DianSheng BriliCube II

DianSheng BriliCube II

DianSheng BriliCube II is the mass-produced version of a puzzle designed by Evgeniy Grigoriev. It measures 55 mm and belongs to the Galaxy series. It looks a bit like a Square-1, but it turns in a completely different way. There are no turning layers like on a 3x3 cube. The cuts run diagonally, the pieces are arranged around a central core, and the faces are divided into triangular segments. That's why experience with the Square-1 or a classic cube won't help you much here.

How this puzzle works

The manufacturer and distributors describe the BriliCube II as a corner-turning puzzle. Its catalogue name includes the term "Dino 8-Axis", meaning 8 axes of rotation. After just a few moves the puzzle loses its cube shape, so in our shop it belongs to the shape-shifting puzzles category. First you need to understand how the pieces move, and only then can you work out your own sequences. Solving it takes thinking rather than a high TPS.

The cube has no magnets and no UV coating. The tension is adjustable, so you can set the turning tighter or looser, depending on how firmly you want the layers to hold.

Colour versions

• Stickerless Bright: coloured plastic, no stickers.
• Transparent: clear plastic that lets you see how the pieces overlap inside.
• Black: black body with stickers.

The mechanism is the same in all versions. You simply choose the look and whether you prefer a stickered or stickerless puzzle.

Who is it for?

For those who have already mastered the 3x3, Skewb or Square-1 and want a puzzle with a different movement logic. The BriliCube II is not a WCA event, so it's not something you buy for speed practice. It's a great addition to a collection and an interesting challenge for anyone who enjoys figuring out new mechanisms on their own. If you're just learning your first cube, you'd be better off mastering the 3x3 first.

Specifications

• Type: shape-shifting corner-turning puzzle (8 axes)
• Manufacturer: DianSheng (Galaxy series)
• Design: Evgeniy Grigoriev
• Size: 55 mm
• Weight: approx. 91 g (puzzle only)
• Magnets: none
• Finish: no UV coating
• Adjustment: adjustable tension
• Colours: Stickerless Bright, Transparent, Black (with stickers)