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Review of Minecraft Dungeons on Nintendo Switch

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo May 2020
Cover image of Minecraft Dungeons on Switch
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 26 May 2020
Genre: Dungeon Crawler
Developer: Mojang Studios and Double Eleven
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios

Introduction

In a world filled with rectangular blocks and endless possibilities, Mojang decided to throw us a curveball (or should I say, a cube-ball) with Minecraft Dungeons! You won't be crafting or building your way to victory in this title, folks. Instead, you're diving headfirst into a dungeon-crawling experience designed to beat the socks off your enemies with a variety of cool weapons. Let's see if this game is more than just a series of shoveled dungeons with a Minecraft skin-spoiler: it is, but maybe don't go in expecting the depth of an ocean.

Gameplay

Minecraft Dungeons pivots from the iconic sandbox gameplay of its predecessor, opting instead for a more direct route. Set in the familiar Overworld, here you'll find procedurally generated landscapes teeming with monsters that want nothing more than to eat you for dinner. Players tackle the game from an isometric perspective as they smack, slice, and blast their way through dungeons filled with treasure chests-because who doesn't love shiny loot? One of the key things that make Minecraft Dungeons accessible is its lack of a class system. Yup, you heard right! It means anyone can forgo the normal chosen one tropes and take up any weapon they fancy. From swords to bows, you can try your hand at being a knight one moment and a sneaky rogue the next. My thoughts on this? Freeing! Plus, it can transform into just pure chaotic fun when playing with friends. Get a group together, and let the 'Who-can-kill-it-faster' competition begin! The gameplay is comprised of a linear progression through various dungeons; no building or mining here. Instead of a blank canvas, you're tasked with amassing cool gear and tackling bosses that will feel eerily familiar (Hey, Arch-Illager, I see you!). After defeating the final boss, you unlock new challenge modes that refresh the gameplay for those seeking more intense combat. However, be prepared for the randomness of procedural generation, which can lead to some frustratingly tedious run-throughs.

Graphics

The first thing that hits you when booting up Minecraft Dungeons is the sheer visual charm. The game employs a vibrant color palette that pops off the screen, like an explosion of Skittles on Halloween. The environments are crafted with a good mix of hand-crafted layouts and procedural generation, which means you'll find some treasure-filled surprises along the way-like a surprise math test you forgot to study for! Animations are smooth, and the character models are adorably blocky. There's something inherently satisfying about smashing enemies into pixelated pieces. The game runs well on the Nintendo Switch, maintaining solid performance even in handheld mode. I'd say the overall visual aesthetic does a fine job of marrying the tradition of Minecraft with a top-down, action-adventure twist. Your eyes might just have a ball-unless they happen to be tired from staring at screen!

Conclusion

To sum it all up, Minecraft Dungeons offers a refreshing take on the dungeon crawler genre while with its blocky charm. While it may lack the depth and complexity of more traditional RPGs, it's a fun, accessible experience, especially for newcomers or those looking to enjoy a co-op romp without being bogged down by intricate mechanics. The upgrades, expansions, and frequent loot hunting will maintain interest for a while, but remember that it doesn't reinvent the wheel-it preserves it with a cheeky twist! For RPG aficionados, it might feel a bit shallow, but for the casual gamer seeking a fun romp through a colorful world, Minecraft Dungeons delivers. So gather your friends, smash some monsters, and laugh all the way to the treasure chest. Just remember: Teamwork makes the dream work, and nobody likes a treasure hoarder!

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