“First, we mine. Then craft. LET’S MINE CRAFT!”
Introduction
Minecraft, one of the most popular video games ever released. It’s everywhere, whether that be all over YouTube, loads of merchandise across stores globally, and of course, The Minecraft Movie starring Jack Black and Jason Mamoa, who could forget the lava chicken song?
Whether you’ve played the game before or not, you must admit for a game that is for around 30 bucks that was created years ago it must be doing something right as it’s still bringing in new players every year.
What is Minecraft?
Minecraft is a sandbox game created by Mojang. Mostly everything in the game is in blocks. It’s decorated with a pixel low poly style. In this game, you can create multiple different worlds. Each world is randomly generated but you can type in a seed code to add a certain terrain into the game, for example a snowy cliff. You can build, explore, kill monsters, the possibilities are endless.
The game was released on the 17th of May 2009, and since then has had multiple different versions created. Theres two main different versions of Minecraft, Java and Bedrock. Other versions include the Education mode.
What is the difference between Java and Bedrock?
The Minecraft Java edition is exclusive to PC, most notably a handier option due to the support for modding, which can transform the game completely.
The Minecraft Bedrock Edition is cross-platform, it’s used for consoles, mobile and PC.
When buying Minecraft for the PC usually both versions of the game are available to play in the Minecraft launcher.
It’s available on all major platforms, PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo and mobile devices.
What do you do in the game?
You can do anything that you please to. The game does have end game stuff that you can complete for extra items/awards such as defeating a boss.
The game has a day and night system. Depending on the difficulty you are playing will impact this system.
Game updates/recent dlc packs
Minecraft gets updated regularly on both Java and Bedrock, with the most recent update being “Vibrant Visuals” which was a visual overhaul that would make the game look better.
If you play Bedrock edition, there is a marketplace where you can buy extra stuff to add onto your game since you cannot mod that version. An example of Minecraft Marketplace items would be add-ons, pre-built worlds, skin packs, texture packs, mini games, etc. These packs cost Minecoins which are purchased from real money. So, parents be aware just in case if you have your card details linked to a console. There are some packs that will be available for free but stay vigilant when your kid is on the marketplace.
A game in the Minecraft Universe is also Minecraft: Story Mode. It is unavailable to play now due to the company, Telltale Games going bankrupt back in 2018. So therefore, is not available for digital purchase.
Mods
Mods:
Ever wondered how Minecraft Youtubers have cool stuff that you’ve never seen in game before? It’s mods. Mods can only be done on Java, and on a PC. Websites such as CurseForge have Minecraft mods that you can install to your pc.
Mods can include shaders, resource packs, new items, worlds, game modes, etc. The possibility is endless.
If your child wants to play modded Minecraft, please be careful. As you have to download it to your computer, the files could contain anything. It’s always a good idea when picking what mods to install, to pick a mod that has a lot of good reviews and has been used recently. That will decrease the chances of it either being broken or with viruses.
Popular Minecraft communities
Once you get used to downloading mods, the next thing you’ll probably start looking for is online communities to play with. Popular servers such as Hyperpixel let players play together in mini games, etc.
Music
There is a lot of music in Minecraft, they have audio for everything. This is really good and shows the amount of dedication that they put into the game. The audio adds onto the realism of the game.
Music is also a hidden thing too; around each world there are 21 unique music disks that can be found. Some of them are hard to find and may take some time. The disks can be played on a jukebox.
A Minecraft Movie:
This movie is based on Minecraft. It came out this year and was an immediate success in theatres. Including stars such as Jack Black, Jason Mamoa and Jennifer Coolidge. From that movie popular trends came about online because of the song lava chicken, and then the big meme about the chicken jockey. This caused havoc around cinemas globally as audiences started interrupting the film during the chicken jockey seen and were seen throwing popcorn everywhere.
Overall, the movie was alright, many lifelong fans of the game would have preferred if it was a cartoon. A second movie is reportedly in the works.
Is it safe for my kid to play?
I’d say yes, the game is safe to play. But to remind cautious when it comes to the marketplace, online communities and mods.
Looking to play Minecraft with your kid or want some more information about the safety measures. Click this button. It will take you to the Resources for Families page on the Minecraft website.
Rating
Rating:
Out of ten I would have to give it ten out of ten. It’s a great game no doubt, endless possibilities, and mods and online community maps to keep you entertained. It’s fun for all the family and friends too. If playing on Bedrock, they have realms, this lets any of bedrock device join (Even if it isn’t on console). So go on, give it a try.
