FangShi Morpho Marinita

FangShi Morpho Marinita

FangShi Morpho Marinita (also sold as LimCube Morpho Marinita) is a shape-shifting puzzle built on a Skewb mechanism. Besides the regular Skewb turns, it also has edge turns, like a Curvy Copter, plus extra cuts perpendicular to the faces. This lets you scramble it in jumbling mode: after a few moves it loses its cube shape, and some moves become blocked (bandaging). Put simply, it's a Skewb extended in Mix-Up style.

What makes it challenging

The corner pieces have openings that show part of the piece underneath. This means you also have to solve the inside of the puzzle, and the colour of each outer piece must match the colour of the piece beneath it. The outer layer can look solved while the puzzle is still unsolved.

The cuts suggest a 2x2 mechanism, but 2x2-style turns aren't possible here. People who know the Morpho series consider the Marinita the hardest of the whole family. The other models are Aureola, Helena, Deidamia and Helenor Octavia.

How it turns

This is not a smooth speedcubing cube. Turning one layer can block the edge turns, so the puzzle often resists and lockups are common. This is a feature of the design, not a defect of a particular unit. Turn it calmly and precisely. Adjustment screws let you set the tension.

Who is it for?

For experienced collectors and fans of unusual puzzles who are no longer surprised by a regular Skewb or shape mods. You'll enjoy this puzzle if you like figuring out mechanisms and working with blocking moves. For a first puzzle or a gift for a beginner, choose a simpler model from the Morpho series or a classic Skewb. The Marinita is not legal for official WCA competitions.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: FangShi (LimCube)
• Type: shape-shifting puzzle based on a Skewb mechanism, with edge turns
• Size: approx. 65 mm
• Weight: approx. 169 g
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Colour: Stickerless Bright
• WCA competition legal: no
• In the box: puzzle