Minecraft Dungeons is a shallow and simple Diablo clone that is basically Minecraft in name only because it has nothing to do with Minecraft besides the aesthetic. If you are a big boy badass hardcore gamer, these probably seem like problems and the game is disappointing. If you're in the actual target audience for the game, however, the game is pretty much perfect. This isn't a game for hardcore gamers. This is a game for kids and families and casual players and anyone that doesn't have a stick up their butt about how l337 their haxxor skillz are. Minecraft Dungeons is solid and well worth a freaking free Game Pass download. Read more and watch gameplay here.
The thing about reviews is that you have to write for your audience. If your audience is primarily a hardcore gamer audience, I can understand giving Minecraft Dungeons a 6 or 7 because it isn't going to satisfy them. The problem with this, however, is that then fanboy idiots so "Oh, another disappointing game from Microsoft" all smug and shitty. The other problem is that people that would enjoy the game - parents, casual gamers, kids, etc. - see the mediocre scores, not realizing the reviews weren't meant for them, and skip the game even though they would absolutely 100% enjoy the heck out of it.
Parents with kids - especially kids that love Minecraft - don't skip this game. They'll love it and you'll love being able to experience it with them.
As for the game itself, it's fun. It's a hold-the-button-and-things-die Diablo clone, sure enough, but it's fun. The first run through the game on default mode is pretty boring and easy, until the final boss destroys you instantly ... , but the Adventure and Apocalypse difficulty modes are much more interesting. On the higher difficulty modes there are significantly more enemies onscreen, which makes the levels a lot better. There are also some fantastic weapons and items that seem to only drop later in the game, and these things make the experience even more fun. It's kind of a grind, especially when you're well below the recommended power for a level and have to grind for drops, but it's enjoyable.
I've had a great time with it. And I think I'll keep playing until I get all 1000 Gamerscore.
I do think it is worth noting that the game doesn't really have much to do with Minecraft besides the way it looks. You can't build anything, or destroy anything, but it definitely looks the part. And, of course, all of the familiar mobs like zombies, creepers, spiders, skeletons, endermen, and more are all present. It's fine. Kids won't care.
I do think it is worth noting that the game doesn't really have much to do with Minecraft besides the way it looks. You can't build anything, or destroy anything, but it definitely looks the part. And, of course, all of the familiar mobs like zombies, creepers, spiders, skeletons, endermen, and more are all present. It's fine. Kids won't care.
