The Incredible Machine 2
| Industry | Video game development |
|---|---|
| Founder | Jeff Tunnell |
The Incredible Machine 2 is a puzzle game released in 1994, developed by Jeff Tunnell Productions and distributed by Sierra On-Line for the DOS platform. In 1995, it was reissued for Mac OS and Windows under the title The Incredible Machine Version 3.0, which was also promoted as Professor Tim's Incredible Machines. This Version 3.0 contained the original levels from The Incredible Machine 2 but introduced a refined interface along with additional elements such as CD audio tracks. The franchise, including this edition, was later included in collections like the 2009 The Incredible Machine Mega Pack.
Gameplay
With The Incredible Machine 2, the series received an expansion featuring new puzzles, an extended selection of components, a revamped user interface, improved visuals, enhanced sound effects, and music. It also introduced a two-player hotseat mode. A key advancement was made in the "freeform" mode, allowing users to design fully functional puzzles that included specific objectives to achieve. This release marked the most substantial gameplay progression within the series; subsequent versions mainly concentrated on adapting the game to newer systems with slight enhancements in graphics and audio, without incorporating new parts.
Reception
Gary Meredith from PC Gamer US commended The Incredible Machine 2 as a superior successor to the original, emphasizing its expanded options and versatility that delivered both challenge and satisfaction. The title earned the Computer Gaming World Readers' Choice accolade for best "Classics/Puzzles" game in 1995. Furthermore, it received a perfect score of 4 out of 4 from PC Magazine.
Reviews
- Computer Gaming World - April 1995
- PC Player (Germany) - December 1994
- PC Games - December 1995