Hanayama Enigma

First things first, this puzzle says "these pieces have a secret: each time their arrangement is changed when recreating the original shape, the solution changes." This is mostly false. It's true that the pieces can be put together in different ways, however the solution is the same no matter how they are assembled. It might *technically* be different, but not in any meaningful way. In terms of build quality: This is a great piece. It looks good, fees heavy and strong. Mine came slightly scuffed up, but it's very minimal to the point where you wouldn't notice unless you were examining the finish of the pieces. The puzzle is smooth and built to last. In terms of the puzzle: This is my first ever puzzle of this type, so I wanted to start strong with a difficult challenge. That's why I bought this puzzle, it is rated 6 of 6. I was able to take this puzzle apart and put it back together within 20 minutes. I'm a little disappointed because I was expecting it to take me an hour or more, but maybe my expectations were set too high. I wish I hadn't read the puzzle's theme before attempting to solve it, as the theme served as a one-word hint which made the puzzle a little easier. The theme is given on one of the paper inserts describing the puzzle that comes with the packaging. I found this puzzle on Puzzle Master and they give it a 9/10 difficulty rating, so if you are looking for the hardest Hanayama cast puzzle I suggest you try the hourglass puzzle. That one gets a 10/10 difficulty rating and is a common result I found when searching online for the most difficult Hanayama puzzle. I can't personally attest to its difficulty, however I liked this square puzzle enough that I've already purchased the hourglass puzzle. At around $10, this isn't a bad deal. You'll get at least 30 minutes of enjoyment and a cool puzzle to toy around with and show to friends. Overall, I'm satisfied with this puzzle though I do with it were more challenging.

Not sure I would rate this one's difficulty at level 6, which is supposed to be the hardest puzzles they make. That being said, it was fun to do decipher and it also makes a great fidget toy once you figure out the solution. All of the Hanayama products are extremely well made with exacting tolerances. I have gotten pretty much every one that is available on Amazon and I have not had an issue with any of them being slightly off on the dimensions which then breaks the puzzle.

I buy these for stocking stuffers during the holidays. They are great little gifts that everyone enjoys. They look great, they are difficult to solve depending on the item you purchase, and are overall quality pieces. If you like puzzles, these are definitely worth a try!

It really is a unique device, fits in the palm and is hard but perplexing to figure out simply because there is not very many moving parts. It is a cool nick-nack which can be figured if held for some time and dimensions understood. The metal is a nice material which has faint engravings throughout its body, if I recall correctly.. Enjoy this if these masterful brain busters are your collection or forte. Very interesting to understand the dynamics of this physical object combined together which lasso reality in challenging ways, though not undermined of natural dimensions. Believe it to be a chain hanging loosely upon the open lock over our world. Twist and turn to reveal the simplicity which greatness of freedom lives upon. When you first pick this one up it appears that all the pieces are identical but in reality they are not - they are actually 2 pairs of identically shaped pieces and within each pair 1 piece has the maker's name stamped and the other has Quartet stamped on it. Initial attempts rapidly lead to the conclusion that this is not going to be a quickie! One movement is possible on either of the pairs (one easily and one with more difficulty) and after this you meet a dead end! At this point it dawned on me that being systematic may be important - I decided to try each of these movements with the other pieces starting in different positions. I decided to try each of these movements with the other pieces starting in different positions but now moving in different directions! Many things are possible and they all seem to end up more or less with the same impasse! At some point during this laborious trawl through multiple orientations and directions I managed to get 2 pieces rotated, progress 8) Again I could go no further and this time I struggled to put it back the way it came! So far I had been at it for about a week (not continuously, you dope! I do eat and drink and unfortunately have to work! about 3 or 4 hours in total). Just try not to drop it around

Don't watch video if you want to solve it yourself. Very difficult and fun! This is the most difficult puzzle I've solved. Had a really fun time with it, the first 10minutes it felt impossible. I didn't time myself but it probably took me an hour of play time to solve it and I'm by no means a good puzzle solver. Mastering it took probably another 30mins, I can now take it apart and back together under a minute. Was good times, highly recommend if you like solving puzzles. Don't watch video if you want to solve it yourself.

My review is a response to what many have described as their biggest gripe with this puzzle: I understand frustration. I also know that my strength becomes hulk like when pitted against a tiny adversary that won’t give up easily. Hard won experience has taught me the proper approach to take when tackling a difficult nut and bolt situation. Most of the time, a gentle hand is all the strength needed to thread Nuts on Bolts. And guess what has happened when I have taken the “I’m bigger than you!” tact when a bolt doesn’t want to screw on? Yea, that’s right. I’ve know the definition of cross-threaded when I was four. This puzzle was created to teach people, who otherwise would have never been exposed to the handyman life, how easy easy it is to cross-thread a nut and bolt. I’ve solved one or two of these Hanayama puzzles, and my biggest takeaway is the solution never requires strength. (Think about the physique of a typical puzzle-solver, and the stupidity of creating a puzzle that requires the user be able to bench their own weight) <— not gonna happen! If after the casting process, when the threads are cut (I suspect on a CNC) they used stricter tolerance, the puzzle wouldn’t be as susceptible to cross-threading. Why they don’t do that is a mystery to me. The only guess I have is for cost reduction. The same could be said for the nut size in relation to the bolt. I suspect the solvability isn’t changed either way if the nut and bolt fit wasn’t as sloppy. So yea… this thing is cool, and I’d buy it again. I was able to solve it in about ten minutes. Maybe I got lucky. Scratch that. I’m not going to lie to you. I got lucky. I’m kind of a halfwit, and if I were you, I’d ignore everything I’ve written here. And if you’re still reading this, then the joke’s on you buddy!! Ha!

I love Hanayama puzzles like this. They feel good in your hands, and it's a great feeling of accomplishment when you solve it the first time. Then, after you do it 5 or 10 times, you can do it so quickly and amaze people! They also look really nice displayed on a desk or shelf.

On a whim I decided to purchase two of these Level 6 Hanayama puzzles. I chose the Infinity and the Square. I first had my goal of solving Infinity first as that one appealed to me the most. After maybe an hour of fiddling around with it off and on I was able solve it - I never done puzzles like this or "mind teasers" this is my first one. Having said that I would challenge anyone to solve this under 30 minutes. Out of the 2 I can see Infinity being my favorite out of the other Level 6s Hanayama offers, but I may be surprised in the future.. I read some other Amazon reviews and remember reading the "News" can just fall apart in your hands.. Well unfortunately I kind of had a similar experience with the Square. I will say however the hint in the box is a bit too much and led to this happening. I would recommend not reading the hint! I believe the Infinity had no such hint that was in the box. (although it wouldn't help because its an entirely different take on a puzzle). After the the Square fell apart, it was more challenging putting it back together but I felt this puzzle was more "frustrating" then logic provoking. The quality of both puzzles are very well made, nicely durable and they have a nice weight to them, The overall quality makes it worthwhile to spend time on solving these and you wouldn't ever have to worry about breaking it while trying to solve them. I will definitely will be purchasing more! The Infinity is a great puzzle and would love to see if another Level 6 is just as good as this one!

This is a tricky puzzle, but once you get the hang of it you try to solve it faster.

Interesante y entretenido juego en nivel 6

Es dificil de resolver y muy entretenido. La calidad del metal es optimo y no se maltrata con facilidad.

Ainda vou resolver, mas parece promissor.

My son loves these puzzles. I got him some level 6s for Christmas and he is still working on them. I find them a little pricey but they are solid construction and do keep these young adults entertained. Good thing they have a leaflet w all of the models offered.... I cross them off as time goes on, so I don't buy the same ones again.