SengSo 4x4 War-Drums puzzle

SengSo 4x4 War-Drums

SengSo 4x4 War-Drums is a ShengShou puzzle that looks different from a regular cube. It has a tapered, drum-like shape. The mechanism turns around 8 axes, with four layers on each axis. In terms of construction, it is closer to the FTO family of octahedra than to a cube, so 4x4 cube methods won't be enough to solve it. It comes in a stickerless bright version, made of coloured plastic with no stickers that could wear off or peel.

How it differs from a regular 4x4 cube

The 4x4 label only tells you how many layers each axis has. It doesn't mean you solve it like a classic cube. The axes of rotation are arranged like the faces of an octahedron, so the pieces move differently than in a cube. It also changes which pieces are easy to mix up. On top of that, the irregular shape makes it harder to judge what state the puzzle is in. Every turn changes its silhouette. If you haven't solved FTO-type puzzles before, be ready to work it out on your own or look for octahedron tutorials.

The War-Drums series

War-Drums is a whole series. ShengShou released it in 2x2, 3x3, 4x4 and 5x5 versions, all with a similar drum-like shape. The 4x4 version sits towards the top of the series. We don't recommend it as your first puzzle of this type. If you want to check first whether this kind of octahedron suits you, you can start with a smaller version.

Who is it for?

For cubers who can already solve classic cubes and are looking for something other than yet another cube. Collectors who want an unusual shape on their shelf will like it too. It's a puzzle to solve for fun, not a cube for setting times. A child who is just starting out is better off with a standard 3x3 cube.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: ShengShou (SengSo brand)
• Type: 8-axis octahedron puzzle, 4 layers on each axis
• Series: War-Drums (2x2, 3x3, 4x4, 5x5 versions)
• Weight: 207 g (approx. 238 g with packaging)
• Colour scheme: stickerless bright