Folks with even a passing interest in computer gaming have no doubt heard of Minecraft. Created by independent developer Michael “Notch” Persson, the sandbox-style title pits players against a mysterious realm where they are forced to explore, collect resources, craft objects, and build fortifications in order to survive. When an early version of the game was released back in 2009, it became an instant underground hit that garnered a devoted cult following, thanks to its charmingly simple visuals and easily accessible gameplay. Unfortunately for iOS gamers, Minecraft – Pocket Edition, doesn’t offer anything close to the same experience as it’s computer-bound cousin.
While Minecraft’s signature 8-bit-inspired 3D graphics are intact, the soul of the game has been lost in the translation from PC desktop sensation to a universal iOS curiosity. After tapping the game to life, you can explore Minecraft’s world, but honestly have no reason to do so: Minecraft – Pocket Edition has no adventure elements to speak of. There's no reason to collect resources to survive, nor do you have to worry about building defenses against creatures bent on your destruction.
Why? It’s simple: They’re nowhere to be found in the game. You're offered no direction or reason to do much of anything other than create what structures they will out of a modest variety of pixelated blocks. While the ability to construct anything you can imagine might seem like a cool idea for a while, the novelty quickly wears off once you realize that there’s no reason to do so.
The bottom line. At best, Minecraft – Pocket Edition feels more like a proof of concept than a game. It's disappointing, to say the least.
iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 4.3 or later
Offers a venue where you can build or create just about anything.
Without a goal, plot, or reason to do so, building and creating gets old fast.
shane_63
December 13, 2011 at 8:30am
I haven't played Minecraft too but I found it very interesting.
LillyPo
December 05, 2011 at 10:10pm
I was making some really cool buildings, and after opening the app about ten times, it reset and deleted my buildings and put me in a new area, and it keeps doing this. I have lost at least 4 buildings because of this. I am officially abandoning this app.
Boslok
December 04, 2011 at 10:30pm
Isn't that Markus "Notch" Persson, pretty sure its not Michael. It's on Mojang's about webpage.
gashtou4
December 02, 2011 at 12:23pm
This is the way Minecraft was from the beginning. It will develop I am sure. Don't completely give up on the mobile version yet.
Geoduck
December 02, 2011 at 7:45am
Thank You!
I haven't played Minecraft and I figured this would be a good introduction. Your review nailed it. You can wander around, build walls, and such but what is lacking is motivation. Why build a wall. Why explore a relm that will change the next time you load the game.Cool idea but lacking. I'm still interested in the 'real' version of Minecraft.
