Minecraft: Story Mode is an episodic point-and-click graphic adventure video game developed and published by Telltale Games, and released for Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.  Based on the sandbox video game Minecraft, the game centers around a new character, named Jesse, who can be either male or female, as they and their allies attempt to save their world by defeating the Wither Storm.

Positives:

• Terrific characters
• Great soundtrack
• Extensive campaign
• Very compelling story
• Great voice performances

Negatives:

• Graphics glitch and lag from time to time

Campaign:  The campaign is really extensive.  The story follows Jesse and his friends’ adventures as they attempt to stop the Wither Storm from destroying their world. One of the storylines that is so prominent is the secret that lye behind the Order of the Stone which gradually reveals over the progression of the story. There are a lot of really cool characters, rich with personality and filled with depth.  Jesse, Reuben, Lukas, Axel, Olivia, and Petra are great protagonist and the dynamics between the characters makes for some entertaining and emotional moments. (5 out of 5)

Gameplay:  As a graphic adventure, it is played from a third-person perspective with a variety of cinematic camera angles, which players can examine and interact with characters and items, and must make use of inventory items and the environment. Throughout the game, the player is presented with the ability to interact with their surroundings, and options to determine the nature of that interaction. Like other installments of Telltale Games, Minecraft: Story Mode follows a simple point-and-click gameplay style.  Combined with this game are elements of Minecraft, such as the building structures, crafting items, and breaking down resources.  The story is affected by both the dialogue choices of the player and their actions during quick time events that help to keep the sequences engaging. (3 out of 5)

Graphics:  Definitely blends the traditional Telltale animation style with that of Minecraft.  The pixelated look can be a bit bothersome to look at but it does grow on a person. (3 out of 5)

Score: There is a lot of really great music.  Every episode opens up with a great song to help set the mood. The voice performances are pretty solid. (4 out of 5)

Replay Value: Like all games like this players who appreciate the story and characters will take advantage of the dialogue choices and branching pathways that keep the level of replayability high. There are some moments where despite the different choice made that it got the same result. The game features additional episodes for download which do change up the tone of the gameplay. (4 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, Minecraft: Story Mode is a great game and a great addition to the Telltale Game list.  Despite the usual hiccups in the games development (the traditional long loading times, glitches, and unsynced voices) the game features a grand story, great characters, great voice performances, fun gameplay, good score, and fun visuals.  Minecraft: Story Mode deserves 4 out of 5.  This is definitely a game for Telltale Games fans as well as players who enjoy Minecraft.