The Yot II is a bit thicker than the original YOT, but is otherwise identical. It is quite well made out of aluminum and has an unusual appearance that invites folks to play with it. As with the original, it has a trapped coin that you are trying to remove.
Before even getting the puzzle, I had a guess about how it would work, based on the fact that it was a bit thicker. Unfortunately, I was correct! This was a bit of a let-down, since I pretty much just took it out and opened it immediately. If you don't have this flash of inspiration, it may take a bit of time, but I think most people will come to the same conclusion fairly quickly if they are familiar with The Yot. A friend of mine who is fairly good with puzzles expressed similar disappointment when he found the solution fairly quickly.
The reason I tend to like puzzles that look similar but operate differently is that it really stretches your imagination about how many different mechanisms can be contained in a puzzle with the same appearance. In this sequel, they could have gone in a completely different direction, but it is quite similar to the original.
If you have The Yot already, it is probably not worth getting The Yot II since they are so similar. If you have neither, I'd probably recommend The Original Yot: it is cheaper and more fun to show people since you can open it right in front of them without them knowing what you did! However, if you're looking for a bit more of a challenge for yourself, you can try The The Yot II first so knowledge of the original Yot doesn't make things easier for you!
To read more, check out Jeff and Jerry's reviews of The Yot II.
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Hmm ... I have an idea for a Yot III that maybe would stump you for longer. I still have not suggested my idea to the Yot people, I have no idea if they would be interested.
ReplyDeleteI called the YOT people about 7 or 8 years ago and asked them when they would be coming out with the second edition. Very soon, they replied.
ReplyDeleteCan I be the very first purchaser of YOT II? Yes.
can you include a letter testifying to that? Yes.
Oh yeah.
Good review. Ive been wanting to get the YOT puzzle for awhile, I just couldn't decide which one to get. I think im going to go with your suggestion and get the original.
ReplyDeleteSweet George! Maybe you could prototype it on Shapeways (with metal pins if needed). I'd love to check it out!
ReplyDeleteThat's too bad, Tom! Guess they must have forgotten!
Great, Brad! Let me know how you like it!
Hi guys. I have just received the Yot 2. Not used to Puzzles but I have one that uses basically the same solution.
ReplyDeleteMy question is: how many different ways to open the Yot 2 anyone of you have found? After one night, I found ove 6 ways to open it without using the "solution" as now I have seen many. Has anyone found them too?
I guess I have two ways of doing it, but I didn't really bother looking for anything else after finding the main way. Anything interesting that could be turned into its own puzzle?
ReplyDelete