Timberman: The Big Adventure is a colourful retro title that made me smile. This 90s-inspired experience won’t push you too hard. However, the straightforward gameplay is interesting enough to pique your interest. Moreover, the 16-bit pixel art aesthetic tugs at your nostalgia-infused heartstrings.
This 2D side-scrolling platform adventure title was developed by Digital Melody and published by Forever Entertainment. Furthermore, it can be enjoyed alone or locally as a cooperative game. Either way, the action doesn’t change, and the difficulty remains the same. Additionally, there are some collectables to search for, enemies to thwart, and 3 massive bosses to overcome. Accordingly, though it is compact and lacking in depth, it is addictive, simple, and wonderfully dated.
Timberman: The Big Adventure is heart-warming.
Tales of separated families and heroic deeds make me all gooey inside. There is nothing better than a selfless act. What’s more, if a family can be reunited at the same time, then sign me up! Luckily, this is exactly what happens in Timberman: The Big Adventure. This heart-warming tale lacks complexity, but its story and core mechanics will bring a smile to your face.
The hero is a humble lumberjack. Yet, when his bear friend is separated from his family, he must act. Additionally, when Evil Corp wishes to decimate the beautiful forest, this enrages the protagonist. Consequently, he grabs his axe, pulls up his big boy pants, and undertakes a brief but retro romp through the woods.
Straightforward mechanics.
I adore 90s platform titles. The straightforward mechanics and clichéd plot always got under my skin. Thankfully, Timberman: The Big Adventure captures these elements throughout. The core gameplay demands that you negotiate tight but interesting stages. As you explore, you’ll find collectables and hidden locations. Moreover, there is an array of enemies to kill and some simple platforming elements to overcome.
These rudimentary ideas won’t blow you away. However, I loved the casual approach and the countless secrets. Furthermore, the fun mini-games were addictive. These silly distractions were unnecessary, but I couldn’t put them down. Subsequently, they added some depth to an otherwise shallow experience.
Alongside the exploration moments were some big boss battles. In typical 90s fashion, the encounters weren’t too testing. As such, you may die a few times, but once you get to grips with the task at hand, you’ll overcome every boss you face.
Timberman: The Big Adventure is strikingly garish.
The visuals are as retro as the gameplay. Timberman: The Big Adventure has a fantastic 16-bit pixel art style that belongs to a bygone era. Moreover, the excellent stage design is compact but fascinating to explore. Thanks to the 2D approach, the developers could incorporate plenty of secret locations. This was great as it prevented the action from feeling flat whilst adding a minor layer of depth.
The audio is shrill and uncomfortable, but brilliantly dated. I loved the simple tunes and the rudimentary sound effects. Though the soundtrack won’t get your foot tapping, it was enjoyable nonetheless. The aesthetics are as dated and basic as they come. However, I loved the presentation and its casual simplicity.
Excellent controls.
Though I didn’t expect the controls to be complicated. I hoped it to be responsive and relaxing to play. Thankfully, a well-considered layout and a quick tutorial get you up and running in no time. Moreover, the platforms are positioned so that precision and accuracy are a must. Consequently, though it is relatively easy to navigate the world, you must always be alert to reduce frustration.
The hidden areas and cooperative gameplay enhance replay value. However, Timberman: The Big Adventure is a disappointingly short affair. Just as you get into the swing of things, the game is all but over. Luckily, it is inexpensive and this mitigates the short playtime.
Timberman: The Big Adventure is fun but shallow.
Platforming games never used to be this easy. Sadly, Timberman: The Big Adventure won’t challenge skilled gamers. However, it is still enjoyable and I loved the aesthetics. Additionally, the mini-games were fun and the bosses tested you momentarily. Accordingly, this affordable title was satisfying and I recommend buying it here! Can you reunite the bear with its family? Grab an axe, explore the forest, and defeat the Evil Corp.
