Notes

'Minecraft' with a Story isn't as Weird as you'd Imagine.

A narrative-driven game like Minecraft the block-building phenomenon adored by both adults and children alike, might sound a little odd. By the nature of it, Minecraft has little in the way of plots or characters. The world is created randomly, and the most memorable "stories" are naturally generated depending on what you decide to create and explore. The game's free-form nature is what makes it different and also the reason why Minecraft: Story Mode, an off-shoot with a meticulously crafted plot is doubted by many. Minecraft is a game that doesn't have a story -is it even possible, or is it even necessary, for another developer to give it one?



Telltale Games is best known for adventure game adaptations of popular franchises such as The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones and Fables. In contrast to Minecraft, these properties come with established mythologies, stories, and characters that the team can collaborate with. Telltale utilizes its own game engine and comic book art style to create five episodes. These are broken down into cuts, conversations that branch, quick-time events and puzzles. There are times when you're able to explore an environment. But, there's very little exploration or creativity. You would like freeform crafting and freeform building similar to that of Minecraft? Better look elsewhere.



Minecraft: Story Mode works despite these vast differences. It's a delightful celebration of the game that made Markus Persson a billionaire. The narrative and characters appear to be part of the world, even though they're not mentioned in the original game. You play the role of Jesse in episode 1. Unlike other Telltale games, you can pick between a boy and girls and also choose one or more of three races. It's a nice addition that instantly gave me a sense of connection to the character. The voice acting was performed by either Patton Oswalt (best-known for his role in Ratatouille or The King of Queens) and Catherine Taber (you might recognise her voice from Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker or Star Wars: The Clone Wars). With an intimate group of friends you set out to win a building competition at a Minecon-style gathering called Endercon.



There's no mention to Jesse's treehouse or her pet pig Reuben or the Endercon competition in the original Minecraft game. This could have been a problem, but Telltale quickly won me over in several ways. Story Mode is not the most epic storyline of Minecraft. It's a different version of the blocky franchise, and it's set in a different Minecraft world. https://kd76.com/ This allows the creators to explore, while protecting the source material. Story Mode also weaves in countless elements that will be familiar to those who played the original game. Creepers, beacons and portals all are present in the first episode, and are easily recognizable. When Telltale introduces a new idea -- for instance an amulet that is colorful and used to track important characters It isn't out of place in the Minecraft universe. Story Mode respects the original game's mechanics, and the items however, it doesn't abuse them.



Although the pace is slow at first, once the Endercon building contest has ended, the plot picks up significantly. Telltale introduces the Order of the Stone, a group of heroes who once defeated the Ender Dragon but then faded into legend. The danger that the world faces is linked to these heroes and this is where the developer lays out some of the larger mysteries of the five-part series. The show isn't anything extraordinary however I'm interested enough to watch the remaining episodes.



Story Mode is designed to be family-friendly, however there are some restrictions on the writing style and where Telltale can use its cheerful characters. Other properties that it has modified in the past, such as The Walking Dead and Fables (The Wolf Among Us) have provided the team more chances to create darker and more uncertain characters with a variety of strategies. These provoke stronger reactions in the player, making more difficult choices and more complicated relationships with the characters you choose to align with. Most of Story Mode's cast is likable (aside from Jesse's friend Axel, who tends to be self-centered and impulsive) and I spent most of my time trying to be the best friend with everyone.



That said, the characters are distinct and possess an enthralling, lively personality. It is easier to determine the outcome of every dialogue because they all have clear motives. Previous Telltale games have been plagued by occasionally stiff scripts and inconsistent pace -- a common occurrence, perhaps, with branching storylines , however, they've always made me care about the characters. Story Mode is no different and is a proof of the quality of the writing. Jesse's companions might be a little superficial, but they're easy to identify with. I really would like my "Nether Maniacs" (early on, you get to choose your team name for the building competition) to be able to remain together, so I'm interested to see how the game is trying to separate them in the later episodes.



Even even if you've never played Minecraft before there's plenty to enjoy in the first chapter of Story Mode. It's a charming, but simple story with interesting characters and memorable sets. It's a world away from Minecraft in terms of game design , but Telltale has somehow managed to make it work. I'm putting it down the quality of the writing and the way it cleverly incorporates classic items such as monsters, gameplay mechanics, and other items. Story Mode uses Minecraft's entire toolbox to aid in its storytelling. It's a great game. It could have been a sloppy, awkward cash-in game, however, it's an intelligent respectful spinoff that focuses on Minecraft's distinctive style of storytelling.


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