MF8 Crazy Octahedron II Plus Mars

MF8 Crazy Octahedron II Plus Mars

This is an octahedron from the Crazy series, which MF8 releases together with DaYan. It is based on the face-turning octahedron (FTO), an octahedron in which each of the eight faces turns. It also has center pieces. In the Mars version, the faces have round pieces (circles). Because of them, the MF8 Crazy Octahedron II Plus Mars solves differently from a classic FTO. The puzzle is stickerless, so the colors are in the plastic and there are no stickers that could wear off.

What makes the Mars version different

The Crazy Octahedron II Plus series comes in six versions: Standard, Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars and Saturn. The shape and overall construction are the same; the difference lies in the pieces on the faces. The Standard version has no circles. In the other versions, including Mars, some circles turn together with the layer, while others stay in place when you turn a face. This arrangement determines how you need to approach solving. You can recognize the Mars version by the planet symbol on one of the pieces.

How it solves

If you know the Crazy 3x3 Plus, you will quickly understand the principle. A circle connected to the layer turns together with it. If a circle is not connected to the layer, the center stays in place and only the pieces around it move. However, the octahedron has more faces and pieces than a cube, so it is hardly an easy puzzle. It is best tackled once you have already solved a regular FTO or another puzzle from the Crazy series.

Opinions about this series are fairly consistent. The faces turn smoothly, but catching can occur if you don't align the layers carefully. If you turn too forcefully, corners can pop out or twist. If reassembled incorrectly, the puzzle may become unsolvable. With an edge of approx. 98 mm, it is a fairly large puzzle.

Who is it for?

For puzzle collectors and people who enjoy unusual puzzles and want to take on something harder than WCA cubes. This is not a speedcubing cube or a first purchase. As a gift, it will suit an older child who has already mastered the 3x3 cube and other puzzles.

Specifications

• Type: face-turning octahedron (FTO) with circles, Crazy series
• Manufacturer: MF8 (in cooperation with DaYan)
• Version: Mars
• Color scheme: stickerless bright
• Edge length: approx. 98 mm
• Weight: approx. 220 g (without packaging)