The shortest distance between two points is a line, right? So what's the shortest distance between three logs, through a barrel of TNT, and around a bald eagle? Turns out it's still a line -- cut with the axe wielded by the mighty Jack Lumber.
Jack Lumber plays much like Fruit Ninja. A series of items -- logs, in this case -- fly up from the bottom of the screen, and you must maneuver your finger (the axe) through them before gravity yanks them back down. The catch? Holding your finger against your device's screen slows time to a crawl, enabling more accurate swipes. Some logs can simply be split down the center, while others may require two or three swipes, or even cuts that must originate from a specific direction. Occasionally other items will launch onto your screen as well, like explosives and innocent forest creatures.
Luckily, the game isn't just a re-skinned knock off of Halfbrick's successful fruit-slashing formula, as it actually improves upon it in a way that respects the original. And there's a wonderful, simplistic charm to Jack Lumber's titular character. An evil tree killed his granny, so now he's out for revenge, wielding his super-powered axe. It's a barebones story, and it's told well with cute, exaggerated characters and cut-scenes. But truth be told, you're here for the forest murder, not the story.
Jack Lumber's careful execution also translates over to in-app purchases, which are refreshingly worth the money. A one-dollar purchase of lumber - the game's currency - earns you enough logs to purchase several in-game "syrups," which are upgrades that make your chase for a high score less stressful. You can also purchase beards, which will increase the difficulty of your game while simultaneously increasing your score multiplier. It has a pay-to-win feel to it, sure, but it stings so much less when your money has legs.
The bottom line. Jack Lumber is peculiar and fun tap-and-slash affair with serious staying power. Deforestation has never been so enjoyable.
of 5
iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 4.0 or later
Fun characters and art. Syrups and beard upgrades give the game a lot of life. A pay-to-win game with reasonable transactions.
When several items appear on screen at once, navigating an iPhone screen can get crowded. Try playing on an iPad if possible.
