Sid & Al's Incredible Toons

Game review

Sid & Al's Incredible Toons, released in 1993, is a whimsical and engaging spin-off from the acclaimed Incredible Machine series. This game diverges from its predecessor's pseudo-realistic design, embracing a cartoonish aesthetic that brings its characters and puzzles to life in a vibrant and humorous manner. At its core, the game retains the essence of creating complex machines to solve puzzles, inspired by the ingenious and convoluted designs of Rube Goldberg.

The protagonists of this delightful puzzle game are Sid Mouse and Al E. Cat, a duo whose antics and rivalry could easily remind players of the classic Tom & Jerry cartoons, although with no direct relation. The pair embodies the eternal cat-and-mouse chase, using an array of imaginative and often outrageous methods to outwit each other. Players are drawn into their world, tasked with solving around 100 puzzles that each present a unique and entertaining challenge.

Each puzzle in Sid & Al's Incredible Toons is a 2D contraption missing crucial parts that the player must complete using a variety of objects and mechanisms. The objective is not just to make the machine work but often to trigger a humorous outcome, such as using open scissors to cut a rope and drop a piano on Al. The puzzles range from straightforward to intricately complex, requiring creative problem-solving and a keen understanding of the game's physics.

The game's inventory of contraptions is as diverse as it is amusing, featuring everything from balloons, trapdoors, and catapults to bombs, electrical hairdryers, and motors. The dynamic between Sid and Al is further enriched by other cartoon characters like Eunice, the lady elephant who can toss objects, and Bik, the pet dragon with the ability to ignite items with his fiery breath.

One of the highlights of Sid & Al's Incredible Toons is its vibrant cartoon animations that add a layer of charm and wit to the gameplay. Watching Al chase Sid or the various ways the puzzles' solutions unfold is a source of constant entertainment. For those who master the provided puzzles, the game offers a robust editor tool, allowing players to craft their challenges and extend the fun indefinitely.