Isomorphic
From The Tic-Tac-Totality
If two entities are isomorphic to each other, it means that, though they may have significant cosmetic or semiotically connotative differences, and may even seem like essentially distinct games, they are logically identical.
Some examples of isomorphic pairs are as follows:
- The equations x=1+1+1+1 and x=4 are isomorphic.
- Tic-Tac-Toe is isomorphic to the "Game of 15", as seen in this demonstration.
- The games Chutes and Ladders and Candyland are isomorphic to each other, as well as to any other game that involves no skill or decision-making whatsoever.
- Minigame Pig is—other than being played to a lower total—isomorphic to the traditional game of Pig.
Note that isomorphic doesn't mean aesthetically identical, nor does it mean that players will make equivalent choices. For instance, while the two versions of Pig are virtually isomorphic, their methods of keeping score are very different; players of minigame Pig seem a little less risk-averse because of this.
