Meffert Venus Cube

Meffert Venus Cube

Meffert Venus Cube is a 3x3 shape mod. Inside, it runs on a standard 3x3 mechanism, but from the outside that's hard to tell. The corners, edges and centers have unusual shapes and overlap one another, so the boundaries between pieces don't follow straight lines. The puzzle was designed by Evgeniy Grigoriev. It started out as a 3D-printed puzzle called the Fluffy Cube, and Meffert's later brought it into mass production as the Venus Cube, with slightly rounded (pillowed) faces. The version on offer has a black body with colored stickers.

How to solve it

The moves are exactly the same as on a 3x3 cube, so the method you already know is all you need. The challenge is visual. The pieces overlap, so once the puzzle is scrambled it's harder to see where one piece ends and the next begins. Your first few solves will take more concentration, even if you can solve a 3x3 with ease.

According to user reviews, the cube turns properly out of the box and handles a small amount of corner cutting. Some copies can be quite stiff at first, and lube makes a clear difference. Because of the overlapping pieces, turning isn't as light as on a typical Meffert's puzzle. This is not a speedcubing cube, and there's no point comparing it to magnetic 3x3s.

Who is it for?

For anyone who can already solve a 3x3 cube and wants something different from yet another speed 3x3. The Venus Cube doesn't require learning any new algorithms, yet it makes you look at the cube in a new way. It's also a great addition to a shape mod collection, as it looks completely different from a regular 3x3 on the shelf. If you can't solve a 3x3 yet, it's better to start with a classic cube and come back to the Venus Cube later.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3 shape mod (3x3 mechanism)
• Manufacturer: Meffert's
• Design: Evgeniy Grigoriev
• Other design name: Fluffy Cube
• Shape: cube with rounded faces, overlapping pieces
• Body color: black, stickers