Idle Lumber Empire is a mobile game developed by Game Veterans, a small independent game studio. The game is a simulation game that allows players to build and manage their own lumber empire. It is inspired by the logging industry, which is a major industry in many countries, including the United States and Canada.
Gameplay: Production and investment
At the beginning of the game, players start with a small lumber mill and a worker. The objective is to produce and sell as much lumber as possible to earn money and unlock new upgrades, workers, and equipment.
To produce wood, players need to hire workers to harvest and plant trees in their forest. Each tree produces a certain amount of logs, and the production rate increases as players upgrade their equipment and workers. The logs are then sent to the production line, where they are processed into lumber and sold for money.
Players can hire production managers to help them manage their lumber mills. Production managers can permanently increase machine yield. As players progress through the game, they can unlock new managers with higher levels.
In addition to workers, players can also invest in upgrades and equipment to increase productivity. Upgrades include faster saw blades, more efficient processing machines and larger storage facilities. Equipment includes trucks, forklifts, log processors and log debarkers.
As an idle game, Idle Lumber Empire also has a feature that players can continue to make money when they are not actively playing the game. By increasing idle production, players earn passive income that accumulates over time.
Scene Design: Forest construction
The game features a top-down view of the forest, with trees of various types and sizes scattered throughout. As players progress, they will be able to unlock new areas of the forest, revealing different types of trees and landscapes.
There are various structures in their lumber empire, such as sawmills and offices, which add to the overall visual design of the game. These structures have different appearances depending on the level and upgrades purchased by the player.
The game also includes animated elements such as workers and vehicles moving around the forest, which adds to the visual interest of the game.
Challenges: Strategic management
Resource management: Players need to balance the amount of wood felled with the amount of wood used to produce products. This requires careful planning and strategizing to ensure sufficient resources are available to keep the business running smoothly.
Productivity: To increase profits, players need to produce wood products as efficiently as possible. This means players need to upgrade equipment, hire skilled workers, and optimize production processes to maximize output. The more efficient the production process, the more wood products can be produced, which translates into higher profits.
Strategic plan: Players will need to make smart decisions in resource management, production efficiency, financial planning, and time management to build a thriving timber business.
Monetization: Pay to speed up the game
Idle Lumber Empire is a free-to-play game with in-app purchases. While players can progress through the game without spending real money, the game does offer various packages and deals that can speed up progress or offer exclusive items. The game also features ads, but they are not intrusive and can be skipped after a short period.
Pros
Easy to understand: Idle Lumber Empire has a straightforward gameplay that is easy to understand. The game introduces the players to the basic mechanics of the game in a clear and concise manner, making it easy to get started even for first-time players.
Addictive gameplay: The game‘s addictive gameplay keeps the players engaged and motivated to progress further. The satisfaction of seeing the lumber mill grow and expand as players invest in upgrades is incredibly rewarding.
Offline earnings: The game allows players to earn money even when they are not actively playing the game. This feature makes it convenient for players who cannot constantly check on the game.
Cons
Slow progression: Progression in the game can feel slow at times, especially in the early stages of the game. Players may need to invest a considerable amount of time and effort to see significant progress in the game.
Limited interaction: The game lacks social features, such as the ability to interact with other players. This can make the game feel isolating, especially for players who enjoy socializing in online games.
Overall, Idle Lumber Empire is ideal for players who enjoy casual gameplay. The game‘s simple mechanics and pleasing graphics make it easy to pick up and play, while the idle gameplay mechanic allows players to continue to progress even when they are not actively playing. If you are a fan of simulation games or looking for a casual game to pass the time, Idle Lumber Empire is definitely worth checking out.
