Why we love Minecraft
It's become an Internet sensation, an instant classic, and one of the best-selling independent games in recent memory. And best of all, Minecraft is still only in alpha -- there's so much more on the way.
There seems to be a considerable amount of confusion, though. What IS Minecraft , and what do you do in it, exactly? Those answers are readily available online, if you're willing to look. But when it comes to the web, many people aren't.
We hope that through this article, we can get you interested. You really are missing out on something magical.
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LEGO-style creation
To date, Youve, probably seen one of those videos showcasing some of the Grand creation in Minecraft. There was the Enterprise-Dfrom Star Trek, A massive waterslide , and an entire minecart interstate, just to name a few of the more recent hits.
Teresa delicate balance in Minecraft when it comes to resource gathering and creation. Left click on a block to break it down, right click to place it back into the environment; easy, but not too easy. I often liken it to building with LEGOs: finding the individual pieces you want might take a while, but the actual process of putting the blocks together is intuitive, and most importantly, fun.
True sandbox
When you run Minecraft the first time, Arent you put in the textbook. Hell, you Arent even said anything, period. You presented a huge, open world, and it is so. Its up to you to explore, to make their own rules, and thus satisfy Minecraft to how you want to play it.
For some players, thatsa core rotation. To a certain extent, they should be, what to do in their video games - otherwise, boredom strikes quickly - and can not cope with the ultimate freedom. According to others, truesandbox-style game has finally realized they could not be more enthusiastic.
That's the beauty of two modes. In the creative mode, anything goes, if you want to install the game in this style. Survival, on the other hand, is very intentional elements that push you to the game a certain way. This leads me to my next two points.
The randomness factor
The levels -- or, "worlds," to put it more accurately -- in Minecraft are procedurally generated. In a game where your enjoyment is directly dependent on how imaginative a person you are, this is a big deal. I see those aforementioned videos and think to myself, "Man, I'll never be able to create anything that impressive."
But you know what I can make? A bridge connecting two nearby mountains, or a man-made island, or even a secret base behind a waterfall that's inexplicably surrounded by a lava-filled moat. I can create those things, because the game presents me with the foundation to do so through its encouraging, non-linear maps.
Oh GOD turn around!
As I said earlier, Minecraft pushes you to do certain tasks, even if you don't immediately realize it. Another way the game accomplishes this is by way of a day-and-night cycle. During the sunny hours, you had best collect resources and stock up while it's safe outside, especially during your first few days. During the night, well -- that's when the monsters come out.
Yes, Minecraft has monsters, and they will kill your face off
There's also a certain thrill to be had from roaming the world when the skeleton archers, spiders, and zombies are on the prowl. I think just about everyone who has played Minecraft has experienced that one moment of sheer terror when they hear a noise, turn around, and see a creature staring them in the eyes.
Collective building
Don't get me wrong, seeing your creations come to fruition is mighty satisfying. Even more satisfying, however, is sharing what you've build with your friends. Whether you want to expand on what they have started putting together, or be an absolute dick by griefing their structures, it's once again your choice. Admittedly, pushing people off of bridges is more fun than it ought to be. Try it sometime, if you'd like.
The Future
As mentioned in the introduction - and the ugly shows in my paintings - Minecraft is still in alpha. Anyone who has coughed up the thirteen bucks or whatever it is for the full game will receive all future updates for free. It's crazy to think that this Game of the Year contender is only going to improve from here on out.
Personally, I'm desperately hoping for the Survival mode to expand. The potential is there for Minecraft to be the best island survival game ever made, if creator Markus Persson and co. can make the requirements for sustained life more in-depth.
Nevertheless, there are a million ways he can take this game, and I will be happy with whatever he decides to do. Hes already proved that he is a brilliant designer.
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