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McKinsey Imbellus -- seeking clarification

I got invited to take the McKinsey Imbellus game and run into a few questions while trying to prepare for it based on online resources. I would really appreciate if someone could share their insight on any of the following 3 confusions that's bothering me--

(1) In plant defense game, how is the route of the intruding species decided when there are multiple possibilities with the same length?  (and number of turns)?

(2) Are the extra turns induced by the 'slowing terrains' counted as extra length when the routes are decided? (or is the length of the route solely based on the number of squares?)

(3) In the ecosystem building game, how is the eating order determined when there is a tie in the calorie provided (for the predator) ? (I could only find description of rule regarding a tie for food sources)

Thank you all in advance for the kind help! 

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on Sep 26, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

(1) In plant defense game, how is the route of the intruding species decided when there are multiple possibilities with the same length?  (and number of turns)?

Normally they take the fastest path. If you put a cliff (blocking the path), they will change it for the next fastest one.

(2) Are the extra turns induced by the 'slowing terrains' counted as extra length when the routes are decided? (or is the length of the route solely based on the number of squares?)

If you mean in terms of terrains you add during the game: the only terrain that should change the path of an invader is the cliff (which is blocking the path overall).

(3) In the ecosystem building game, how is the eating order determined when there is a tie in the calorie provided (for the predator) ? (I could only find description of rule regarding a tie for food sources)

Theoretically the two predators would eat at the same time. I never heard of such a case in an actual game though.

You can also find an article on the game below with a few tips:

 McKinsey Problem Solving Game Article

If you want to prepare further, you can find below a video simulation with:

  • 15 videos showing how to crack the Ecosystem Game in 23 minutes (instead of the recommended 35) and resist 25+ turns in the Plant Defense (instead of the minimum target of 15)
  • Automated Excel with Formulas to build a food chain in the Ecosystem game in 16 minutes
  • PDF guide with all the 6 games and how to crack each of them

You can check the video simulation at the following link - full disclosure, I am the author ;)

▶ McKinsey PSG Solve Combo Guide

For other questions please feel free to PM me.

Best,

Francesco 

Ian
Coach
on Sep 26, 2022
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

(1) In plant defense game, how is the route of the intruding species decided when there are multiple possibilities with the same length?  (and number of turns)?

First, it should show the pathway on the map itself. Second, it will take the most direct path to the plant. Finally, if you introduce a barrier (mountains), its path will change. Be careful with barriers…they're only good in some instances that substantially reroute the animal.

(2) Are the extra turns induced by the 'slowing terrains' counted as extra length when the routes are decided? (or is the length of the route solely based on the number of squares?)

This is not mutual exclusive :) You're saying the exact same thing. The animal takes one extra turn on that square. That is one extra turn for your towers to attack it (hint: put slowing squares where you have a lot of towers!)

(3) In the ecosystem building game, how is the eating order determined when there is a tie in the calorie provided (for the predator) ? (I could only find description of rule regarding a tie for food sources)

The predator with the most calories eats first.

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