Computer Gaming World in 1993 praised The Incredible Machine, stating that while the 80 puzzles "are a blast" the Free Form Mode was the game's best feature; "the curious, tinkering 10-year-old is re-awakened, given a digital toy box and set loose in the backyard of his or her mind".
IGN described Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions as "a vintage blend of educational and entertainment software at their finest" [REF].