The Phoenix Megaminx is ShengShou's proposal for cubers who have already solved several classic megaminx and want a puzzle that breaks the routine. Instead of a conventional dodecahedron, it's a shape mod with turns that combine the face axis and the edge axis, adding up to 12 rotation axes in total.

At first glance it might look like a normal megaminx, but each move rearranges pieces of three different colours per face and per edge. That distribution breaks the intuition you already have with the usual dodecahedra and turns the solve into a level 4 challenge — entertaining and much less predictable than a standard megaminx.

Jumbling and bandaging combined

The Phoenix includes jumbling (partial turns that change the puzzle's outer shape) and bandaging (moves that get blocked depending on piece position). These two mechanics combine, so the solve can't be tackled like a traditional megaminx: you first need to learn to recognise which moves are allowed in each state and which have to be discarded.

Finish and feel in hand

The stickerless version uses coloured plastic moulded directly into the pieces, so there are no stickers to peel off or wear down with continued use. At 135 grams it handles comfortably during long sessions and doesn't feel heavy in the hand, which matters in a puzzle that asks to be observed closely before each turn.

Who it's for

The Phoenix Megaminx is aimed at cubers with previous megaminx experience who want to expand their collection with an unconventional puzzle. It's not a speed cube or a daily driver: it's a puzzle to spend time with, to discover how it behaves and to enjoy the process.

If you've never solved a classic megaminx, it's worth starting with a standard one before facing this one. The combination of shape mod, jumbling and bandaging can be frustrating without a solid base. On the other hand, anyone who enjoys non-standard puzzles or is looking for something different for the shelf will find in the Phoenix an interesting challenge at a contained price.

• Shape mod based on a megaminx with 12 rotation axes
• Combines jumbling and bandaging: shape changes and certain moves get blocked
• Three colours per face and per edge for a different visual challenge
• Stickerless version: moulded plastic, no stickers to peel off
• Weight 135 g, comfortable for long sessions
• Difficulty level 4, recommended with prior megaminx experience