FangShi Morpho Aureola

FangShi Morpho Aureola

FangShi Morpho Aureola is a puzzle from the Morpho series by FangShi (LimCube). In international puzzle databases it is also listed as the Curvy Copter Extreme. From the outside it looks like a rounded cube, but its faces don't turn like a 3x3. Instead, the layers turn around the corner axes, as on a Skewb, and around the edge axes, as on a Helicopter Cube. Size approx. 66 mm, stickerless bright version, no magnets.

How this puzzle works

The edge pieces are divided by extra cuts. This means you can stop a helicopter move halfway and interrupt it with a skewb move. The move sequence is therefore much more flexible than on a regular Helicopter Cube, and the puzzle takes on fairly irregular shapes once scrambled. That's why it falls into the shape-shifting puzzle category.

Skewb moves are usually smooth. For edge moves, the pieces need to be well aligned, otherwise they may catch. It's best to turn calmly and precisely, without forcing it. This is typical of complex shape mods. It isn't a puzzle for fast, timed turning.

Tension adjustment

Tension is set with adjustment screws. Right out of the box you can tune it to your liking: looser for lighter turning, or tighter so the pieces shift out of place less.

Who is it for?

Morpho Aureola is a puzzle for people who already know the Skewb and want to try something with helicopter moves. It is solved similarly to the MF8 Skewby Copter Plus or the MF8 Twins Cube, but has a simpler design, so it works well as your first encounter with this type of puzzle. It also makes a great addition to a collection alongside other Morpho series models. It is not approved for official WCA competitions. For a child's first cube, a classic 3x3 is a better choice.

Specifications

• Type: shape-shifting puzzle (shape mod), skewb and helicopter moves
• Manufacturer: FangShi (LimCube)
• Series: Morpho
• Size: approx. 66 mm
• Weight: approx. 179 g
• Magnets: none
• Tension adjustment: adjustment screws
• Colour: stickerless bright
• Release year: 2019
• Official WCA competitions: no
• Included: puzzle