Premium lumberjack simulation game
Timberman is a paid lumberjack action game developed by Digital Melody. An old-school arcade-style video game, it has a simple gameplay mechanic and a simple objective that come together to create an addictive masterpiece. So addictive in fact, that it has created a solid player base and an online forum dedicated to getting the highest scores in the fastest way.
Similar to other casual games like Tap Heroes or Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy, it is this uniquely basic premise that made Timberman an instant classic. Try it once and watch the hours fly by without you noticing.
A basic premise for an addictive experience
In Timberman, your quest is simple: chop off as much wood as you can without getting hit by the descending branches. As you use your trusty axe to remove chunks of wood from the great trees, you will find branches from up high descending with each stump you take out. Of course, once the branches hit your lumberjack, it’s game over and you have to start all over again. Once you get the hang of it, you can play it faster and faster.
The game, despite its basic mechanics, offers a wide variety of customization options that give you yet another reason to stay hooked for longer. For starters, there are about a hundred different timbermen: from basic skins such as a Santa Claus or a ninja one to entirely different characters like Sweetimberine or the Sword Princess. Not only do they look different, but most of them also sport a unique animation when chopping off trees–another feature that new players will look out for.
Lastly, there’s no better way to announce your skills and your newly-acquired timbermen but to bust it out in multiplayer mode. Play with friends or strangers online–up to four players in a session–to see who makes it the farthest. It’s a game of both speed and reflexes as you try to earn the highest score and outlive everyone else. Of course, playing multiplayer will help identify your Rank and your Skill, which are numbers identifying your position in the global leaderboards.
A simple yet challenging game
Of course, the main disadvantage of a simple classic like Timberman is in its premise. You can’t expect any character development or any story from playing a casual game like this. If you’re looking for immersive graphics and an engaging story, this is not the game for you. However, if you’re just looking to spend some time to unwind without having to invest mentally and emotionally, Timberman is a perfect fit.
Also, whether you play using the keyboard or mouse, this is a simple two-button game. You will be using the same two buttons repeatedly, using the same two fingers. So while this is enjoyable, make sure to take a look at the clock every now and then and make sure you get the rest you need. Players have reported ending with sore fingers after a gaming session gone longer than planned.
Recommended for casual gamers
All in all, Timberman has stood the test of time thanks to its original gameplay idea: chopping down trees and avoiding branches. It has made good use of gamification elements such as customization and leaderboards, where competitive players have made it essentially a career playing this game. Of course, it’s important to note that this game has no need for storylines or character development. Still, for casual gamers, this is a must-try for several hours well spent.
