ShengShou 4x4 Mastermorphix

ShengShou 4x4 Mastermorphix

ShengShou 4x4 Mastermorphix is a shape mod puzzle. Inside, it runs on a 4x4 cube mechanism, but on the outside it has the shape of a rounded regular tetrahedron. Some shops sell it under the name Megamorphix. It is the bigger sibling of the classic Mastermorphix, which is based on a 3x3. It comes in a stickerless bright version, meaning it is made of coloured plastic with no stickers.

What makes it challenging

Mechanically it is a regular 4x4 cube, so you can solve it with the reduction method. Once scrambled, however, the pieces change shape and stick out at different angles. That means it is not only about colour but also about whether a piece is oriented correctly. Because of this, recognising pieces takes longer than on a regular cube. On top of that, you get the parities known from the 4x4, and in some cases the centers have to be placed in the correct orientation, not just in the right colour position. Users say it takes some getting used to, but after a few solves recognition becomes much easier.

How it turns

According to user reviews, the puzzle can feel dry out of the box, and it turns noticeably smoother once lubed. You can change the tension with the adjustment screws. Don't loosen them too much, though, because a puzzle with such an unusual shape and size will then pop more easily while turning. This is a puzzle for solving for fun and for collecting, not a cube for setting records. It is not legal for official WCA competitions.

Who is it for?

For someone who can already solve a 4x4 and knows the parities, and now wants to try something different from yet another cube. If you haven't tried morphix-type puzzles before, you can start with the regular 3x3-based Mastermorphix and move on to the 4x4 version afterwards. It is also a great addition to a collection of shape-shifting puzzles.

Specifications

• Type: Mastermorphix 4x4 (Megamorphix), shape mod on a 4x4 mechanism
• Manufacturer: ShengShou
• Shape: rounded regular tetrahedron
• Size: approx. 76 mm
• Weight: approx. 139 g
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Colour scheme: stickerless bright
• WCA competition legal: no