head to head
vs
Cookie ClickervsThe Incredible Machine 3
Cookie Clicker leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Incredible Machine 3 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Cookie ClickerThe Incredible Machine 3
Axis by axis
Execution0 vs 1
The Incredible Machine 3 leans harder on execution: Placing parts is untimed, no dexterity needed
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance2 vs 1
Cookie Clicker leans harder on variance: Golden cookie timing randomness
Optimization9 vs 9
Even - both lean on optimization about the same.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.