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The idea that I can lose myself in a virtual world intrigues me. Furthermore, taking on random jobs and completing weird and inane tasks captures my attention. Consequently, I adore the simulation genre and love to explore every game I can get hold of. Therefore, when I became aware of Lumberjack Simulator, I couldn’t resist. The thought of mastering an axe and chainsaw while getting rich was too much to resist. As such, I installed the game ASAP and waited eagerly to make my fortune.
Developed and published by Exponential Games Inc., this is a real-to-life simulation title. It utilises the normal genre tropes and is set in a fictional world. Furthermore, there are two difficulty settings, a plethora of equipment to buy, and lush landscapes to explore. However, it is released hot on the heels of Lumberjack’s Dynasty, so how will this compare? In short, Lumberjack’s Dynasty was pretty average, so, surely, it can’t be any worse, or can it?
Lumberjack Simulator is disappointing.
You take on the role of a freelance woodsman who must complete contracts, fell trees, and purchase new equipment. You are free to explore your surroundings, buy new forests, and control gigantic machines. Subsequently, its core ingredients point to a game-winning combination. However, in reality, everything is poorly executed, and the game is thwarted by bugs.
I couldn’t help but be disappointed by practically every element on offer! Whether it was the graphics, sound, or core gameplay, it was subpar at best. Unfortunately, everything felt dated, sluggish, and undeniably ugly. What’s more, it’s horribly clunky, lacks a modern finish, and quickly becomes disintegrating. As such, once the action plateaus, or glitches, you won’t want to continue playing.
A lack of originality.
No matter how much I tried, I struggled to find any positives. I desperately wanted to find the silver lining, but it failed to materialise. Further to this, the core concept lacks originality and the developers have played it safe. This mundane approach undermines the rest of the action and leaves you desperately wanting more.
The gameplay focuses on a fledgling business that comprises a truck and a small trailer. By completing an array of simple tasks, you will purchase bigger equipment and take on tougher jobs. However, most of the quests focus on felling trees and chipping wood. As you progress, the tasks become more complicated and the objectives are more time-consuming. Consequently, to earn the big bucks, you must work hard and find specific resources.
This element of the gameplay was enjoyable, as it made you think. Sadly, though, the moments of happiness were fleeting and rarely did they overcome the many shortcomings. Even the introduction of log cutting trucks and massive trailers failed to spark this into life. What’s more, the sheer volume of bugs and glitches ruins any minor layer of fun.
Why are there so many bugs?
Modern games shouldn’t be filled with game-breaking bugs. However, Lumberjack Simulator has other ideas. Sadly, your vehicle will clip invisible trees, your trailer will become beached on minor mounds, and you can’t complete quests. In short, its many faults are infuriating, pathetic, and undermine the action.
Lumberjack Simulator looks dated.
I couldn’t believe how dated Lumberjack Simulator looks. Its textures are terrible, the UI is clunky, and the environment is blocky and poorly finished. Furthermore, the branches of trees randomly disappear, and each vehicle belongs to the late 90s. Alongside this, the world is devoid of wildlife or people and feels empty and bland. It was disappointing, as it could have been extremely relaxing and realistic. Yet, it was anything but.
The underwhelming performance continues with the lacklustre audio. Every noise and sound effect is flat and dull and will infuriate you. What’s more, the vehicles sound awful and the felling of trees lacks excitement. Like the visuals, the audio is poorly executed and undermines much of the gameplay.
Pointless controls.
I play simulation titles for their high levels of realism. However, Lumberjack Simulator has other ideas. Accordingly, you can cut logs any way you wish, or you can swing an axe to remove branches. Whatever you do, it lacks finesse or skill. This is apparent when you can sprint and jump while carrying a 2-metre long log. Furthermore, clambering upon your chipper like a health and safety ignorant spider monkey isn’t what I expected. Subsequently, the controls are easy to understand and use, but I expected much more from this genre.
In theory, there is plenty of replay value and longevity. Yet, in reality, you will be turned off in a matter of minutes. So much of the gameplay is poor, and the finish is woeful. Consequently, it will leave a bitter taste in your mouth, and you won’t want to play it again.
Lumberjack Simulator is seriously lacking.
With so many great simulation games on the market, I had high hopes. But, Lumberjack Simulator is so poor and lifeless, that it will disappoint. I was so desperate for it to grow on me, but the bugs and dull action make it a slog to enjoy. Unsurprisingly, I don’t recommend it. If interested, though, more information can be found here! The life of a woodsman is captivating and rewarding. Unfortunately, this game fails to highlight the beautiful parts of this tough career.
