View source for The Incredible Machine

{{For-multi|the original video game|The Incredible Machine (1993 video game){{!}}''The Incredible Machine'' (1993 video game)|other uses}}
{{Infobox video game series
|title = The Incredible Machine
|image = [[File:The Incredible Machine 3.png|250px]]
|caption = ''The Incredible Machine'' 3.0
|developer = Kevin Ryan<br>[[Dynamix]]
|publisher = Dynamix<br>[[Sierra On-Line]]
|genre = [[Puzzle video game|Puzzle]]
|platforms = [[MS-DOS]], [[3DO Interactive Multiplayer|3DO]], [[FM Towns]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/Neo_Kobe_Fujitsu_FM_Towns_2016-02-25|title=FM Towns ROM Archive}} The Incredible Machine FM Towns ROM.</ref> [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Macintosh]], [[iOS]]
|creator = Kevin Ryan
|first release version = ''[[The Incredible Machine (1993 video game)|The Incredible Machine]]''
|first release date= 1993
|latest release version = ''The Incredible Machine''
|latest release date = 2011
}}

'''''The Incredible Machine''''' ('''''TIM''''') is a series of computer games in which players create a series of [[Rube Goldberg machine|Rube Goldberg devices]]. They were originally designed and coded by Kevin Ryan and produced by [[Jeff Tunnell]], the now-defunct Jeff Tunnell Productions, and published by [[Dynamix]]; the 1993 through 1995 versions had the same development team, but the later 2000–2001 games have different designers. All versions were published by [[Sierra Entertainment]]. The entire series and intellectual property were acquired by [[Jeff Tunnell]]-founded PushButton Labs in October 2009.<ref name="Shacknews 2009-10-01">{{cite news|last=Breckon|first=Nick|date=1 October 2009|title=PushButton Labs Acquires The Incredible Machine IP, Pushes Series onto GOG|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/60702/pushbutton-labs-acquires-the-incredible|newspaper=[[Shacknews]]|access-date=18 October 2014}}</ref> PushButton Labs was later acquired by [[Playdom]], itself a division of [[Disney Interactive]], so as of now the rights are held by [[The Walt Disney Company]].

A new game by Jeff Tunnell, called ''[[#Contraption Maker|Contraption Maker]]'', is the spiritual successor to the ''Incredible Machine'' series. It was produced by Spotkin Games, a company founded by Jeff Tunnell, and features the same developers of the original ''Incredible Machine''. The game was released through Steam for Windows and OS X on July 7, 2014.<ref name="cm-release">{{cite web | url=http://contraptionmaker.com/goodbye-early-access-hello-1-0/ | title=Goodbye Early Access, Hello 1.0! | publisher=Contraption Maker Blog | date=7 July 2014 | access-date=22 July 2014 | archive-date=27 July 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727012407/http://contraptionmaker.com/goodbye-early-access-hello-1-0/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Gameplay==
The general goal of the games is to create a series of [[Rube Goldberg machine|Rube Goldberg devices]]: arrange a given collection of objects in a needlessly complex fashion so as to perform some simple task, such as "put the ball into a box" or "start a mixer and turn on a fan". Available objects range from simple ropes and pulleys to [[electrical generator]]s, [[bowling]] balls, and even [[cat]]s and [[mouse|mice]] to humans, most of which have specific interactions with or reactions to other objects: for example, mice will run towards nearby cheese, and light sources placed next to a [[magnifying glass]] will ignite [[Candle wick|wick]]s. Levels have a set of fixed objects that cannot be moved by the player, and the player must solve the puzzle by carefully arranging a provided set of objects around the fixed items. There is also a "freeform" option that allows the user to "play" with all the objects with no set goal or to also build their own puzzles with goals for other players to attempt to solve.

Notably, the games simulate not only the physical interactions between objects but also ambient effects like varying [[air pressure]] and [[gravity]]. The [[game engine|engine]] does not use a [[random number generator]] in its physics simulation, ensuring that the results for any given machine are [[Deterministic system|deterministic]].

==Games==
The series includes four core games and a "Toon" spin-off, with multiple iterations published of the earliest titles:

*''[[The Incredible Machine (1993 video game)|The Incredible Machine]]'' (1993, [[MS-DOS]], [[3DO]])
**''[[The Even More Incredible Machine]]'' (1993, MS-DOS, [[Windows]], Mac)
*''[[Sid & Al's Incredible Toons]]'' (1993, MS-DOS)
*''[[The Incredible Machine 2]]'' (1994, MS-DOS, Windows, Mac)
**''[[The Incredible Machine 2|The Incredible Machine Version 3.0]]'' (1995, Windows, Mac)
*''[[The Incredible Toon Machine]]'' (1994, Windows, Mac)
*''[[Arthur to Astaroth no Nazomakaimura: Incredible Toons]]'' (1996, PlayStation, Saturn)
*''[[Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions]]'' (2000, Windows, Mac)
**''[[The Incredible Machine: Even More Contraptions]]'' (2001, Windows, Mac, [[Palm OS]])
*''The Incredible Machine'' (2011, iPad)

A compilation called ''The Incredible Machine Mega Pack'' was released in 2009 on [[GOG.com]] for Windows. It included ''The Even More Incredible Machine'', ''The Incredible Machine Version 3.0'', ''Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions'', and ''The Incredible Machine: Even More Contraptions''.

===''The Incredible Machine'' and ''Even More Incredible Machine''===
{{Main|The Incredible Machine (1993 video game)}}
''The Incredible Machine'', the first game in the series, was originally going to be developed by [[Electronic Arts]] for the [[Commodore 64]] in 1984, but Dynamix worked on ''[[Arcticfox]]'' for the [[Amiga]] instead and work did not start on ''The Incredible Machine'' until early 1993. Kevin Ryan programmed ''The Incredible Machine'', in nine months, on a budget of {{US$|36000|1993|about=yes}}.<ref name="BartonTunnellInterview">{{cite web|author=Matt Barton|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXb30FDJqB0#t=156s|title=Jeff Tunnell on Software Patents, ''Betrayal at Krondor'', ''Incredible Machines''|work=Armchair Arcade's Matt Chat|publisher=[[YouTube]]|date=July 14, 2013|access-date=July 15, 2013}}</ref> ''The Even More Incredible Machine'' is an extended version with 160 levels, about twice the original, and has more parts.

===''The Incredible Machine 2 and 3.0''===
{{Main|The Incredible Machine 2}}
''The Incredible Machine 2'' introduced new levels, an extended assortment of parts, a new interface, significantly improved graphics, sounds, and music, and two player [[Hotseat (multiplayer mode)|hotseat]] play. It improved on the "freeform" mode, allowing players to create completely playable puzzles by defining not only the participating parts, but also the set of circumstances under which the puzzle will be considered "solved". In terms of gameplay, this version provided the biggest addition to the series, and subsequent updates were basically only ports of the game to newer operating systems with updated graphics/sounds and sometimes new puzzles, but no new parts.

''The Incredible Machine Version 3.0'' (1995), on some releases titled ''Professor Tim's Incredible Machines'', contains the same levels as ''The Incredible Machine 2'', but with an improved interface and extra features like CD music tracks.

===''Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions'' and ''Even More Contraptions''===
{{main|Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions}}
''Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions'' was released in 2000. As a full 32-bit Windows 95 game, it has new 800x600 resolution graphics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forums.vgrequirements.info/showthread.php?t=6476 |title=''Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions'' (PC) System Requirements – VGRequirements Forums |publisher=Forums.vgrequirements.info |access-date=2013-11-05 |archive-date=2013-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105101320/http://forums.vgrequirements.info/showthread.php?t=6476 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Although it has a few new levels, the majority of them are levels from ''The Incredible Machine 2''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/incrediblemachine/incrediblemachine.htm |title=The Incredible Machine |publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101 |access-date=2013-11-05}}</ref>

''Even More Contraptions'' (2001) started a service allowing players to share their homemade puzzles using a service called "WonSwap". ''Even More Contraptions'' also came with a [[Palm Pilot]] version of the game that contained its own unique set of parts and puzzles suited for a small screen.

===''The Incredible Machine Mega Pack''===
Released on [[GOG.com]], ''The Incredible Machine Mega Pack'' includes ''Even More Incredible Machine'', ''The Incredible Machine 3'' (contains all levels from ''The Incredible Machine 2''), ''Contraptions'', and ''Even More Contraptions''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Incredible Machine Mega Pack|url=https://www.gog.com/game/the_incredible_machine_mega_pack|access-date=2021-01-18|website=GOG.com|language=en}}</ref>

===''The Incredible Machine'' (2011)===
Released on the [[iPad]] in 2011, the game has 64 levels (and 45 more as in-app purchases). It features a similar three-star system as ''[[Cut the Rope]]''.<ref name="PocketGamer">{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Will |title=Game Reviews - The Incredible Machine |url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/the-incredible-machine/the-incredible-machine-ipad-review/ |website=[[Pocket Gamer]] |publisher=Steel Media Ltd |access-date=15 February 2024 |date=16 June 2011}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
|GR='''''The Incredible Machine Version 3.0'''''<br>70.00%<ref name="GameRankings 3">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/30270-the-incredible-machine-3/|title=The Incredible Machine 3 for PC|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=18 October 2014}}</ref><br>'''''Return of the Incredible Machine Contraptions'''''<br>78.33%<ref name="GameRankings Return">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/367120-return-of-the-incredible-machine-contraptions/|title=Return of the Incredible Machine Contraptions for PC|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=18 October 2014}}</ref><br>'''''The Incredible Machine: Even More Contraptions'''''<br>76.00%<ref name="GameRankings Even More">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/536228-the-incredible-machine-even-more-contraptions/|title=The Incredible Machine: Even More Contraptions for PC|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=18 October 2014}}</ref>
<br>'''''The Incredible Machine''''' (2011)<br>65.00% <small>(iOS)</small><ref name="GameRankings iOS">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/633336-the-incredible-machine/|title=The Incredible Machine for iOS (iPhone/iPad)|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=18 October 2014}}</ref>
|MC=<br>71/100 <small>(iOS)</small><ref name="Metacritic iOS">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-incredible-machine/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad|title=The Incredible Machine for iPhone/iPad Reviews|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=18 October 2014}}</ref>
|IGN=8.4/10 <small>(''Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions'')</small><ref name="IGN 2000-09-15">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/09/15/return-of-the-incredible-machine-contraptions|title=Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions|date=15 September 2000|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=18 October 2014}}</ref>
| PCGUS = 90%<ref name=pcgamerus>{{cite journal | author=Meredith, Gary | journal=[[PC Gamer US]] | url=http://www.pcgamer.com:80/reviews/561.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991223095828/http://www.pcgamer.com/reviews/561.html | archive-date=December 23, 1999 | title=''Incredible Machine 2'' | date=January 1995 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
|rev1=''[[Gamezebo]]''
|rev1Score={{Rating|4|5}} <small>(iOS)</small><ref name="Gamezebo 2011-06-13">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamezebo.com/reviews/the-incredible-machine-review/|title=The Incredible Machine Review|last1=Zuccarelli|first1=Dan|date=13 June 2011|publisher=[[Gamezebo]]|access-date=18 October 2014}}</ref>
}}

Neil Harris reported in ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'' in 1994 that showing ''The Incredible Machine'' to an engineer friend caused "a chain reaction that brought productive work to a halt at a major naval yard".<ref name="harris199402">{{Cite magazine |last=Harris |first=Neil |date=February 1994 |title=Saturday Morning Fever! |url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1994&pub=2&id=115 |magazine=Computer Gaming World |pages=148–150}}</ref>

[[IGN]] described ''Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions'' as "a vintage blend of educational and entertainment software at their finest".<ref name="IGN 2000-09-15"/>

By 2000, the series had sold over one million copies.<ref>{{cite web |title=Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions (2000) box cover art |url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/return-of-the-incredible-machine-contraptions/cover-art/gameCoverId,52667/ |website=[[MobyGames]] |publisher=Blue Flame Labs |access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref>

During the [[4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]], the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] honored ''Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions'' with the "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Family Game of the Year|PC Family]]" award.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2001&idGame=619 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |website=interactive.org |access-date=7 August 2023}}</ref>

==Legacy==
''The Incredible Machine: Even More Contraptions'' was included in the 2005 edition of ''Hoyle Puzzle Games'' as a bonus game.

A mobile phone version was developed by Mobile Interactions Group and published by [[Vivendi Games Mobile]]<ref name="Vivendi Games Mobile">{{cite web|url=http://www.vgmobile.com/games/incredible.html|title=Vivendi Games Mobile - Incredible Machine|publisher=[[Vivendi Games#Vivendi Games Mobile|Vivendi Games Mobile]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229064438/http://www.vgmobile.com/games/incredible.html|archive-date=29 December 2008|access-date=18 October 2014}}</ref> in 2006.

A new game was announced for a download release on [[Xbox Live Arcade]], but was later canceled.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Incredible Machine (2008) |url=http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/the-incredible-machine-2007/ |website=[[GameSpy]] |access-date=28 January 2021}}</ref>

''The Incredible Machine Mega Pack'' (which includes ''Even More Incredible Machine'', ''The Incredible Machine 3'', ''Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions'', and ''The Incredible Machine: Even More Contraptions'') was published by [[Playdom]] and released on [[GOG.com]] on October 1, 2009.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=10713
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061223224310/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=10713
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=December 23, 2006
|title=Vivendi Reveals Double Fine Deal, Crash Online, Incredible Machine For XBLA
|date=2006-08-31
|author=Carless, Simon
|website=Gamasutra
|access-date=2007-09-11}}</ref>

===iOS===
''The Incredible Machine'' for [[iOS]] is the first version in the series to be developed and released by Disney for the AppStore. This revamped version contains new art, sounds, and levels, as well as a redesigned user interface. Disney released ''The Incredible Machine'' on June 8, 2011, at [[E3]] in Los Angeles, CA. The app has been retired from the app store as a decision made by Disney.<ref name="gamepro1">{{cite magazine
|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/previews/220216/e3-disney-shows-off-ipad-exclusive-version-of-the-incredible-machine/
|title=''The Incredible Machine'' Preview from GamePro
|date=2011-06-08
|author=Holt, Chris
|magazine=GamePro
|access-date=2011-06-11
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202183205/http://www.gamepro.com/article/previews/220216/e3-disney-shows-off-ipad-exclusive-version-of-the-incredible-machine/|url-status=dead
|archive-date=2011-12-02}}</ref>

===''Contraption Maker''===
In 2013, Tunnell began the work on a new game, called ''Contraption Maker'', which is billed as a "spiritual successor" to the ''Incredible Machine'' series. Kevin Ryan and Brian Hahn, the other two developers on the original game, worked on ''Contraption Maker'' as well, along with other developers at Spotkin, a video game development company started by Tunnell.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://makeitbigingames.com/2013/05 |title=May « 2013 « Make It Big In Games |publisher=Makeitbigingames.com |access-date=2013-11-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://contraptionmaker.com/old-team-exciting-new-product/ | title=Old Team, Exciting New Product | publisher=Contraption Maker Blog | date=13 May 2013 | access-date=22 July 2014 | author=Tunnell, Jeff | archive-date=27 July 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727015927/http://contraptionmaker.com/old-team-exciting-new-product/ | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="rps">{{cite web | url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/05/13/the-incredible-machine-rebuilt-contraption-maker/ | title=The Incredible Machine Rebuilt: Contraption Maker | website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] | date=13 May 2013 | access-date=22 July 2014 | author=Pearson, Craig}}</ref>

''Contraption Maker'' features improved "HD" graphics, and has a robust physics engine. The game features over 200 official puzzles and over 100 different parts. It also has Steam Workshop support, so users can create and share their own puzzles.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://contraptionmaker.com/ | title=Contraption Maker | publisher=Spotkin Games | access-date=22 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-juOTfcVHM | title=Official Contraption Maker Teaser Trailer | publisher=Spotkin Games | date=19 August 2013 | access-date=22 July 2014}}</ref>

The game was first released on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] through its Early Access program on August 28, 2013.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://contraptionmaker.com/early-access-release-date-and-trailer/ | title=Early Access Release Date and Trailer | publisher=Contraption Maker Blog | date=19 August 2013 | access-date=22 July 2014 | archive-date=27 July 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727012252/http://contraptionmaker.com/early-access-release-date-and-trailer/ | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/08/28/contraption-maker-rolls-onto-steam-early-access/ | title=Contraption Maker Rolls Onto Steam Early Access | website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] | date=28 August 2013 | access-date=22 July 2014 | author=Pearson, Craig}}</ref> Throughout its time in the program, ''Contraption Maker'' had 6 Alpha releases, adding features such as multiplayer and copy-and-paste, new parts, and new puzzles, followed by a Beta release in May 2014. The final (1.0) release was made in July the same year, and ''Contraption Maker'' left the Steam Early Access program.<ref name="cm-release"/>

==See also==
*[[Crazy Machines]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{moby game|id=-group/incredible-machine-series|name=''The Incredible Machine'' series}}

{{The Incredible Machine}}
{{Disney franchises}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Incredible Machine, The}}
[[Category:IOS games]]
[[Category:Puzzle video games by series]]
[[Category:Video game franchises]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1993]]
[[Category:Sierra Entertainment games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]