Minecraft is a global phenomenon. Its success elevated its creator, Marcus “Notch” Persson, to prominence when Microsoft acquired the title. More importantly, it fostered a massive, continuously expanding community, exhibiting a distinct generational presence. Full disclosure: I had never played Minecraft before this review. To me, it appeared to be a digital LEGO simulator lacking a definitive objective. It seemed to lack a clear path to victory. Therefore, when Minecraft Dungeons arrived, I enlisted our junior reviewer and Minecraft aficionado, Liam (11 years old), to provide expert guidance and to experience some multiplayer dungeon crawling. The resulting experience proved highly enjoyable and insightful.
Minecraft Dungeons can be succinctly described as a Minecraft-themed action RPG in the vein of Diablo. It incorporates the blocky aesthetic and recognizable elements from the Minecraft universe, while offering a difficulty curve suitable for both newcomers and experienced players. Players navigate procedurally generated levels (dungeons), discovering treasure chests (loot) and battling iconic Minecraft adversaries like skeletons and Creepers.
Liam noted some deviations from established Minecraft conventions, such as zombies attacking during daylight hours. However, these alterations did not detract from the overall experience. For a dedicated Minecraft player like him, the familiar elements contributed significantly to the game’s appeal. While enjoyable in single-player mode, Minecraft Dungeons truly excels in multiplayer. Team members can coordinate and explore different sections of the map simultaneously. The game features a health regeneration mechanic governed by a cooldown timer, offering unlimited use with sufficient waiting time. Similar to Huntdown, players can revive fallen teammates, enhancing both the accessibility and dynamism of the gameplay. Our testing involved a two-player online session (utilizing Discord for communication), which performed admirably. The potential for collaborative fun with up to four players, either locally or online, is considerable.
Minecraft Dungeons presents itself as an accessible and engaging game suitable for family play. Its mechanics are easily grasped, offering a level of challenge that maintains interest without becoming overly frustrating. Hardcore dungeon crawler enthusiasts awaiting Diablo 4 might find the experience somewhat simplistic. However, for Minecraft devotees, or those seeking an enjoyable cooperative experience with younger players, Minecraft Dungeons comes highly recommended.
Note: Minecraft Dungeons launched on May 26th and is available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers (on both Xbox One and PC). Liam rated the game 9/10, while I scored it 7/10, resulting in an average rating of 8/10.
