Jack Lumber for iPhone/iPad Review

Editor’s Note: AppleNApps and AppTudes are venturing into a new partnership, so both sites can bring you more of what you love. This review is written and reprinted with permission by Trevor Sheridan.

Jack Lumber (universal) by Sega is a precision puzzler with a sad premise: after a tree falls on his grandmother, Jack Lumber comes to her rescue. At first glance, the object-swiping gameplay will be instantly familiar to most players – but compared to the speed of games like Fruit Ninja, Lumber is all about careful precision.

The differences are obvious immediately in the gameplay: as logs fly on screen, players tap and hold the screen to . You then drag your finger through every log on screen as quick as possible to earn time bonuses. The best part of the game is that rather than just endless slicing, there are distinct level objectives across different environments.

The game becomes a very different experience than anything you’re used to on iOS with the slow down mechanic and level set-up. As you advance through the levels there are various types of logs including standard, one way chop, bent pieces, bombs, and more.

Each level gives a specific number of log arrangements to slice through as well as an animal to save. The overall goal is to reach a three star score, and with each animal saved, players receives a starred sash, and goes to Jack’s cabin.

With the logs needed to be sliced clean and true through the logs to be successful, the touch controls are silky smooth for great slicing precision. The levels are a bit similar, but the entire game is engaging enough to keep you playing through each level to unlock new animals, power-ups syrups, and multiplier beards.

Jack Lumber strikes a great balance of fun and challenge that fits extremely well on iOS. The slow motion precision cutting is unique and entertaining, and the extra personality really makes the game stand out. Jack Lumber nails the experience making it a should buy that is a wood choppin’ good time.