Log Jammers


Log Jammers is a sports video game published and developed by Mega Cat Studios. It was released on the Nintendo Entertainment System and is scheduled to be released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One in 2020. Within the game, players toss axes at one another with the objective of landing an axe in their opponent's goal. The game's name is an allusion to Windjammers, which the developers cite as an inspiration. It also refers to a log jam, which relates to the games setting and the fact that the characters in the game are generally in aquatic environments whilst standing atop logs.

Gameplay

There are eight playable characters in Log Jammers, each with their own unique special ability. After selecting a character and mode, players throw an axe towards their opponent's goal, while trying to catch said axe in order to keep it out of their own goal. An axe that lands in the middle portion of the goal is worth two points, while one that lands in either corner is worth five. The round ends when a player's score passes ten points. Power-ups granting various abilities float down the middle of the screen at regular intervals and grant players new, temporary abilities, such as a magnet which attracts thrown axes or an ice cube that allows the player to move with increased speed.
After beating the game's tournament mode, players unlock a brief vignette revealing backstory for the character they played as.

Development

Development of the NES version of Log Jammers began in 2017. A Kickstarter campaign for the game's modern console versions was launched in September 2018.

Reception

Log Jammers received a positive reception from the press; critics praised the game for its art style while voicing concern that the game itself may be "too chaotic".

Accolades

Log Jammers won the awards for Best Gameplay and Game of the Year at Gameacon 2017, and was selected as a Game of the Year finalist for the 2017 Indie Prize USA.