Publisher: Mojang
Developer: 4J Studios
Genre: Adventure
Release Date: December 17, 2013
MSRP: $19.99
Developer: 4J Studios
Genre: Adventure
Release Date: December 17, 2013
MSRP: $19.99
A fantastic, adventure filled game limited only by your imagination:
Minecraft is a bit of a phenomena. Since originally being released in Alpha on the PC in 2009 (and formally released in November of 2011), it has effectively taken over the internet, and nearly the world. Originally the concept of one man - Markus Persson, better known by his internet handle, Notch - it was developed slowly but surely, with new features constantly added. As it grew in popularity, Notch founded a company, Mojang, where development was handled by more and more people, with more and more features being added. It later expanded onto iOS and Android in 2011 and the Xbox 360 in 2012. Now, after heavy demand, Minecraft has finally made it's way to the PS3 (and soon, the PS4 and PS Vita). But how does it compare to the other versions of the game?
At it's core, Minecraft is a game about gathering, placing, and building with blocks. When you start the game, you are placed into a randomly generated world with no direction. You have complete and utter freedom. Of course, this is one of the biggest downfalls to new players; they simply don't know what to do. 4J has implemented an immensely helpful tutorial mode that helps not only newcomers learn the basics, but also Minecraft aficionados get acquainted with the control scheme and user interface.
Minecraft is a bit of a phenomena. Since originally being released in Alpha on the PC in 2009 (and formally released in November of 2011), it has effectively taken over the internet, and nearly the world. Originally the concept of one man - Markus Persson, better known by his internet handle, Notch - it was developed slowly but surely, with new features constantly added. As it grew in popularity, Notch founded a company, Mojang, where development was handled by more and more people, with more and more features being added. It later expanded onto iOS and Android in 2011 and the Xbox 360 in 2012. Now, after heavy demand, Minecraft has finally made it's way to the PS3 (and soon, the PS4 and PS Vita). But how does it compare to the other versions of the game?
At it's core, Minecraft is a game about gathering, placing, and building with blocks. When you start the game, you are placed into a randomly generated world with no direction. You have complete and utter freedom. Of course, this is one of the biggest downfalls to new players; they simply don't know what to do. 4J has implemented an immensely helpful tutorial mode that helps not only newcomers learn the basics, but also Minecraft aficionados get acquainted with the control scheme and user interface.
4J has crafted a smooth and easy to use user interface for the console versions. Using, placing, and breaking items are extremely easy and fluid. However, the most important feature is it's crafting, as this allows the user to create new items, tools, and building and decoration blocks; how could someone possibly create a system as easy to use as dragging and dropping items into the desired positions on a crafting square on the PC, when there's no mouse for use on the PS3? 4J again came up with an intuitive solution that allows for an easy, stress free experience when crafting. As long as the items you need to craft are in your inventory, you simply select on the item you want to craft from a menu that sorts items into categories and then merely requires you to scroll through and click. It's easy, fast, and straightforward; what more could you ask for?
With the controls being easy to use, the only issue left is that there is a sharp learning curve; the first few hours will likely be spent trying to figure out how to create certain blocks (what blocks are needed to do so), how to survive the night, how exactly to advance in the game, and the occasional case of "builders block". There is an "end" to the game with a final boss, though even after this boss is defeated, the player can explore, mine, craft, and build in their world as they see fit.
With the controls being easy to use, the only issue left is that there is a sharp learning curve; the first few hours will likely be spent trying to figure out how to create certain blocks (what blocks are needed to do so), how to survive the night, how exactly to advance in the game, and the occasional case of "builders block". There is an "end" to the game with a final boss, though even after this boss is defeated, the player can explore, mine, craft, and build in their world as they see fit.
Gameplay itself is extremely fun; as mentioned previously, the user interface is very intuitive, and exploring your randomly generated world is a joy. The game is always filled with secrets and new things to discover; there are many species of animals roaming the lands (pigs, cows, chickens, dogs, squids, fish, and sheep) and many different enemies (read: mobs) to fight during the night that all offer different abilities and require smart thinking to defeat in large groups. There is a dynamic day/night cycle, and a few different types of land (forests, oceans, deserts, tundras, etc). Gathering materials to build your next project - whether it be a simple dirt house, an expanded residence, a castle, a town, a monument, or whatever pops up in your imagination - is itself a fun task. Mining, a core aspect of the game, will yield stone and rare minerals, which can respectively be used to build and improve your tools and armor. Mining itself can admittedly be rather tedious, but the excitement of finding caves to explore and finally reaching the so desired diamonds is always an exhilarating one.
It is also worth mentioning that there are two modes - survival, the basic Minecraft experience that has already been described, where you must mine and scavenge for all your materials, and creative, where you have an unlimited supply of every block in the game and the ability to fly. Creative is a fun mode to mess around in if you have an epic building idea, but simply don't want to spend the time gathering the materials in a survival world. The ability to fly also allows you to get vantage points on your design you may have not had access to before. It is nice to have the option to choose which mode you want to play in, as it adds more variety to the game.
Playing the game solo is fun, as it allows you to experience the game however you want without distractions, but playing the game with friends augments the experience to unbelievably high levels of enjoyment. You can do virtually anything today - with two or more (up to 8 total) creative minds together, who knows what could be accomplished? Opening your world to multiplayer is a simple button click away, and its easy to invite friends and join their worlds on the fly. The lasting appeal of Minecraft, whether playing solo or with friends, is endless, and the possibilities are limitless.
It is also worth mentioning that there are two modes - survival, the basic Minecraft experience that has already been described, where you must mine and scavenge for all your materials, and creative, where you have an unlimited supply of every block in the game and the ability to fly. Creative is a fun mode to mess around in if you have an epic building idea, but simply don't want to spend the time gathering the materials in a survival world. The ability to fly also allows you to get vantage points on your design you may have not had access to before. It is nice to have the option to choose which mode you want to play in, as it adds more variety to the game.
Playing the game solo is fun, as it allows you to experience the game however you want without distractions, but playing the game with friends augments the experience to unbelievably high levels of enjoyment. You can do virtually anything today - with two or more (up to 8 total) creative minds together, who knows what could be accomplished? Opening your world to multiplayer is a simple button click away, and its easy to invite friends and join their worlds on the fly. The lasting appeal of Minecraft, whether playing solo or with friends, is endless, and the possibilities are limitless.
The graphics in the game are likewise beautiful; it is an extremely unique art style that suits the game's purposes wonderfully. Not only are the graphics pretty (though not quite up to par with the PC version), the soundtrack is simple yet memorable. Never have I felt so happy to hear music then when a song starts playing in Minecraft; led by the talented C418, the soundtrack is full of a variety of real and electronic instruments that constantly got stuck in my head as I played. The sound effects are well implemented; you'll never forget the sinister "hissssssss...." coming from right behind you as a Creeper walks up and explodes.
In conclusion, Minecraft is an absolute joy to play in every way; whether solo or with friends, there is always some fun to do, and because of the game's complete freedom and limitless possibilities, there is always a new and exciting place to go or project to build. The user interface created by the talented developers at 4J helps exponentially with acquainting new users to the control scheme and base ideals behind the game, and both the graphics and soundtrack are beautiful. With endless replayability, and an extremely affordable price at only $19.99, this is a game that each and every person who is capable should experience. It's one you certainly won't ever forget.
Pros:
+Open ended gameplay
+Tons to do
+Endless replayability
+Extremely fun multiplayer
+Beautiful graphics
+Engaging soundtrack
+Intuitive UI
Cons:
-Limited world size on consoles
-Somewhat large learning curve (though going through it is worth it)
-Mining is a bit tedious
9.0 Graphics: A unique, charming, and beautiful art style, with smartly designed blocks, characters, and items.
10 Sound: An absolutely amazing soundtrack that will surely be a favorite. Simple, relaxing, and very memorable.
9.5 Gameplay: Quite simply, one of the greatest gaming experiences available. There is always something fun and exciting to do or accomplish.
10 Lasting Appeal: Literally limitless replayability, with a wealth of content, fun multiplayer, and the ability to build anything in your wildest dreams.
Overall: 9.6
Outstanding
In conclusion, Minecraft is an absolute joy to play in every way; whether solo or with friends, there is always some fun to do, and because of the game's complete freedom and limitless possibilities, there is always a new and exciting place to go or project to build. The user interface created by the talented developers at 4J helps exponentially with acquainting new users to the control scheme and base ideals behind the game, and both the graphics and soundtrack are beautiful. With endless replayability, and an extremely affordable price at only $19.99, this is a game that each and every person who is capable should experience. It's one you certainly won't ever forget.
Pros:
+Open ended gameplay
+Tons to do
+Endless replayability
+Extremely fun multiplayer
+Beautiful graphics
+Engaging soundtrack
+Intuitive UI
Cons:
-Limited world size on consoles
-Somewhat large learning curve (though going through it is worth it)
-Mining is a bit tedious
9.0 Graphics: A unique, charming, and beautiful art style, with smartly designed blocks, characters, and items.
10 Sound: An absolutely amazing soundtrack that will surely be a favorite. Simple, relaxing, and very memorable.
9.5 Gameplay: Quite simply, one of the greatest gaming experiences available. There is always something fun and exciting to do or accomplish.
10 Lasting Appeal: Literally limitless replayability, with a wealth of content, fun multiplayer, and the ability to build anything in your wildest dreams.
Overall: 9.6
Outstanding