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'Minecraft' with a Story isn't as Weird as you'd Think.
A narrative-driven game like Minecraft, the block-building game that is loved by adults and children alike, may sound tad contradictory. Minecraft is an open-world game that doesn't have a plot or characters. The world is created randomly and the best stories are created based on the things you build and explore. The game's open nature is what makes it different and also the reason why Minecraft: Story Mode, an off-shoot with a meticulously crafted plot has been met with so much skepticism. Minecraft works because it doesn't have a story -- is it possible, or right, for another developer to make it one?
Telltale Games is most well-known for its adventure game adaptations of popular franchises such as The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones and Fables. These properties in contrast to Minecraft are based on established characters, stories, and mythology that the team is able to work with. Utilizing its own game engine and comic book style of art, Telltale typically offers a game "season" consisting of five episodes. They are broken down into cuts, conversations that branch, quick-time events and puzzles. There are times when you're able to explore the environment. However, there is no exploration or creativity. You want freeform building and crafting, like that found in Minecraft? Better look elsewhere.
Despite these enormous differences, Minecraft: Story Mode works. It's a delightful celebration of the game that made Markus "Notch" Persson a billionaire, and its story and characters seem to are part of the world, despite the fact that they were never mentioned in the original game. In the first episode, you take on the character of Jesse, and unlike most Telltale games, you have the option of choosing between a boy or girl, and three different races. It's a nice feature that instantly gave me a sense of connection to the character. The voice acting was done 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 a small group of people you are determined to win a building competition at a Minecon-style convention known as Endercon.
There's no mention of Jesse's treehouse, his pet animal Reuben or the Endercon contest in the original Minecraft game. huliypin is blogging again This could be a problem, however, Telltale quickly impressed me in several ways. For one, Story Mode doesn't claim to be the only storyline in Minecraft. It's a distinct take on the blocky series and is set in its own, separate version of the Minecraft world. This allows the writers to explore while protecting the original material. Story Mode includes many elements that are familiar to players of the original game. Portals, beacons, and creepers all appear in episode one, and are easily identifiable. Telltale's new ideas such as a vivid amulet that can be used to track important characters, aren't out of fit within the Minecraft universe. Story Mode respects the original game's mechanics and items but doesn't overuse them.
The pace is slow to begin with however, once the Endercon building contest is over, the plot kicks into high gear. Telltale introduces the Order of the Stone, a group of heroes who once defeated the Ender Dragon, but later disappeared into legend. The members are responsible for the current threat facing the world. Telltale opens up a few of the most significant mysteries for the five-part series. Although it's not exceptional, I'm still intrigued enough to binge watch the remaining episodes.
Story Mode is intended to be family-friendly. There are limitations on the writing and Telltale's capacity to make use of its jolly characters. Fables (The Wolf Among Us) and The Walking Dead have provided more opportunities for the team to develop dark and unpredictable characters with shady strategies. They trigger more intense reactions in the player, making more difficult choices and more complicated relationships with the characters you choose to identify with. Most of Story Mode's characters are likable (aside from Jesse's best friend Axel who is known to be self-centered and impulsive) and I spent the majority of my time trying to be the best friend with everyone.
However, the characters are distinctive and have an enthralling, lively personality. All of them have clearly defined motives and desires, which makes it easier to predict the consequences of every decision made in a dialogue. While the previous games by Telltale had some issues with slow writing and pacing however, they have always made me care about the characters. Story Mode is no different and is a testimony of the quality of the writing. Jesse's friends may be a little shallow, but they're easy to root for. I really want my "Nether Maniacs" (early on you can pick your team's name for the building competition) to endure and stay together, so I'm eager to see how the game is trying to separate them in the later episodes.
Even if you've not played Minecraft before there are many things to do in the Story Mode's first Chapter. It's a charming, if simple tale with intriguing characters and memorable pieces of set. In terms of game design, it couldn't be further from Minecraft however Telltale has come up with a way to make it work. This is due to the quality of the writing, as well as the clever use of classic items such as monsters, items, and gameplay mechanics. Story Mode uses Minecraft's entire toolbox to support its storytelling. It works well. The game could have been a sloppy and awkward cash-in, however instead it's a thoughtful, respectful spin-off that celebrates Minecraft's special brand of creativity.