Minecraft: Story Mode - Episode 1 - The Order of the Stone Reviews
For better and worse, it's classic Telltale
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.
Minecraft: Story Mode – Episode One is a promising start to Telltale's latest venture. As someone with only a passing knowledge of Minecraft, the story and characters were interesting enough to pull me in, and the manner in which the first episode ends suggests that there's some fairly major diverging paths to be resolved in Episode Two. It's nothing particularly new, as Telltale games go, but I think that playing with a more family-friendly property has been good for the studio.
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.
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.
A solid, functional episode, but one clearly aimed at a younger audience and therefore less involving than previous Telltale adventures.
Order of the Stone continues Telltale's run of strong opening episodes to their series. The drawbacks are mainly down to a weak supporting cast and that air of familiarity that gets more fetid with each passing Telltale series.
Save the pig, save the Overworld
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 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.
Sparse interactivity and a lack of commitment to explaining this world and its inhabitants hold Episode 1 back, but I'm still absorbed in my story, and eager to find out what happens next.
An extremely slow start to Minecraft's first story adventure, but it's a game made with a clear love for the original and is bound to please most younger fans.
It's a slow start, but a pleasant one, for Telltale's narrative take on one of the world's most popular games.
Minecraft: Story Mode is off to a solid start, sending our heroes on a quest that will take them across their blocky world. If you're used to Telltale's current output, this isn't as serious, instead focusing on telling a family-friendly tale. With that understanding, Telltale kicks off a brisk adventure in this episode's two-hour running time.
Minecraft: Story Mode has a lot of positives that make it worth playing – it is gorgeous to look at, and will be a cool experience for any Minecraft fan in particular, as it pays loving homage to its source-material.
The story presented in this first chapter isn't the most engaging, but the writing, coupled with the detail makes it all come together. As is usual though, I find it hard to recommend until all of its episodes are released and we can judge it as a whole - but this first episode is indeed promising, laying the groundwork for what should be a grand adventure.
Fun and whimsical, Minecraft Story Mode's first episode is sure to entertain fans of Mojang's original breakout game. It won't be for folks who prefer Telltale's more mature fare. But if you like Telltale's storytelling approach and enjoy Minecraft or Lego games, you'll want to add the The Order of the Stone to your crafting table.
Telltale recalibrates with episode one of Minecraft: Story Mode, returning to younger audiences with a story that's charming and accessible, and opening a surprisingly nuanced conversation with its players. Older audiences, though, may find its path a bit too well-trod.
Those looking for a deep story or compelling adventure gameplay may not find it, but there's a lot to love in this first episode. It's just not for everyone.
Intended for kids who love Minecraft, or adults who really love Minecraft.