Impossible Machine

Impossible Machine is a point-and-click adventure game presented in a 2.5D style, with 3D characters placed over pre-rendered 2D backgrounds. The story begins when the protagonist receives an unexpected letter asking them to investigate a series of strange events that have damaged their uncle’s reputation, and to clear his name. Progress depends on conversation and experimentation rather than action.

Players talk to the local residents while investigating the mystery of the Impossible Machine, and gradually become involved with a community that has problems of its own. Helping these characters brings the player closer to the truth and also unlocks new areas and mechanisms in the world. Characters may offer information that turns out to be of no use, and items can be collected and combined in unconventional ways, with some combinations producing unexpected results.

Progression is non-linear: several tasks can be worked on at the same time, and the player can switch between objectives and test ideas to find out how the world’s systems interact. The challenges mix logic with trial and error. The developer states that the game contains no minigames and no combat.