Review – Minecraft: Story Mode – Season 2: Episode 1

I will be direct with you.

I didn’t play season 1 Minecraft: story mode. Enter to play season two, I didn’t quite know what to expect.

Of course it is Minecraft, something I had lost hundreds of hours before, but seeing it combined with a Telltale-style game certainly piqued my interest.

Season 2 of Minecraft: story mode has five episodes in total. Episodes 1-3 are currently available and the other two will be released at a later date.

This basically follows the standard Telltale structure. While it’s definitely a Telltale game, it’s much brighter and more cheerful than anything in the developer’s catalog. It is an adventure game that you can let your children play. The same certainly cannot be said of The Walking Dead, The Wolf Among Us, Game of Thrones or even Guardians of the Galaxy.

Telltale often focuses on the darker side of humanity. With Minecraft: story mode it’s refreshing to create something with a little whimsy.

Episode 1 – The Ghost Creeper

Episode One begins by letting you carry over choices from the original season. As I was new, I did not take this option and started as if it were a new adventure. Adventurer Jesse returns as the series’ main protagonist.

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After the first introductions, you will start on the streets of Beacontown. It was hard for me at first because I couldn’t just break stuff or build whatever I wanted. Something I eventually got used to as the game progressed. In Beacontown, you are tasked with meeting another friend named Petra.

Along the way, you can talk to citizens and tourists on the streets. Although completely optional, it is worth doing. Not only are the characters fun and interesting, but they can provide help or assistance for later in the game. Once you meet Petra, you help her in what will become your new adventure.

Run the gauntlet

Jesse and Petra encounter a strange gauntlet in the lower mines. This leads to Jesse ending up with it attached to his hand and unable to remove it. Now, with no other choice, the friends must find a way to remove it. And so the real adventure begins.

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The first episode is full of fun and interesting characters. Although this is really only the beginning, there is a lot going on. I was happy to see that crafting and building were still a core part of the game. You’ll need to use both in some parts to help you solve puzzles. There are also some really fun and exciting action sequences. Whether it’s battling zombies or racing through a cavern, it’s action-packed.

Like most Telltale titles, Minecraft: Story Mode – Season 2: Episode 1 starts quite slowly. There’s enough grip to make you want more. It is also perfect for returning players and new players. Something strange is happening in Beacontown…

It only remains for me to continue my adventure in episode two.

Minecraft: Story Mode – Season 2 is being reviewed on PS4 using a retail disc provided to PowerUp! by the editor.