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Pardon the dust! This page includes some jargon that hasn't been added to the site's glossary yet. I'll be around to fix this later, but sorry for the inconvenience in the meantime. |
Review: Minecraft
At a Glance
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How to Save and Pause:Minecraft has an autosave feature that runs in the background. This seems to primarily exist to keep you from losing progress due to a crash, as the game more properly saves when you return to the menu or exit. Time needed per session:Plan on playing for long sessions - making progress is generally slow going, and it's very easy to lose track of time while playing.
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Does this game pose issues for Christian players?
 | Some players may have concerns There is a spooky "Hell" dimension and some minor magic, but the main issue with this game is the introduction of in-game purchases in a title aimed at children. |
Screenshots
Game Overview
Minecraft is one of those games that had a drastic impact on modern gaming, and as new updates continue to bring in new things to see and experience, gamers aren't going to be forgetting about it any time soon. By now, just about everyone who plays video games already knows what this game is about, but for those of you who are learning about it for the first time, allow me to give you a brief introduction.
The game's name says it all: most of the player's time will be spent mining or gathering materials from somewhere in the world, and once they have what they need, these materials will be crafted into something better. Or to put it another way, the player will be busy mining or crafting for most of the game.
Technically, you're going through all of this effort to prepare for a grand climactic battle with a powerful monster known as the Ender Dragon, but there's no need to rush. Most players don't even bother to enter the End dimension. What makes this game attractive is the sheer amount of freedom that it gives people, not the story.
Minecraft often gets compared to an endless box of LEGO bricks or a giant sandbox, but neither description really fits. For example, the worlds this game creates are randomly generated, so while players have some control over how they are created, each new game will give them a fresh world to explore. And with every new update, the worlds become more lush and alive.
You might find ancient temples filled with traps and valuable loot, or there might be a thriving village around the next bend. The braver (and better equipped) players will eventually construct a magical doorway that leads into the Nether - a dangerous realm that is often compared to a lava filled Hell. Exploring this underworld is vital for many reasons, not the least of which is that it's the only place where certain materials and items can be found.
Of course, Minecraft wouldn't be what it is today without its huge and organized modding community. A lot of people, including myself, prefer to play with dozens (if not hundreds) of mods installed. Most Minecraft mods just add some new items and blocks, such as new types of crops or new ways to process ores, but some of the more famous mods also add completely new environments or even new dimensions, complete with their own new creatures. The possibilities are truly endless.
Now, there are a few things about the game that should be mentioned here, such as the fact that these worlds are not entirely friendly. Monsters will spawn at night or in areas that are suitably dark. In newer versions of the game, there are also wandering groups of Pillagers who pose a threat during the daytime. There are even monsters that spawn specifically to annoy the player if they haven't been sleeping enough.
These can all be disabled by playing on the Peaceful difficulty mode, but dealing with these creatures is typically seen as part of the fun. They aren't incredibly smart, so a skilled player can outwit them as easily as defeat them, and in the meantime, this encourages players to build a proper "base" where they can safely spend the nights.
In my opinion, Minecraft is one of the best games out there, especially for younger gamers. Even though there are monsters and evil characters, everything is depicted in a very child-friendly manner, and if you really want, you can always disable the hostile creatures altogether and continue on without them.
If you haven't already, consider giving this game a try. It's really worth the price of admission.
The game's name says it all: most of the player's time will be spent mining or gathering materials from somewhere in the world, and once they have what they need, these materials will be crafted into something better. Or to put it another way, the player will be busy mining or crafting for most of the game.
Technically, you're going through all of this effort to prepare for a grand climactic battle with a powerful monster known as the Ender Dragon, but there's no need to rush. Most players don't even bother to enter the End dimension. What makes this game attractive is the sheer amount of freedom that it gives people, not the story.
Minecraft often gets compared to an endless box of LEGO bricks or a giant sandbox, but neither description really fits. For example, the worlds this game creates are randomly generated, so while players have some control over how they are created, each new game will give them a fresh world to explore. And with every new update, the worlds become more lush and alive.
You might find ancient temples filled with traps and valuable loot, or there might be a thriving village around the next bend. The braver (and better equipped) players will eventually construct a magical doorway that leads into the Nether - a dangerous realm that is often compared to a lava filled Hell. Exploring this underworld is vital for many reasons, not the least of which is that it's the only place where certain materials and items can be found.
Of course, Minecraft wouldn't be what it is today without its huge and organized modding community. A lot of people, including myself, prefer to play with dozens (if not hundreds) of mods installed. Most Minecraft mods just add some new items and blocks, such as new types of crops or new ways to process ores, but some of the more famous mods also add completely new environments or even new dimensions, complete with their own new creatures. The possibilities are truly endless.
Now, there are a few things about the game that should be mentioned here, such as the fact that these worlds are not entirely friendly. Monsters will spawn at night or in areas that are suitably dark. In newer versions of the game, there are also wandering groups of Pillagers who pose a threat during the daytime. There are even monsters that spawn specifically to annoy the player if they haven't been sleeping enough.
These can all be disabled by playing on the Peaceful difficulty mode, but dealing with these creatures is typically seen as part of the fun. They aren't incredibly smart, so a skilled player can outwit them as easily as defeat them, and in the meantime, this encourages players to build a proper "base" where they can safely spend the nights.
In my opinion, Minecraft is one of the best games out there, especially for younger gamers. Even though there are monsters and evil characters, everything is depicted in a very child-friendly manner, and if you really want, you can always disable the hostile creatures altogether and continue on without them.
If you haven't already, consider giving this game a try. It's really worth the price of admission.
Two Different Minecrafts
Minecraft is available in four different editions, but only two will be of interest to the average player. These are the Java and Bedrock Editions - you get them both with your purchase of the game, though there are some important differences between them.
Java Edition
The Java Edition of Minecraft has been available to PC gamers the longest. It's the original version that was developed for the computer, and it's also the one that's supported by third party launchers.
The core features of this edition include the ability to install any version of the game you want and the ability to use mods made by the Minecraft community. This offers you the most freedom, but it also uses more of your computer's resources than the Bedrock Edition. Additionally, adding mods tends to increase the amount of resources the game requires.
By default, the Java Edition does not feature in game purchases of any kind. There are mods to add them though, and this is a serious problem with third party servers who use them to offset the server costs (see the Concerns and Issues section below).
The core features of this edition include the ability to install any version of the game you want and the ability to use mods made by the Minecraft community. This offers you the most freedom, but it also uses more of your computer's resources than the Bedrock Edition. Additionally, adding mods tends to increase the amount of resources the game requires.
By default, the Java Edition does not feature in game purchases of any kind. There are mods to add them though, and this is a serious problem with third party servers who use them to offset the server costs (see the Concerns and Issues section below).
Bedrock Edition
The Bedrock Edition is the edition of the game that was primarily developed for game consoles. Thus, it's much lighter on resources than the Java Edition, but it's also much more strict. The player is only able to play the most recent version of the game, and you must purchase third party content (called "add ons") through the game's store using Minecoins, which are the game's premium currency.
In other words, in game purchases are part of the Bedrock Edition by default, though they are much more controlled and less likely to be a serious issue. Also, Minecoin is relatively easy to obtain through regular promotions and even Microsoft Rewards.
Personally, I prefer the Java Edition. It helps that my favorite modpack (a pre-assembled collection of mods for the game) is only available for the Java Edition.
In other words, in game purchases are part of the Bedrock Edition by default, though they are much more controlled and less likely to be a serious issue. Also, Minecoin is relatively easy to obtain through regular promotions and even Microsoft Rewards.
Points of Interest
Play any version, old or new
The Java Edition's launcher allows you to choose which version of the game you want to play. Aside from making modding easier, this also allows you to choose which features you want to use. You see, unlike a lot of games, each new version of Minecraft brings more than just bugfixes - they build on each other, adding new content, mechanics, and new features.
It's as hard as you want
Like most games, there is an option of four different difficulty settings: Peaceful, Easy, Normal, and Hard. Peaceful disables hostile creatures and the hunger meter, allowing players to take their time and enjoy the game's core mechanics in a world without combat. The other three settings allow monsters to spawn at night or in dark areas, and Pillagers may roam the land during the day. These enemies encourage players to build well-fortified bases and make resource gathering more of a challenge.
Alternative game modes
The most commonly used game mode is called Survival, and it's the one that I've been discussing so far. In this mode, the player must work to keep themselves fed, healthy, and safe from various dangers. It's the default, but it's not the only option.
Creative mode allows the player to do whatever they want, with no real rules or limits. This includes the ability to give themselves an infinite amount of any item or block, and you can also fly or spawn whatever creatures you want. This unlimited style of play more directly echoes the "endless box of Lego bricks" analogy.
The last mode is "Hardcore". This is like Survival with one serious twist: if your character dies, the entire world is permanently erased. It's a hard game over - do not pass GO, do not collect $200.
Creative mode allows the player to do whatever they want, with no real rules or limits. This includes the ability to give themselves an infinite amount of any item or block, and you can also fly or spawn whatever creatures you want. This unlimited style of play more directly echoes the "endless box of Lego bricks" analogy.
The last mode is "Hardcore". This is like Survival with one serious twist: if your character dies, the entire world is permanently erased. It's a hard game over - do not pass GO, do not collect $200.
Even more settings to toggle
Don't like a mechanic? Well good news: more recent versions of the game allow you to change various settings via a submenu. You can control almost everything this way, from whether players need to sleep regularly to whether or not various hostile entities can swarm a village you're visiting. You can even make death less painful by making it possible to keep your belongings when you die.
Huge world to explore and reshape
Since the game's world is created as you explore, it can feel like it continues on forever. There technically is a limit to how far you can travel in a given direction, but it takes months (real world months, not in game days) of walking in a straight line to get there. The only practical way to see the Far Lands (as they are called) is to use a teleportation cheat.
But, there's more to it than just its size. Minecraft is one of the games that popularized the concept of "biomes" - a type of environment or habitat - in the public mind. You'll encounter forests, meadows, deserts, ancient ruins, and many, many more environments as you explore, making the world of Minecraft feel as large about varied as our own.
Some of the popular mods add additional biomes to the game, making it even more expansive.
But, there's more to it than just its size. Minecraft is one of the games that popularized the concept of "biomes" - a type of environment or habitat - in the public mind. You'll encounter forests, meadows, deserts, ancient ruins, and many, many more environments as you explore, making the world of Minecraft feel as large about varied as our own.
Some of the popular mods add additional biomes to the game, making it even more expansive.
Easy mod management
Minecraft wouldn't be nearly as popular as it is today without the modding community. While you could install mods on the Java Edition yourself, this method is often more frustrating than fun. But, there are easy ways to manage your mods with both editions of the game.
The Bedrock Edition refers to them as "add ons", and you can simply select what add ons are active for a given world. It's neat, clean, and effortless.
As for the Java Edition, you'll want to look at third party launchers like the Technic Platform
or Feed the Beast, both of which allow you to choose from a large assortment of curated modpacks.
The Bedrock Edition refers to them as "add ons", and you can simply select what add ons are active for a given world. It's neat, clean, and effortless.
As for the Java Edition, you'll want to look at third party launchers like the Technic Platform
or Feed the Beast, both of which allow you to choose from a large assortment of curated modpacks.
Easy server management via Realms
All Minecraft games work using a client-server model. If you're playing alone, this is handled automatically, but if you want to rent a server for yourself and friends, you can do this through the Minecraft Realms service. However, like most quality hosting services, the Realms service is not free. Instead, you rent your Realm for $7.99 a month.
Using the Realms service is entirely optional, as you can create your own servers with a little work.
Using the Realms service is entirely optional, as you can create your own servers with a little work.
In-game achievements and guides
Although Minecraft isn't on a service like Steam or Origin, it does contain a special menu listing various achievements that players can earn. Unlike more traditional achievements, these have prerequisites, requiring you to complete them achievements in a specific order. This also acts like a guide to walk you through the basics of the game; the earliest achievements are for things like viewing your inventory or creating a workbench, while later on they are for things like finding diamonds or building a Nether portal.
A proper guide to crafting items was also added in version 1.12 - recipes appear in the guide once you've discovered the materials they need. Prior to this version, you needed a mod like NEI in order to have an in-game crafting guide.
A proper guide to crafting items was also added in version 1.12 - recipes appear in the guide once you've discovered the materials they need. Prior to this version, you needed a mod like NEI in order to have an in-game crafting guide.
Modded games require stronger computers
Vanilla Minecraft handles itself fairly well. The problems come in when you start adding various mods to the game. Some mods are fine and won't affect your experience much, but there are a few that simply choke your average machine. Sadly, it's not always clear which mods will be a pain in the processor, so you'll need to experiment a bit to weed them out. Third party launchers sometimes allow you to narrow down the culprit by switching specific mods on and off.
Mods can be unstable or difficult to set up
One benefit of using a modpack is that someone else has already spent the time and energy setting up, configuring, and ensuring the various mods they've chosen play well together. There's nothing preventing you from using your own set of mods, but it's not as easy as dropping the files into a directory. Technical issues, such as the ever-present id conflicts, will make it hard to get them working. Even if that is resolved, some mods simply don't work together, and a few mods are just naturally unstable. This is the end result of too many cooks working on the same dish; most mods are made by amateur programmers working on their own, and with thousands of mods out there, developers can easily tread on each other's toes.
Time consuming
Even if you're playing in Creative Mode, it's easy to lose track of time when indulging yourself in this game. In fact, it's also easy to get lost thinking about what you'll do or try next long after you've put the game down, creating a distraction even when you're not at the computer. This can become an issue if you're not careful.
It gets complicated
Crafting items is done by placing other items on a 3x3 or 2x2 grid. Most of the time, you'll need to place them in a specific pattern to create the item you want. It's easy enough to remember some recipes, such as the recipe for a pickaxe or sword, but things get complicated pretty quickly. Thus, there is no shame in having the game's official wiki open and checking it as you play the game.
Also, as mentioned above, there are mods to help with this and later versions of the game come with a similar feature by default.
Also, as mentioned above, there are mods to help with this and later versions of the game come with a similar feature by default.
Vandalization is common
As much as it can be fun to build large and impressive things with friends, it's also tempting to do something to ruin or vandalize other people's creations. Unfortunately, this led to Minecraft being the game that popularized the term griefer - a player who deliberately ruins other people's fun.
Concerns and Issues
Minecraft Realms require a subscription
As mentioned above, you can rent multiplayer servers from within the game. These packages are known as "Realms", and are purchased using a subscription model. How much they cost depends on which edition of the game you're running - $4 / month for a Bedrock subscription, or $8 / month for the Java Edition.
Remember: this is entirely optional, and is completely unnecessary for single player games.
Remember: this is entirely optional, and is completely unnecessary for single player games.
In Game Purchases
The Bedrock Edition uses a premium currency called Minecoin. Players can purchase this using real money, then use it buy new add ons or accessories for their characters.
The Java Edition, however, does not have in game purchases of any kind by default - someone needs to add them in with a mod. Some third party servers use lootboxes or other in game purchases to fund their hosting expenses. This has led to big problems, as Minecraft is understood to be a "safe" game for children, and this has introduced a lot of kids to what is effectively gambling.
The Java Edition, however, does not have in game purchases of any kind by default - someone needs to add them in with a mod. Some third party servers use lootboxes or other in game purchases to fund their hosting expenses. This has led to big problems, as Minecraft is understood to be a "safe" game for children, and this has introduced a lot of kids to what is effectively gambling.
Potion brewing and magical enchantments
Sooner or later, you'll come across magical potions and empowered items. Most potions offer useful buffs or magical healing, but there are also potions designed to be used offensively. Those do direct harm or cause troublesome debuffs, making the target less able to defend themselves in a fight. Later on, you'll be able to brew them yourself using such things as fermented spider's eyes and other ingredients.
You'll also encounter tools, weapons, and armor with magical enchantments of various types. For example, a sword may be enchanted to do more damage to giant spiders while a chestplate might provide magical resistance to fire. As you'd expect, you'll be able to place these enchantments on items yourself once you've built the right devices.
You'll also encounter tools, weapons, and armor with magical enchantments of various types. For example, a sword may be enchanted to do more damage to giant spiders while a chestplate might provide magical resistance to fire. As you'd expect, you'll be able to place these enchantments on items yourself once you've built the right devices.
Magical or strange creatures
Aside from the Ender Dragon, there are a number of hostile creatures that can appear in the game. Most of them only spawn during the night or in very dark areas, so as long as you get to bed on time and keep the local area well lit, they aren't much of a risk.
Your typical monsters include zombies, skeletons, and giant spiders, but there are a number of unique creatures that are only found in Minecraft. These include creepers, endermen, and zombie pigmen. Depending on your difficulty setting, zombies can turn villagers into more zombies, and there may be little baby zombies running about.
Witches, Pillagers, and Illagers are also present. The former is a hostile villager who throws potions at you, while the Illagers and Pillagers act as a hostile faction.
All of this can be bypassed by playing on Peaceful, making it optional.
By the by, there is a popular creepypasta character known as Herobrine. This evil entity is something of an internet legend, and does not really exist. The developers of Minecraft are aware of the story, and occasionally play along with little references to him in official artwork and the game's changelogs. Of course, there are mods to include him in your game, if you really wanted to.
Your typical monsters include zombies, skeletons, and giant spiders, but there are a number of unique creatures that are only found in Minecraft. These include creepers, endermen, and zombie pigmen. Depending on your difficulty setting, zombies can turn villagers into more zombies, and there may be little baby zombies running about.
Witches, Pillagers, and Illagers are also present. The former is a hostile villager who throws potions at you, while the Illagers and Pillagers act as a hostile faction.
All of this can be bypassed by playing on Peaceful, making it optional.
By the by, there is a popular creepypasta character known as Herobrine. This evil entity is something of an internet legend, and does not really exist. The developers of Minecraft are aware of the story, and occasionally play along with little references to him in official artwork and the game's changelogs. Of course, there are mods to include him in your game, if you really wanted to.
Mild violence
While combat is somewhat common in Minecraft, it's never been one of the game's strong points. Essentially, you just swing a sword at your target until it falls over. You can also shoot things using bows and arrows, but keeping enough arrows on hand requires a lot of preparation, so swords are typically the go-to weapon.
Although you're going to be using your weapons on monsters most of the time, you can also attack and kill other things, like the peaceful villagers, the local animals, or even other players. Outside of specific mods, there's no real point in going after the villagers, as they don't leave behind any resources. As for fighting and killing other people's characters, it goes without saying that you should probably only play the game with people you know or just play alone if PVP servers are an issue for you.
However, unlike the killing a player or a villager, there is a reason to attack and kill the various animals in the game - just like in real life, this is how you acquire resources such as raw meat and leather pelts.
For those who would prefer a more vegan option, there are mods out there that allow you to gather these resources without bothering the local animals. Pam's Harvestcraft, for example, gives you the ability to make tofu and soy milk, which you can substitute for eggs, meat, or dairy in almost all recipes.
Although you're going to be using your weapons on monsters most of the time, you can also attack and kill other things, like the peaceful villagers, the local animals, or even other players. Outside of specific mods, there's no real point in going after the villagers, as they don't leave behind any resources. As for fighting and killing other people's characters, it goes without saying that you should probably only play the game with people you know or just play alone if PVP servers are an issue for you.
However, unlike the killing a player or a villager, there is a reason to attack and kill the various animals in the game - just like in real life, this is how you acquire resources such as raw meat and leather pelts.
For those who would prefer a more vegan option, there are mods out there that allow you to gather these resources without bothering the local animals. Pam's Harvestcraft, for example, gives you the ability to make tofu and soy milk, which you can substitute for eggs, meat, or dairy in almost all recipes.
Other ways to die
Monsters aside, there are plenty of other ways of getting yourself killed. These include falling from a great height, burning alive, and starving to death. The last one isn't a risk on Peaceful, as the hunger mechanics are disabled on that difficulty. However, the other two will still be a serious risk when exploring the Nether or mining carelessly. Lava is one of the greatest dangers in the game, so be careful when you dig around.
On the plus side, if you're not playing a Hardcore mode game you'll respawn and can hurry back to where you died to recollect your things.
On the plus side, if you're not playing a Hardcore mode game you'll respawn and can hurry back to where you died to recollect your things.
The Nether
The Nether is a fiery Hell is all but name. There are no demons here, but the monsters that are present are much more dangerous than the usual creatures you'll encounter. Aside from the fire and brimstone theming, there is also a material known as "soul sand". It's basically a soft, sand like substance, but instead of being made of small grains, it appears to be comprised of fog containing many screaming faces.
On an interesting side note, more recent versions of the game have been diversifying the Nether, making it less of a pure Hell and more of a dangerous cursed magical realm. The modern Nether is pretty lively for a nightmare dimension.
On an interesting side note, more recent versions of the game have been diversifying the Nether, making it less of a pure Hell and more of a dangerous cursed magical realm. The modern Nether is pretty lively for a nightmare dimension.
Mods can get way worse
The majority of mods that are out there are just as family friendly as the vanilla game, but there are some exceptions. These can include more graphic violence, guns, magic that uses blood or sacrifices to work, and even some depictions of witchcraft. There are also a few mods that try to add sexual content, though with the blocky style of Minecraft's graphics, this typically comes off as strange rather than titillating. The good news here is that the nastier mods rarely appear in curated modpacks, meaning that you can avoid them with very little effort.