. Whether a given move is possible depends on how the layers are aligned, so 3x3 algorithms won't always work. Before every move you need to check that the layers are lined up correctly.

Opinions on its difficulty vary. Some people consider Saturn the hardest puzzle in the Bermuda series. Others point out that the movement restrictions are so strong that some pieces can hardly be scrambled at all, so solving it can be easier than it looks. It's more of a puzzle to analyze than a cube for fast solving.

The Bermuda series: eight planets

The series was released in 2011 and designed by Daqing Bao. The eight basic versions are named after the planets, from Mercury to Neptune. They differ in the number, size and placement of the triangular faces. Mercury and Venus are the closest to a classic 3x3, while Saturn and Uranus have the most restrictions. Don't confuse them with the Crazy Cube series, which also uses planet names.

Who is it for?

For anyone who can already solve a 3x3 and wants to try something more than just another speedcubing cube. Saturn is a great fit for collectors of shape mods and bandaged puzzles. It's not suitable as a first cube. For a child who is just learning, it's better to buy a classic 3x3 and save the Bermuda for later.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: DaYan
• Series: Bermuda (8 planets)
• Type: 3x3-based bandaged puzzle with triangular centers
• Triangular centers: 4
• Size: approx. 57 mm
• Weight: approx. 85 g
• Body color: black