MF8 Crazy Octahedron 3 cube

MF8 Crazy Octahedron 3

MF8 Crazy Octahedron 3 (also known as Crazy Octahedron III) is the third version of MF8's eight-sided puzzle from the Crazy series. It is shaped like an octahedron and turns by its faces (face-turning), just like an FTO. The difference is that in the middle of each of the eight faces there is a round ring (circle) which, in the standard setting, does not turn together with its face. This means solving it requires a different approach than a regular octahedron.

How the rings work in this octahedron

In Crazy-type puzzles, the ring setting is described by a value of 0 or 1. A value of 0 means the ring stays in place when you turn its face. A value of 1 means it turns together with the face. Out of the box, the rings are set to 0. You can change them to 1, but you have to partially disassemble the puzzle to do so, so it's not an adjustment you can make in a few seconds.

In version III, each ring consists of 7 pieces, and there is also a center piece in the middle of each face. The cuts are deeper than in V2, so every turn also moves the centers. That means there are more pieces to keep track of than in the previous versions.

V1, V2 or V3?

All three versions are octahedra with rings, but their faces are built differently. In V1, the ring consists of 6 pieces and there is no center. V3 has 7 pieces in the ring and a center on each face, plus the deepest cuts in the whole series. If you want to have all versions in your collection, V3 has the most complex design. If you are just starting out with octahedra, it will be easier to begin with a regular FTO.

Who is it for?

This is a puzzle for relaxed solving and for collectors, not a cube for timed speedcubing. It will be the most fun for people who already solve unusual puzzles, ideally octahedra or other models from the Crazy series, and who enjoy working out algorithms on their own. For a child's first puzzle, it's better to choose a classic 3x3 cube or a Pyraminx and save the Crazy Octahedron 3 for later.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: MF8
• Type: face-turning octahedron with rings (Crazy series)
• Version: III (7 pieces in each ring and a center on each face)
• Ring setting: 0 out of the box, can be changed to 1 after disassembly
• Color: Primary