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MONSTER

Minecraft

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Minecraft
Item: Minecraft
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2011

GenresVirtual Reality, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, Simulation, RPG, Casual, Strategy, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableNov 18, 2011

PlatformXbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperMojang AB

Overview

Minecraft focuses on allowing the player to explore, interact with, and modify a dynamically-generated map made of one-cubic-meter-sized blocks. In addition to blocks, the environment features plants, mobs, and items. Some activities in the game include mining for ore, fighting hostile mobs, and crafting new blocks and tools by gathering various resources found in the game. The game's open-ended model allows players to create structures, creations, and artwork on various multiplayer servers or their single-player maps. Other features include redstone circuits for logic computations and remote actions, minecarts and tracks, and a mysterious underworld called the Nether. A designated but completely optional goal of the game is to travel to a dimension called the End, and defeat the ender dragon.

Elsewhere

8.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Minecraft's gameplay is a critical darling, celebrated for its diverse mechanics and engaging Survival and Creative modes that spark creativity and adventure. While some critics point to repetitive combat and minor performance issues, the game’s immersive sandbox experience and strong multiplayer features keep it captivating. Overall, Minecraft remains a beloved title, empowering players with freedom to explore and build at their own pace.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

98%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Minecraft has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics across various platforms, highlighting its rich and diverse mechanics. Reviewers such as Push Square and GameSpot emphasize the game's ability to offer both Survival and Creative modes, allowing players to engage in resource gathering, crafting, and building to their heart's content. Critics like GamePro and Cheat Code Central praise the sandbox experience, which fosters creativity and imagination, enabling players to construct elaborate structures and embark on adventures filled with challenges. The multiplayer aspect, noted by GameSpot and God is a Geek, enhances the experience, allowing for cooperative gameplay that adds depth and enjoyment to the overall experience. While the gameplay is largely celebrated, there are some criticisms that emerge from the reviews. Several critics, including App Trigger and PlayStation Universe, point out that the combat mechanics can become repetitive, detracting from the overall experience. Additionally, App Trigger notes a lack of a robust online sharing community, which could limit the social aspect of the game. Some critics also mention minor performance issues on certain platforms, such as Metro GameCentral's observation of slight slowdowns during four-player split-screen mode. Despite these drawbacks, the core gameplay remains engaging and enjoyable for most players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Minecraft delivers a compelling and immersive gameplay experience that appeals to a wide range of players. With its combination of exploration, creativity, and survival mechanics, the game has successfully captivated audiences since its release. Critics like IGN and Vandal highlight the sense of freedom it provides, allowing players to set their own goals and progress at their own pace. The positive sentiment is reinforced by the fact that the majority of reviewers found the gameplay to be very good, indicating that Minecraft continues to be a beloved title in the gaming community.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Minecraft's graphics, with their iconic blocky style, receive a mostly positive reception for fostering creativity, especially on the Nintendo Switch, where it runs smoothly at 60fps. Critics praise themed mash-up packs but note limitations like 720p resolution and performance issues. While some find the visuals dated and potentially off-putting for new players, many agree that their simplicity enhances gameplay by prioritizing creativity over realism. Overall, Minecraft’s unique aesthetic remains a central part of its charm, despite criticisms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

72%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

28%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Minecraft have garnered a mixed yet generally positive reception from critics, particularly regarding its unique and iconic blocky aesthetic. Many reviewers, such as App Trigger and Impulsegamer, highlight the game's distinctive visual style, which allows for creativity and freedom in building. The Nintendo Switch version, despite some limitations, is praised for its performance, running at 60 frames per second and offering a visually impressive interactive world. Critics like GamingTrend and God is a Geek appreciate the variety of themed mash-up packs, such as the Super Mario texture pack, which adds charm and fanservice to the visuals. The ability to create vast environments with simple blocks is also noted as a significant strength, with reviewers like Metro GameCentral emphasizing the game's focus on function over form. However, the criticisms surrounding Minecraft's graphics are notable, with many reviewers pointing out that the visuals can feel dated and simplistic. Critics like DualShockers and Meristation mention the limitations of the Switch version, such as running at 720p and experiencing performance issues with many elements on screen. The draw distance is often cited as a concern, particularly in handheld mode, with NintendoWorldReport and Pocket Gamer UK noting issues with pop-in and limited visibility. Additionally, some reviewers, like PlayStation Universe, describe the blocky graphics as potentially off-putting for newcomers, suggesting that the aesthetic may not appeal to everyone. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Minecraft's graphics may not compete with the high-end visuals of contemporary games, they effectively serve the game's purpose and contribute to its charm. The simplicity of the visuals is often seen as a strength, allowing for a focus on creativity and gameplay rather than realism. Critics like Cheat Code Central and GamesRadar+ emphasize that the game's iconic blocky style has become a hallmark of its identity, fostering an immersive atmosphere that encourages player engagement. Despite the criticisms regarding resolution and performance, the general sentiment is that Minecraft's visual design, while simplistic, remains a vital and beloved aspect of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Minecraft's sound design and music, primarily by C418, receive praise for enhancing immersion and exploration with soothing ambient tracks. However, critics highlight stagnation due to a lack of new sound effects and repetitive music, suggesting the game needs more variety and thematic updates to elevate the audio experience. Overall, while effective, there's a clear demand for fresh content to enrich gameplay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

58%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Minecraft have garnered a generally positive reception among critics, particularly for their ability to enhance the gameplay experience. Reviewers like DualShockers and Impulsegamer highlight the soothing and ambient qualities of the soundtrack, which is primarily composed by C418, noting how it complements the exploration and crafting aspects of the game. Critics such as DarkStation and GamingTrend appreciate the themed mash-up packs, like the Super Mario pack, which not only alter the visual aesthetics but also introduce iconic music tracks that enrich the overall experience. Additionally, the game's tranquil music is often described as immersive, with critics like GameSpot and Cheat Code Central emphasizing its role in creating a calming atmosphere that allows players to connect deeply with the game world. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design and music in Minecraft. Critics like Meristation and Vandal point out the lack of new sound effects and melodies, suggesting that the audio experience has become stagnant over Time. Meristation specifically mentions that the game could benefit from more themed touches to enhance its charm, particularly in the context of the Nintendo Switch version. Additionally, while some reviewers appreciate the minimalist approach to sound design, others, such as 3DJuegos and Vandal, argue that the limited repertoire of music tracks and repetitive sound effects may lead players to prefer listening to their own music instead of the in-game audio. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Minecraft's sound design and music contribute positively to the gameplay experience, there are areas for improvement. The soothing and ambient qualities of the soundtrack are widely praised, particularly in how they enhance immersion and exploration. However, the lack of variety and innovation in sound effects and musical tracks has led to some disappointment, indicating a desire for fresh content and greater diversity. Critics like Multiplayer.it and GameSpot acknowledge the effectiveness of the existing soundscape but also highlight the potential for expansion, especially in themed content that could further enrich the player's experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Nintendo Switch version of Minecraft shines with smooth 60 FPS, good graphics, and solid multiplayer support, though split-screen issues and profile linking concerns mar the experience. Meanwhile, Xbox One and PS4 versions also impress with better frame rates and visuals, despite occasional glitches. PC offers stability but feels outdated. Overall, strong performance across platforms, but not without notable flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In analyzing the technical performance of Minecraft across various gaming platforms, the Nintendo Switch version generally receives positive remarks. Critics like DualShockers and NintendoWorldReport highlight that the game runs smoothly at 60 frames per second, with impressive draw distances, particularly in docked mode at 1080p. The multiplayer functionality is also praised, with God is a Geek noting support for up to eight players online and four locally. Additionally, Impulsegamer commends the controls, emphasizing their accessibility and how well they function on the Switch. Overall, the Switch version is recognized for its solid performance and enjoyable multiplayer experience. However, several critics point out notable drawbacks for the Nintendo Switch. GamingTrend mentions that split-screen play on the undocked screen may not be ideal for multiple players, and Metro GameCentral notes minor slowdowns during four-player split-screen sessions. There are also concerns about linking profiles from other formats and the lack of cross-platform progression, as highlighted by God is a Geek. Pocket Gamer UK raises issues regarding touchscreen inconsistency, while USgamer points out noticeable draw distance problems in Creative Mode, which detracts from the experience. When examining the Xbox One and PS4 versions, the consensus is similarly positive regarding their technical performance. Both platforms are noted for improved frame rates and larger worlds compared to their predecessors, with GameSpot and IGN praising the smooth 60 frames per second performance on Xbox One. Critics like PlayStation Universe acknowledge the PS4 version's sharper visuals and faster loading times, although they also mention occasional hiccups and glitches, such as disappearing items from chests. On PC, while reviewers like 3DJuegos and Vandal recognize improvements and stability, they also note that the game appears graphically outdated and has issues with modding that can lead to crashes. Overall, while there are some technical concerns across all platforms, the general sentiment remains favorable, with improvements in performance and gameplay experience being widely acknowledged.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise Minecraft's replay value across platforms like Switch and PC, highlighting its open-ended gameplay, customizable experiences, and robust multiplayer options. While some raised concerns about limited online features and lack of updates affecting social play, the consensus remains that the game offers endless creativity and exploration, making it a captivating title that keeps players engaged.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

89%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

11%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Minecraft is overwhelmingly positive among critics, particularly those who played on the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, and PC. Many reviewers emphasize the game's open-ended nature and the vast array of gameplay options available. For instance, DualShockers highlights the customizable survival experiences and creative mode, while GamingTrend points out the freedom to create personal goals and explore the world. Critics like NintendoWorldReport and Pocket Gamer UK also praise the multiplayer options and the potential for future updates, which enhance the game's replayability. The ability to engage in various activities, from building structures to exploring alternate dimensions, is consistently noted as a significant factor contributing to the game's high replay value. However, some critics do express concerns that could impact the replay value for certain players. For example, App Trigger mentions limited online multiplayer options and the lack of community sharing features, which may deter players seeking a more social experience. Metro GameCentral also notes that the absence of the latest updates could affect replayability. Additionally, Push Square points out the lack of dedicated server support and mod capabilities, which can limit customization and sharing experiences. These critiques suggest that while the core gameplay remains engaging, certain limitations may hinder the experience for some players. Despite these concerns, the overall consensus among critics is that Minecraft offers substantial replay value, with many praising its infinite possibilities for creativity and exploration. Critics like GameSpot and IGN reaffirm this sentiment, emphasizing the game's addictive nature and the various modes available, such as Survival and Creative. The community-driven content and constant updates further reinforce the game's appeal, as highlighted by Gamer.nl and Multiplayer.it. Ultimately, while there are some limitations noted by a few critics, the majority agree that Minecraft's extensive gameplay options and potential for creativity make it a highly replayable title that continues to captivate players across different platforms.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

98%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Minecraft, particularly its Nintendo Switch Edition, is overwhelmingly positive among critics. Many reviewers praise the game for its accessibility and versatility, especially on the Switch, where it allows players to enjoy the experience both on the TV and in handheld mode. Critics like DarkStation and God is a Geek highlight the unique features, such as the free Super Mario mash-up pack, which enhances the gameplay for both newcomers and long-time fans. The game is frequently described as a must-have for Switch owners, with Impulsegamer and Meristation emphasizing its engaging interactive environment and the enjoyable multiplayer options. The consensus is that Minecraft delivers a captivating experience that encourages creativity, exploration, and survival, making it a standout title across various platforms. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics do point out notable drawbacks. App Trigger mentions the limitations of the online community experience, which can hinder the game's appeal for players seeking robust multiplayer interactions. Metro GameCentral and Trusted Reviews also note limitations in world sizes and some technical aspects, such as resolution and online features, which may not measure up to the versions available on more powerful consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One. Additionally, issues related to local multiplayer costs and the lack of world migration between platforms are highlighted by God is a Geek, suggesting that while the game excels in many areas, it still has room for improvement. Overall, the critics reach a consensus that Minecraft remains a highly recommended title, especially for those who appreciate sandbox-style gameplay. With the majority of reviewers affirming its quality, it is evident that Minecraft continues to resonate with players, both old and new. Critics like Time, who awarded a perfect score, and GamingTrend, who praised the excellent online multiplayer functionality, reinforce the notion that Minecraft on the Switch is a definitive version of the game. The combination of engaging gameplay, creativity, and portability solidifies its status as a must-have title, despite some acknowledged limitations.

TL;DR

Minecraft’s Nintendo Switch Edition receives rave reviews for its accessibility, creativity, and engaging gameplay, making it a must-have for Switch owners. Critics love its unique features like the Super Mario mash-up pack and strong multiplayer options. However, it faces criticism for limited online community experiences and some technical drawbacks compared to more powerful consoles. Overall, it's a standout title that resonates with players old and new, despite some room for improvement.

MONSTER

Reviews

121 reviews found

100

Time

Nintendo Switch

May 11, 2017