Minecraft: Story Mode - Episode 1: The Order of the Stone

So far so good for Minecraft: Story Mode, even if I’m just slightly underwhelmed by the story elements.

A no-brainer purchase for fans of both Minecraft and Telltale. Those who prefer Telltale's more complex and mature works may find this title a bit lacking, but the exciting story, quality writing, and talented voice cast make this a hard game to dislike.

Episode 1 definitely sets things up well, and while the characters are a little weak so far, the quest itself is interesting enough I can’t wait to see what the next episode holds.

Aimed towards a younger audience but still has enough depth to appeal to mature gamers. [Dec 2015, p.62]

Minecraft: Story Mode will never have the same kind of success that Minecraft does. That’s OK — few things do. But what’s important here is that Telltale gets what makes Minecraft tick and has translated that into something that fits its story-focused mold.

It’s a subtle and sweet work made with an awareness that the best part of a journey comes when you realize that you are the story.

A new story in the world that they love, but one in which they’re participating, not just watching – which isn’t afraid to raise some sensitive issues around topics such as friendship. Roll on 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. Those trademark life or death choices were getting a little contrived, so it’s nice to just hang around with a likeable group of characters and go off on a fun, mostly light-hearted adventure. With the occasional eldritch abomination thrown in.

The drama might not be as heightened as something like The Walking Dead, but I still found myself surprisingly invested in the choices I had to make about my companions, undeveloped as they may be, and smiling at the Minecrafty in-jokes.

It’s not an amazing adventure game, but it’s not even the horrible misstep that some were expecting. It’s a decent kid-oriented game, with more puzzles and interactivity than usual for a Telltale game, and some genuinely fun moments. Let’s see where this goes.

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.

Fans of Minecraft might enjoy it on the surface for its in-your-face references, which is fine, because not much exists beneath the surface. If you're thinking about purchasing Telltale's newest title, do so with these considerations in mind. Similarly, if you buy it, approach it knowing what to expect and be prepared for light, childish adventure.

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.

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 pleasant start, packed with individual events but featuring little in the way of narrative propulsion. When I reached the end of this episode, I wanted more. I'm hoping that, like most outstanding Minecraft creations, Minecraft: Story Mode just needs a little more time to build.

But overall, the first episode of Minecraft: Story Mode felt like a disaster to me, which is why I’m hoping that it’s because I don’t know anything about the game it’s based on.

Kids in love with Minecraft will probably enjoy the story told by Telltale.

The Order of the Stone suggests that Minecraft: Story Mode is - so far - the least interesting game from Telltale. Adventure is enjoyable, but never surprises and will speak mostly to people who know and like Minecraft. Others can be bored at times.

Telltale could have taken more advantage from the universe it creates, just taking a ride through the worlds from the game it’s inspired of, watching the short stories happening around and noticing what their players are capable of.

Minecraft: Story Mode is a game made with love for the original series. The fans and the children are satisfied with the game. However, its a game too easy and short for hardcore gamers.

Minecraft: Story Mode gets off to a decent, but flawed start with Episode 1. The series is definitely going to be a more family friendly affair than its Telltale brethren, but not quite enough was done to accommodate the more mature gamer. Future episodes could help, but for now it is best to be wary, while still diving in if you appreciate the universe.

This is the first Telltale game to have such an obvious stench of “Nothing personal, just business”. [Issue#203, p.74]

The Telltale developers show you can made a surprisingly functional narrative game even without the story. The fact that "it works" doesn´t automatically mean it is also terribly funny. The first episode of Minecraft: Story Mode relies on way-too-familiar gameplay, primitive humor, dull dialogues and predictable plot. So the result is unfortunately quite boring. Perhaps next time it will be more thrilling ride.