Timberman
- September 18, 2015
- Digital Melody
- 4h median play time
"Timberman is a popular arcade-style game, featuring local and online multi-player modes for up to 8 players. As a lumberjack, quickly chop wood and dodge branches in 4 environments, with 37 characters to unlock. While it has good visuals and can be very funny, it also has bugs and requires grinding for high scores on leaderboards."
Reviews
- gameplay160 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Timberman is characterized by its simplicity and accessibility, making it appealing for casual gamers seeking quick entertainment. While the two-button mechanics are easy to learn and can be addictive, many players feel that the lack of depth, progression systems, and varied gameplay modes limits long-term engagement. Overall, it offers a charming retro aesthetic and competitive multiplayer options, but may not satisfy those looking for more complex gameplay experiences.
“The gameplay is easy to understand, making it accessible for casual gamers looking for a quick distraction.”
“Its easy-to-grasp mechanics, charming pixel art, and competitive multiplayer mode make it an ideal choice for quick gaming sessions.”
“Simple, fun gameplay that can get extremely competitive!”
“A port of a mobile game to PC, and while this might not be a bad thing, the gameplay resembles something you'd install for free to waste the rest of your lunch break on.”
“Conclusion: there just is not enough gameplay variance to really make the game interesting and ultimately trying to beat your own score or going for the high score against people online just is not as engaging as you would wish after a few warm-up matches.”
“My problem with this title is simple really - the mechanic is just too basic.”
- humor78 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players finding the characters and pixel art hilarious and engaging. Many reviews highlight the game's comedic elements, particularly in multiplayer settings, making it a great choice for parties and casual play. Overall, the humor is described as light-hearted and entertaining, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.
“Cute and funny characters, and a game that requires no real skill, just good reflexes.”
“The skins are tree puns with famous people and animals; it is the same kind of humor as Broforce skins.”
“The multiplayer isn't particularly exciting online, but this is a hilarious game for split-screen, one that would probably do great at parties or competitive events.”
- graphics72 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming retro aesthetic, featuring colorful pixel art that appeals to fans of old-school 8-bit styles. While some players appreciate the nostalgic visuals and find them addictive, others note that the graphics may not meet modern standards, describing them as simplistic and potentially repetitive over extended play. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's casual and fun atmosphere.
“The controls are easy to use and the graphics are charming and retro.”
“It's charming, has addicting gameplay, nice 8-bit graphics, catchy menu music, steam trading cards, and multiplayer that is online and local.”
“Graphics: nice color scheme and retro look is aesthetically pleasing, 9/10”
“A simple 2D game with pixelated graphics that can get boring after several hours of play.”
“Because the graphics are like from the mobile version.”
“[*][b]graphics:[/b] you will not be using this as a desktop wallpaper.”
- music64 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it repetitive and annoying after a short period, often suggesting that it detracts from the overall experience. While some appreciate the nostalgic 8-bit style and catchy menu tunes, others criticize the lack of variety and the looping nature of the soundtrack, leading to a consensus that the music could use significant improvement. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a missed opportunity, with some players opting to mute it entirely to enhance their gameplay.
“Besides the entertaining gameplay, Timberman will please fans of old school 8-bit graphics and groovy soundtracks.”
“Amazing music, easy to play and tons of fun to be had.”
“I love the soundtrack.”
“With the Switch version, it seemed to have more love and care with actual snappy music and not this garbage chiptune that I'm hearing over and over while I play and get more sped up while I chop down the tree.”
“Music is just one track that keeps looping over and over.”
“While you're in there, I'd suggest muting the music as well - there's not a lot of variety, and if you're like me, you're going to be spending an embarrassing amount of time climbing up the ranked ladder.”
- story38 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The reviews reflect a mixed perception of the story aspect, with some users noting a lack of narrative depth in certain games, such as "Timberman," which is described as having no story beyond gameplay mechanics. However, others highlight strong character progression and background stories, suggesting that while the overall narrative may be minimal, character development can still be engaging.
“Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“I have not touched the story deeply but so far the character progression and design are a solid 10/10 (also their background story).”
“That story!”
“There is no story to Timberman, just the swing of an axe and the hope of a high score.”
“☑ no story”
“☑ no story”
- grinding24 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 58 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is widely regarded as tedious and time-consuming, with many players feeling it requires an excessive commitment, likening it to needing a "second life." While some find it a bit grindy at times, others describe it as aggravating and thankless, though achievements offer multiple ways to unlock them, slightly alleviating the grind. Overall, the consensus is that grinding can detract from the enjoyment of the game.
“The achievements aren't too tedious either and many of them offer multiple ways to unlock.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“It is a tedious and thankless task which nobody in their right mind would volunteer to do.”
“Very aggravating, very tedious.”
“Simple, fun, addicting, tedious.”
- stability18 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 78 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while many users report it runs well even on low-end PCs, there are frequent mentions of minor bugs and glitches, with some players describing it as a "big terrarium for bugs." Despite these issues, some find the occasional bugs acceptable and even enjoyable.
“Runs great on potato PCs as well.”
“Bug free experience.”
“The game itself is a big terrarium for bugs/glitches.”
“It's also good to farm the steam badges and to get experience to level up, even though the game is sometimes buggy.”
“Buggy.”
- replayability12 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its high replayability, offering players new goals to achieve with each playthrough. Users note that it features better gameplay, graphics, and overall replay value compared to titles like GTA V, with some even describing the replayability as "infinite."
“It gives the game replayability where you get a new goal to reach every time.”
“Better gameplay, graphics, features, and replayability than GTA V.”
“This is a simple game with a lot of replay value.”
“It gives the game replayability where you every time get a new goal to reach.”
“[*][b]replayability:[/b] infinite tree loops”
- emotional8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its emotionally touching gameplay, highlighting a unique and heartwarming bond between the protagonist and the environment. Players find the experience both engaging and poignant, with a mix of challenge and sentiment that resonates deeply, leading to a memorable and impactful journey.
“Emotionally touching gameplay.”
“This game tells the spectacular tale of the most heartwarming of bonds: a man and his wood.”
“10/10 would die by touching a branch again.”
- monetization8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game offers a free mobile version supported by ads, with the option to pay $1 to remove them. The Steam version provides additional features like multiplayer and exclusive characters without ads, making it a worthwhile investment for players seeking an enhanced experience. Players can also access a free web browser version, albeit with significant ad interruptions.
“The Steam version has multiplayer, exclusive characters, and no ads.”
“If you want to play it, get the mobile version where it's free to play with ads that can be removed if you want to pay for it.”
“The game is like $1, which is a very good value, but if you wanted you could try it in your web browser for free (with ads plastered everywhere).”
“The mobile variant is free with ads.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's minimalistic design and charming pixel art evoke a nostalgic atmosphere, reminiscent of classic arcade games, enhancing the overall experience for players.
“The game's minimalistic design and charming pixel art create a nostalgic atmosphere, reminiscent of classic arcade games.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is noted for its excellent optimization, with users consistently reporting that it runs smoothly.
“It runs smoothly.”