Fanxin Dinosaur

Fanxin Dinosaur 2x2x3

Fanxin Dinosaur is a series of dinosaur-shaped puzzles. Each figure works like a 2x2x3 cube, which makes it a shape mod: the mechanism of a well-known puzzle hidden inside an unusual shape. After a few moves, the dinosaur turns into a shapeless block, and solving it means restoring its original look. Instead of matching colors, you focus on the shape. The series includes six species: T-Rex, Stegosaurus, Diplodocus, Ankylosaurus, Parasaurolophus and Styracosaurus.

How it solves

The figure turns exactly like a regular 2x2x3 cube. The top and bottom layers turn by 90 degrees, while the side faces turn only by 180 degrees. Reviewers note that it turns smoothly and feels stable right out of the box. Still, it is a puzzle for fun and relaxed solving, not a speedcubing cube. It has no magnets and no tension adjustment.

The lack of colors makes it a bit harder. The pieces differ only in shape, so you need to look carefully to see where each part of a leg, tail or back belongs. If you can solve a 2x2x2 or a 3x3, you will figure it out quickly, as the methods are similar.

Color variants

The figures are single-colored, and each species has its own color. In the shop, you can choose from these variants: Cyan, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Light Blue. You can see which dinosaur species comes in each color in the product photos. Several different figures look great together on a shelf, which is why the series is popular with shape mod collectors.

Who is it for?

For kids who love dinosaurs and want to try something different from a classic cube. It also makes a great gift or a new addition to a collection of unusual puzzles. The youngest solvers who have never solved a cube before may need some help from an adult at first. Some customers say that restoring the shape after scrambling can be harder than the figure's look suggests.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Fanxin
• Type: dinosaur-shaped 2x2x3 puzzle (shape mod)
• Solving: restoring the shape, stickerless
• Magnets: none
• Dimensions: approx. 7.5 x 7.5 x 8.1 cm
• Colors: Cyan, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Light Blue