Lee Crazy 2x3x3 Ghost Cube

Lee Crazy 2x3x3 Ghost Cube

Lee Crazy 2x3x3 Ghost Cube is a handmade mod by Lee that combines two ideas. The first is the Crazy 2x3x3 mechanism. The second is the ghost cube, a puzzle that stops looking like a cube after just a few moves. Inside is a Crazy 2x3x3 cuboid. 3D-printed pieces are glued onto its parts, and when solved they form a shape close to a cube. The version available in our shop has a black body.

What makes it challenging

On a regular 2x3x3 cuboid, the top and bottom layers turn normally, while the side faces turn 180 degrees. The Crazy version adds a circular piece to the centers of the 3x3 faces. How it behaves when you turn a layer depends on your previous moves. Sometimes the whole face turns, and other times only the part around the circle moves. So you need to keep track not only of where the pieces are, but also of the current state of these centers.

The ghost mod adds shape-shifting on top of that. The printed pieces come in different sizes, so every move changes the shape, and you recognize the pieces mainly by their shape rather than their color. Algorithms for a regular 2x3x3 will only help partially. At the end, you have to match the shapes so that they form a cube again.

Build and handling

This is a handmade mod, not a cube made in a factory mold. The printed pieces are glued onto the parts of the base puzzle, so expect small differences in finish from one unit to another. The puzzle has no magnets and is not meant for fast turning. It's best to turn it calmly and not force the layers if something gets stuck. If one of the printed pieces comes off, you can usually glue it back on.

Who is it for?

For those who can already solve cuboids and shape-shifting puzzles, such as the Mirror Cube or a regular ghost cube, and are looking for something harder. It's also an interesting addition to a collection of unusual puzzles. For a first puzzle, including one for a child, it's better to choose something simpler.

Specifications

• Type: shape-shifting 2x3x3 cuboid (ghost cube)
• Manufacturer: Lee (handmade mod)
• Base mechanism: Crazy 2x3x3
• Size: approx. 65.5 mm (6.3 x 6.16 x 6.1 cm)
• Body color: black
• Magnets: none