I was worried about this review since I already covered a Rubik’s product before and I didn’t feel that I could add anything more (and I thought I wouldn’t have anything to say about the 2×2 Cube back then too.)

The classic 1980’s puzzle has had a refresh adding a new dimension to the toy that has puzzled many people for years! This year try and solve it without the core with the Rubik’s Void (SSP £14.99)! Twist and turn the cube until you complete the coloured circle encapsulating the void. Without the core the puzzle intensifies and with slick movements the mechanics of this latest Cube allow you to corner cut like never before! Take on the Void and see if you come out victorious!

I’ll come clean and say that I have no idea how this thing works and that makes me distrustful. I know the jist of the mechanics behind a Rubik’s Cube but this defies everything I know and I don’t like the way it’s vacant “eyes” glare at me. Good thing I’ve got my enforcer on hand! Get it, Daigo!

Goofy pictures and visual proof that this Cube truly is hole-y aside, the first thing that I noticed was that the sections spun around very fluidly and I have to conclude that this is due to the interior workings. The rails inside glide so nicely that you can flick and twist this thing for two seconds and never find your way back to the original configuration. I can only assume that Rubik’s fanatics love this little design feature that can save milliseconds of record breaking times.

Naturally, the other thing that caught my eye was the gorgeous pinky/purple side that I’ve never seen on a regular Rubik’s Cube before. The colours and concentric ring design really pop and give this Cube a unique and interesting visual aesthetic. Thanks to the spinny fun of this new design and the vibrant colours, you can produce some very colourful and interesting patterns on your Cube and that’s a nice addition since this kind of pattern on a regular Cube might look a little dull.

Out of the two Cubes I’ve reviewed, I would definitely recommend The Void over the 2×2. It’s a bright, interesting variant on an old idea and is definitely a fun novelty desk toy for anyone and does, indeed, present a hole new challenge! I’ll catch you guys next time on Mint in Box!

The Rubik’s Cube, product of Hungarian inventor and architect Ernő Rubik, has been around for almost 40 years, leaving only the befuddlement of children and adults in its wake. It was created in 1974, licensed to the Ideal toy company in 1980 and is baffling me here in 2013. I was sent one to review and I pondered how I’d do so. Everyone knows what a Rubik’s Cube is. Everyone has seen a dozen variations on the same idea, so what could I possibly say to add to that?

Simple, I can tell you how I have no idea how to solve this damn thing. I had a perfectly fine, completed Rubik’s Cube 2×2 straight out of the packaging and, in a moment of hubris, I thought I could futz with the cube and revert it back to its original form before taking photos. GUESS WHAT HAPPENED.

I have never been able to get this back to normal. I probably never will. I have spent 3 hours at my desk trying to figure it out and failing. I have looked at various solving videos and realised I’m sort of ham-handed dullard with all the reflexes of a drowsy bear. Those guys are lightning fast and have waaaaay more smarts than me. They bang on about algorithms and systems while their fingers spin and flick the cube into perfectly solved puzzles and I’m sitting here going “Bwuuuuhhhh?”

I’ve tried all their tips (as best I can) and I’ve even enlisted the help of the finest minds at my disposal and the best I came up with is two completed sides.

I can’t even say I give up, because I know this thing will be on my desk for the rest of time and I will be idly twisting and turning in a vain attempt to recapture what was once a nice little display piece and is now a mismatched puzzle box of my own failure.

My verdict on the Rubik’s Cube 2×2? It’s a classic twist on an old idea. It’s a Rubik’s Cube, there’s not much more I can say. It’s easily the most recognisable brand of Christmas stocking stuffer for any age. You can’t beat a Rubik’s Cube for brand recognition and I’m sure they’ll be confusing, befuddling and enraging the masses, including me, for another 40 years.