Minecraft: Story Mode - Episode 1 - The Order of the Stone Reviews
Save the pig, save the Overworld
By focusing on a new concept that strays from their normally mature games, this episode paves the way for what is hopefully a great series from a great developer.
A fun start, but there's a lot here to build on.
For better and worse, it's classic Telltale
Story Mode – Episode 1 hits or misses with its characters and presents a relatively anemic plot for later episodes to build on; less immediately captivating than its predecessors, yes, but Telltale has set out to find the perfect blend of action and heart – they haven't found it yet – but in later episodes they just might.
It's too early to call at the moment, but Minecraft: Story Mode looks set to be shaping up to be another fine effort from the folks at Telltale Games. Combining their narrative excellence with the insanely popular Minecraft franchise has created a unique beast all of its own that takes the best elements from both parties in order to create an engaging and, above all, fun playing experience.
Minecraft: Story Mode's first chapter proves that the Telltale style of storytelling can fit in any universe, as it's a delightful romp through the blocky world of Minecraft.
Story Mode is a solid attempt at giving all new meaning to creativity in Minecraft. The plot is set and it looks to be both interesting and fun. I'm looking forward to continuing the story Telltale has crafted and seeing everything they have in store for the game.
The story for the first episode of Minecraft: Story Mode is a little familiar, but it's solid and full of fun references to Minecraft lore. The puzzles are lacking, however.
The characters and story is easy to get into, and the chapter hangs on an interesting note that sets the basis for the rest of the chapters. The voice acting is really well done, and is very faithful to the source material. It's a bit easier than other Telltale games out there and rather quick to finish, but the experience I've had with the game so far is a very enjoyable one.
Although Story Mode doesn't deviate from Telltale's usual formula, it still manages to make me excited for the second episode in this new episodic adventure, with great dialogue and storytelling. I was skeptical of Telltale's ability to pull off an episodic series in the Minecraft universe, but as far as I can tell from this first episode, they've done a pretty damn good job of it.
If you are someone who is really into Minecraft and understand a lot of the elements of the game, you are going to have a much better experience than someone who doesn't know a lot about the game. Even just seeing things like creepers, spiders, skeletons and zombies felt pretty cool just because I knew what they were and I could relate to how Jesse would feel in the game.
While I have come to love Telltale's more grown-up titles, 'The Order of the Stone' is fun, wholesome entertainment in its own right. There are plenty of jokes for all ages, along with a healthy dose of slapstick comedy and a few puzzles and quick-time events to spice things up. Perhaps the best thing I can say about it, other than I'm looking forward to the next episode, is that it dearly made me want to fire up my own 'Minecraft' world and get to building.
A charming good time with some stressful, but not agonizingly life-threatening choices - Story Mode brings plot to the sandbox at last.
Frustratingly, the first 10-15 minutes of Minecraft: Story Mode - Episode 1: The Order of the Stone is extremely dull. It's trying to set the scene but just very little happens to the point of it almost being completely off-putting. It then goes from 0-100 in the space of roughly five minutes, and from that moment onwards, the player will be hooked and craving more. Bring on Episode 2!
[T]he story seems more like a prologue than a first episode. I believe it really could have been combined with whatever comes next into a longer first chapter, although perhaps I've been spoiled by the constant activity in the narrative-heavy choice-based Life Is Strange.
If Episode 1 is of any indication, Minecraft: Story Mode is going to be a journey worth completing.