Written by Wood Screw is a game of puzzles in which you need to extract screws from wooden planks in the correct order. It does sound easy, doesn’t it? But when you actually start playing, you’ll find it requires some genuine thought to accomplish it. If you remove screws too quickly, they get stuck or go in the wrong direction. That implies that you have to replay the level.
The concept is to dismantle a wooden contraption by unscrewing every bolt or screw. But the catch is in the sequence. One misstep, and the entire arrangement can get stuck. That’s what makes it so much fun and somewhat difficult.
There’s no narrative, no characters, no frills. Just you, wood, and screws, and really, that’s all it takes.
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How You Play
You don’t have a manual to solve for this game. When I opened it for the first time, I simply clicked on a screw and it came out. Easy as pie.
- On your phone or tablet, you tap the screws.
- On a computer, you click with your mouse.
Every level presents a couple of wood boards propped up together by screws and bolts. Your task is to eliminate all of them so the boards come off the screen. But you need to consider how the pieces are stacked. There are boards supported by screws that are hidden by other boards. That is where the difficulty starts.
At first, I just tapped whatever I could. I happened to get lucky on the first level. But then, I began working in a manner that didn’t work because I wasn’t paying attention. Some of the screws have to come out before others, or else the board will get stuck, and then you’re stuck. Restart button time.
Yes, so the secret to working this game? Plan before you tap.
When I first started playing Wood Screw, I did not have high expectations. The game has a simple design. No flashing colors, no thumping music in your ears. It’s just wood grain, screws, and a minimalistic interface. But once I got to the first few levels, I was addicted.
I managed the first 10 levels quickly. They’re more of a warm-up. But the moment you reach level 15 or so, the game begins challenging you. I found myself tapping screws too quickly. This would then cause the entire board to get stuck in place. No escape but to restart.
It’s then that I understood this game isn’t merely about reactions, it’s about planning ahead.
What I Liked
1. It’s Easy to Learn, Hard to Master
I like games that don’t require you to read a ton of rules before getting to play. This game learns you while you go. But it does not remain easy. Some levels down the road really made me sit down and stare at the screen for a bit.
2. No Time Limits
This is huge for me. I dislike it when puzzle games make you rush. I prefer to sit back and think about things. With Wood Screw, I was able to do that on every level.
3. Feels Real
The physics of the boards falling and the screws sliding is satisfying. They got the physics right. It feels as though you’re actually unscrewing actual boards.
4. Quick Levels
Each level will probably take about 30 seconds to a couple of minutes. So it’s wonderful if you only need a quick break. I played over lunch, in bed, and even during the few seconds I waited for my food to warm up in the microwave.
5. Runs Smooth
I tested it on my laptop, my Android phone, and even on my old tablet. It was smooth on all three. No bugs, no lags.
What Could Be Better
1. No Undo Button
This was the most annoying. If you get something wrong, you must do the entire level over again. I wish they had an undo for a single move. Sometimes I just tapped once in the wrong place and had to do it all over.
2. No Hints
Later levels can be tricky. I don’t like being made a puzzle expert or anything, but a hint feature would be great for kids or those new to puzzle games.
This game doesn’t have no chat, no in-game purchases, no timers. That makes it great for kids, too. If you’ve got a younger brother, sister, or even a parent who likes puzzles, this is one of those games anyone can enjoy.
And because it’s all about problem-solving and planning, it’s not only fun—good for your brain. For real, it’s like getting a mental exercise without feeling like going to school.
Even once you’ve conquered the game, you can replay levels to see new ways to solve them. I actually went back and re-did some levels just to see if I could solve it in fewer steps.
I wouldn’t call this game having infinite replay value, but it’s the type of game that you’ll return to occasionally when you need a distraction.
If you enjoy puzzle games, brain teasers, or anything that slows you down and makes you think, yes play it.
If you prefer action games with large rewards, power-ups, or action, this may not be for you. Wood Screw is serene. It’s silent. It’s intelligent. It’s one of those games you play when you want to chill out, not when you need to earn medals.
My Score: 8.5/10
Why?
- It’s fun
- It’s smart
- It’s smooth
- It’s free
It’s one of those little hidden gems that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it deserves but will get all the love it needs from me. I stumbled upon it, and now I’ve got it saved for whenever I need a relaxed brain game.
Tips Before You Play
- Take your time. Don’t rush the first few levels.
- Try to imagine what will happen if you remove a certain screw.
- If a board is still stuck, look for a screw that’s hiding underneath.
- If you mess up, restart without stressing. It’s all part of the game.
- Play in short bursts. It’s more fun that way.
Wood Screw is a great choice for anyone seeking a clever, relaxed puzzle game to play anywhere. It plays superbly, informs you along the way, and challenges your mind.
If you’re a fan of logic games and brain teasers, include this one on your list. It’s an ideal little time filler that sharpens your mind without getting you worked up.
Thanks for reading. If you give it a try, let me know what you think. Leave a comment or email me your favorite level or if you got stuck somewhere.