The Incredible Machine 2 cover art

games like

The Incredible Machine 2

The Incredible Machine 2 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization). Below: catalogued games with the closest cheat-test profile, and exactly where each one differs.

Matched first against: Strategy - then ranked by cheat-test profile.

EXECUTION1 /10READS0 /10VARIANCE1 /10OPTIMIZATION8 /10

12 games like The Incredible Machine 2

A cross-genre tag below means that pick didn't share a genre - it filled a slot on cheat-test profile alone.

Lara Croft Go cover art
Lara Croft GoPure Optimization · turn-based puzzle game

Both lean on execution about the same (1 vs 1). Otherwise the profiles match closely.

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RollerCoaster Tycoon cover art
RollerCoaster TycoonPure Optimization · theme park sim

Both lean on execution about the same (1 vs 1). Biggest difference: optimization (8 vs 9) - Park layout, pricing, and coaster stats are solvable systems

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The Swapper cover art
The SwapperPure Optimization · puzzle platformer

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: execution (1 vs 2) - Light platforming; precision rarely gates progress

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SimCity 3000 cover art
SimCity 3000Pure Optimization · city builder

Both lean on execution about the same (1 vs 1). Biggest difference: variance (1 vs 2) - Random disasters and neighbor deal timing.

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Bloons TD 6 cover art
Bloons TD 6Pure Optimization · tower defense

Both lean on execution about the same (1 vs 1). Biggest difference: optimization (8 vs 9) - Tower placement, upgrades, and economy are near-solvable

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The Movies cover art
The MoviesPure Optimization · business simulation

Both lean on execution about the same (1 vs 1). Biggest difference: variance (1 vs 2) - Star moods and script rolls add light randomness

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Gunpoint cover art
GunpointPure Optimization · stealth puzzle

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: execution (1 vs 2) - Jump timing matters occasionally, lightly

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Kingdom Rush cover art
Kingdom RushPure Optimization · tower defense

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: execution (1 vs 2) - Light micro of hero and rally points

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The Escapists cover art
The EscapistsPure Optimization · prison escape sim

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: execution (1 vs 2) - Light timing for fights and routine windows

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Graveyard Keeper cover art
Graveyard KeeperPure Optimization · management sim

Both lean on execution about the same (1 vs 1). Biggest difference: variance (1 vs 2) - Minor drop randomness

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Forager cover art
ForagerPure Optimization · crafting idle sandbox

Both lean on execution about the same (1 vs 1). Biggest difference: variance (1 vs 2) - Minor drop randomness, quickly irrelevant

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Loom cover art
LoomPure Optimization · point-and-click adventure

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: execution (1 vs 2) - Musical spell sequences require accurate note input under light pressure

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Game details

Released
1994
Developer
Jeff Tunnell Productions
Platforms
PC, Mac, DOS
Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
IGDB users
85/100
PuzzleStrategy