ZePuzzles Squished 3x3 (Tiled)

ZePuzzles Squished 3x3 (Tiled)

It looks like a 3x3 cube that has been flattened in a press, yet it solves just like a regular 3x3. ZePuzzles Squished 3x3 (Tiled) is a 3D-printed shape mod with a classic 3x3 mechanism underneath. Its real character only shows after the first few moves: the layers start sticking out at different angles and the whole puzzle changes shape.

How to solve the Squished 3x3

Algorithms work exactly the same as on a standard cube. The difficulty lies elsewhere: the distorted geometry makes it much harder to recognize pieces and their orientation. The faces aren't regular squares, so habits built on a regular 3x3 sometimes fail you, and you need to look more carefully at each piece. Any 3x3 solving method is enough, but your first solve will usually take noticeably longer than on a normal cube.

Tiles instead of stickers

The colors are on plastic tiles, not vinyl stickers. Tiles are more durable and handle frequent solving better than regular stickers. On a cube with irregular faces this matters, because stickers on the edges of pieces chip and peel off more easily.

Black or Black/White?

• Black – black body with tiles in the classic six-color scheme. It's the easier one to start with, as the colors help you recognize the pieces.
• Black/White – black body with white tiles. All faces are the same color, so you solve it by shape alone, similar to the Mirror Cube. This is the harder version, for those who have already tackled their first shape mods or a Mirror Cube.

Who is it for?

For anyone who can solve a 3x3 and is looking for a different kind of challenge than beating their times, as well as for shape mod collectors. It's a puzzle, not a speed cube, so it's not worth comparing it with magnetic training cubes. If you can't solve a regular 3x3 yet, it's better to start with a standard cube and come back to the Squished later.

Specifications

• Type: shape-shifting puzzle (3x3 shape mod)
• Manufacturer: ZePuzzles
• Construction: 3D-printed, PETG material
• Color marking: tiles (stickerless)
• Dimensions: approx. 10 x 8.4 x 5.1 cm
• Weight: approx. 158 g
• Variants: Black (tiles in 6 colors), Black/White (white tiles)