The Incredible Machine 3 cover art

games like

The Incredible Machine 3

The Incredible Machine 3 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 /10OPTIMIZATION9 /10

12 games like The Incredible Machine 3

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

RollerCoaster Tycoon cover art
RollerCoaster TycoonPure Optimization · theme park sim

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

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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). Otherwise the profiles match closely.

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Cities: Skylines cover art
Cities: SkylinesPure Optimization · city builder

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: execution (1 vs 0) - No reflex demands at all.

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Factorio cover art
FactorioPure Optimization · factory automation

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: execution (1 vs 2) - Some APM in early hand-crafting; otherwise irrelevant.

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Satisfactory cover art
SatisfactoryPure Optimization · factory automation

Both lean on execution about the same (1 vs 1). Biggest difference: optimization (9 vs 10) - Ratios, logistics, and factory layout are everything.

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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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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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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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Hitman Go cover art
Hitman GoPure Optimization · turn-based puzzle

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: execution (1 vs 0) - Turn-based taps, zero dexterity

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

Both lean on execution about the same (1 vs 1). Biggest difference: optimization (9 vs 8) - Each level is a solvable movement puzzle

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Cookie Clicker cover art
Cookie ClickerPure Optimization · idle clicker

Both lean on reads about the same (0 vs 0). Biggest difference: execution (1 vs 0) - Clicking is optional past the early game

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Game details

Released
1995
Developer
Dynamix
Platforms
PC, Mac
Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
IGDB users
85/100
PuzzleStrategySandbox