ShengShou Phoenix Megaminx

ShengShou Phoenix Megaminx

ShengShou Phoenix Megaminx is a Megaminx shape mod released by ShengShou in 2019. It has only three colors: one on the top face, another on the bottom face and a third on the rest of the puzzle. That makes it look simple at first glance. The difficulty only shows once you start solving, because it is a jumbling puzzle with bandaging, and puzzles like this can surprise even people who know the regular Megaminx well.

What makes it difficult

Some moves feel like ordinary face turns, familiar from simpler cubes. However, the Phoenix also allows extra moves, known as jumbling. After these turns, pieces end up in unusual positions and the puzzle itself changes shape. On top of that there is bandaging: depending on the current state, some moves are blocked at a given moment. The puzzle has 12 axes of rotation.

Many pieces look the same, so solving can be fairly relaxed. Buyers point out, however, that some pieces are almost, but not quite, symmetrical. This makes it easy to get their orientation wrong, and one reviewer also mentions parity near the end of the solve.

How it turns

This is a puzzle for slow, thoughtful solving, not for speedsolving. Opinions on the turning itself are mixed. Some people praise the smooth turns, while others say that after scrambling the faces barely stick out from the puzzle and you have to align them precisely to turn, as there is practically no corner cutting. A new puzzle can be quite stiff and dry. Loosening it slightly and adding a little lube to the mechanism helps. The puzzle has no magnets.

Who is it for?

For collectors, shape mod fans and anyone who enjoys a challenge. Especially for those who have never solved a jumbling puzzle and want to try this type of puzzle without spending a lot. For your first Megaminx, it is better to choose a classic model. The Phoenix is also not allowed in official WCA competitions.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: ShengShou
• Type: Megaminx shape mod, jumbling, bandaging
• Colors: 3, stickerless version (Stickerless Bright)
• Size: approx. 70 mm
• Weight: approx. 136 g
• Magnets: none
• Release year: 2019
• Official competitions: no
• In the box: puzzle