Anyone who has own a beginner’s magic kit before is likely to have seen the number cards which Numberic is based on. Basically, the original effect uses a few cards that has numbers on it. Spectators will choose a number and the magician will flash the cards 1 at a time to the spectator and ask if that number is in that particular card. This is repeated until the cards are exhausted and the magician will be able to tell the identity of the card. Numberic is the same except that this is in 3D version on a Rubik’s 5×5 cube.
When I first saw this prop, I was fascinated by the design as it’s a Rubik’s cube with numbers on it. However, when I realized what the effect was, I was rather disappointed. Numberic comes with a link to watch the video. I was probably very tired and I fell asleep 3 times and had to rewind it to watch from where I doze off. A friend came to visit me, so I stopped watching it. After he left, I continued to watch, this time without falling asleepJ. The video was rather dry and the way Taiwan Ben speaks is too slow for me, explanations are repeated many times and the “variations” are very similar. The effect is based on an easy system in which you have to remember. Once you get that down, you are good to go. Method is very easy, much like the original card version. There are a few routines taught but I felt that the routines are too similar to each other.
When I first opened up the package, the first thing that came to mind was what if I screw up the cube and can’t solve it? Well, Taiwan Ben has a set of instructions on how to take the cube apart and assemble it back (many of us is probably already very experienced in taking apart Rubik’s cube J)
In summary, while the effect is easy, there is a high chance that the spectators will think that the method involve some sort of mathematics formula. I wouldn’t use this effect but I know some people would. You’d need a very interesting presentation to impress your spectator.
Rating 6/10. I think Taiwan Ben has probably spent a lot of time coming out with this product, though this is a simple effect, I think the workings behind is brilliant.
