Minecraft is the second best selling video game of all time, so it stands to reason that the franchise would branch out into different genres. To me a dungeon crawler was the perfect choice. My son is eight and has put endless hours into Mojang’s 2009 sandbox builder and despite the simplicity of the combat, it is one of his favourite aspects.
I have heard Minecraft Dungeons likened to Diablo and while that is a totally valid comparison, this is a much more accessible title. This was a smart move as while Minecraft does have global appeal, many of it’s most hardcore fan base is young and will likely be undertaking their first dungeon crawler.
The story as with many of these type of games is a little thin on the ground. Your aim is to overthrow an Arch-Illager who has terroised the land. This task can be undertaken either solo or with up to three friends either locally or online. The difficulty, loot and enemy count will adapt based on the number of players in your party to keep things challenging.
Graphics are instantly recognisable from the original game, which was the smart call given how iconic they have became in the last decade. Blocky graphics also doesn’t preclude the game from looking great though, especially on the Nintendo Switch’s LCD screen where the colours really pop. In game cutscenes also look superb and are interspersed throughout to flesh out the story.
As with all dungeon crawlers, you are are tasked with taking out scores of enemies while constantly upgrading your character. This is the gameplay loop that will suck you in and keep you invested throughout your time with Minecraft Dungeons. Better weapons, better armour, more resources. It’s addictive and will keep you coming back for more.
Currently there are only nine levels, with more reportedly coming. But while what is on offer at launch won’t take you a massive amount of time to slash your way through, there is loads of replayability here. Completing previous stages again in higher difficulties will net you better gear, so it’s well worth running through the game a few times.
Should you choose to play in local or online co-op you don’t have to worry about any crazy scrambles to pick up loot. The game automatically colour codes drops so that only the corresponding player can pick it up. This only deviates when supply chests come into play. Here everyone gets one turn, but anyone can grab the items.
Minecraft players will be happy to know that enchantments have made it over to the dungeons spin-off. When you level up you gain points which can be spent enchanting items. A neat touch is that when you scrap weapons that you have outgrown, you get all the enchantment points you put into those items back. It’s a really nice accessible option that doesn’t punish the player for experimentation.
The further you progress the more involved this system gets. Later weapons often offer multiple enchantments and a host of artifacts which can be used to help heal or spawn help in the fight ahead. The further into the game you get you will notice yourself spending more and more time in the menus tinkering with your loadout. It’s fun and it rewards experimentation.
There are no character classes or skill trees to muddy the waters which does make the game more accessible to a younger audience but there is depth here to be found if you want it. I think Mojang have done a really good job of creating a core experience that Minecraft fans will enjoy. As someone who doesn’t often dabble in dungeon crawlers I found this refreshing and a great entry point to the genre.
-Terry
A review code for this product was kindly provided by the publisher. Reviewed on Nintendo Switch.
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