Microsoft has taken a great risk in spinning off one of its most treasured IPs. Mostly seeing as previous attempts at spinning out the hits to other genres haven’t set the world alight. Instances like diluting the potential of another IP’s jump to turn-based tactics comes to mind. Luckily for ol’ Redmond, Minecraft Dungeons is not one of those instances.
Minecraft Dungeons takes its inspiration from such A-RPG classics such as the original The Legend of Zelda. Then mixes it with an isometric love-note to Diablo’s HUD, dungeon crawling and horde-management mechanics. The ingredients of this mix of inspirations are apparent as early as the main menu.
The minimalist adventuring theme of the main menu is a terrific first impression. Evoking the classics and letting you know that the devs know their stuff.
Emphasis is put on both online and offline multiplayer. Matchmaking menus and clear instructions on how to play with a friend visible from the outset.
Unfortunately, this review will be concentrating on the single-player due to COVID-19 coupled with my kitten’s continuing lack of hands.no one wanted to stand outside my flat window with an Xbox controller to try out Co-Op with me. This one guy called the police, but that’s a tale for another time…
Knowing its Place
Minecraft Dungeons doesn’t overstep the mark in trying to contend with the heavy A-RPG hitters in trying to master an allout narrative. Its LEGO-like tongue in cheek storytelling contains just the right amounts of cheese and charm to take one’s heart hostage.
The thoughtful use of ‘Ye Olde English’ phrasing and dramatic emphasis during cut-scenes stays clear of the wooden and cringe worthy voice-acting found in the Fable franchise, that’s for sure.
After the initial tutorial, players will be introduced to their camp and the overworld map complete with new dungeons / areas to explore. The camp serves as a slowly expanding hub a la Vermintide where a players party can manage inventory, see the smithy for some level-appropriate wares and so forth.
Each dungeon contains multiple difficulty settings which are gauged by a player’s level which become playable when said level is reached. Later versions of the dungeon may introduce new enemies or a new goal. Defeating a boss or reaching a certain location isn’t groundbreaking but it gives new life to the old stomping grounds.
Mojang did a fine of silhouetting the important stuff when players are behind level assets and out of the game’s field of view. So many developers do a poor job of this even though it’s essential for detailed dungeon.
Engarde
Weapons and armour, like most A-RPGs, can be bought from the smithy in random purchases. They can also be found dungeon crawling and serve as level completion rewards.
Weapons and armour each have their own damage rating and radius, where appropriate. All weapons and armour can be enchanted by using earned enchantment tokens each time a new level is reached.
Enchanté
Enchantments are randomly generated with more advanced weapons offering more slots: think Materia slots from Final Fantasy VII. The number of different enchantments encountered during this review playthrough was impressive. Fire/Lightning damage, Health Drain, Chance of Second hit and many more.
Each enchantment can also be upgraded using the same tokens to improve its effects. Add enchantment stacking into the mix and the possibility are endless.
ARPG Mainstays
Enemies and loot chests don’t just contain weapons and armour, various potions and in-game horde management items also drop. Potions mostly improve strength, speed and player visibility with some surprises I won’t ruin. A popular helping hand is a throwable crate of TNT. Thankfully, Dungeons lets players keep multiples of TNT for just the right moment.
Equipable items do exist though, and are pretty much necessary post tutorial and are easily picked up in-game from the aforementioned vending mechanics. Items that store up enemy souls for a Dragon Ball style energy beam explosion to a placeable column that radiates a healing area for a fixed amount of time should give readers a good idea of where the realms of possibility are in Minecraft Dungeons.
Health management is visible via the central heart container on the players HUD with an unlimited potion option feature that includes a hefty cooldown time. Leveling up individual stats has been scrapped for the ARPG in favour of generally increasing in strength. This system puts more emphasis on the item and equipment buffs that are available in-game. The whole thing works quite well.
What You Came For
The dungeon structures usually involve an initial few waves of hordes to grind on. Followed by requirements like finding five villagers, switches etc. to progress to a trap containing an overwhelming number of enemies or a boss. Then finally reaching the initial location or goal. Some variables to come into play throughout the game but this is the usual gameplay loop.
Whilst this sounds quite vanilla and predictable, it’s actually nice being able to roughly predict the dungeons’ various forms. Here is where players can test and train the endless combinations of weapons, enchantments, items, armour, combos etc..
Minecraft Dungeons also rewards players for wandering off the beaten track. There are secret mini-dungeons and hidden treasures littered throughout the game-world and beyond the joy of discovery and occasional mirth, they offer the usual extra stuff to slay/steal.
Immersive Design
The monster design in Minecraft Dungeons is, at times downright disturbing, something I wasn’t expecting in a family-friendly franchise. Witches, zombies, masked killers and the token skellington archer are more-or-less expected in the genre. However, meeting an elongated humanoid-like shadowlurker is a nerve racking experience.
The audio of Minecraft Dungeons is a pleasure to behold. In-game effects are excellent, fitting the pixel/polygon hybrid perfectly. There are familiar cues that will make long-time ‘crafters feel at home. The soundtrack is also varied enough to support the atmosphere of the varied dungeon crawling locations from desserts to swamps.
The art direction is helped by gorgeous textures that make for an almost handcrafted experience. It’s a delight to see a franchise harness its characteristics and transplant them successfully into a completely different genre.
Late to the Block Party
With a generous array of features to keep gameplay fresh for hours, Minecraft Dungeons overcomes the repetitive nature of its level design. The game ticks all the boxes for any isometric ARPG fan who’s looking for something a little more light-hearted.
Mojang have given fans and new players alike a polished and finely tuned reason to revisit the Minecraft franchise. They have also successfully spun out its juggernaut IP into one of this reviewer’s favourite genres. And with that they have finally wooed me with their hordes and epic loot drops.
Review code provided by Microsoft, [PEGI 12+]
