Cubist

The Rubik’s Cube is not just a brain teaser, and it can even account as a sport, with individuals attempting to hold records for solving it in the shortest time possible. If you don’t already won one, you might want to know there are various computer programs which simulate a cube, which is the case with Cubist.

A cool thing about it is portability. On the one hand, it saves you a great deal of time and effort otherwise required to go through a setup process, making it possible to carry it around on a thumb drive. On the other hand, the target computer needs to be fitted with Java Runtime Environment to enable functionality.

The visual design is pretty intuitive, with a large section in which the solvable cube is found, as well as a side panel which holds a set of controls. On the bright side of things, you don’t have to rely on the mouse alone, because the application also comes with a set of predefined hotkeys to move sides from the cube.

The cube initially comes solved, but there is a function which can shuffle the cube, and you can hit the button another time for greater randomization. The set of controls also holds functions to switch single cells, rows, or even entire sides.

You might find the default set of keyboard controls a little difficult. Luckily, you are free to change hotkey commands to your liking. The application mostly aims to develop your strategy skill, since you can’t set a record through hotkeys. There isn’t even a game mode or a timer to make practice a bit more fun.

Cubist is a fun way to pass the time, especially if you’re a fan of the Rubik’s Cube. although there’s no option to track your record or time your skills, the set of controls, both from the interface and keyboard mostly make up for everything.