The ShengShou Phoenix Megaminx is a shape modification (shape mod) of the megaminx: it starts from the 12-faced dodecahedron but changes how the pieces are cut and how it turns. It uses only three colours and allows turns on both the faces and the edges, which makes it more of a collector’s puzzle than a speed puzzle.

• BrandShengShou
• TypeShape-modded megaminx
• Turning axes12, through the faces and the edges
• Colours3, random combination
• WeightAbout 135 g

How it works

As well as the usual face turns, it allows turns on axes that pass through the edges. That introduces two phenomena: jumbling, where some partial turns change the outer shape of the puzzle, and bandaging, where certain pieces become joined and block some moves depending on the position. That is why it is not solved like a conventional megaminx, even though at first glance it looks simple, with only three colours.

Finish

It is stickerless (no stickers: the colour is in the plastic itself). Each unit combines three of the six standard colours chosen at random, so the colour scheme may not match the one in the photos.

What level it suits

It suits puzzle enthusiasts who already know the megaminx and want something different. It is not an official competition puzzle, nor is it designed for bringing times down.