Minecraft: Pocket Edition Review

What+is+it?

Minecraft: Pocket Edition is a new version of the astoundingly popular PC sandbox block builder, built specifically for iOS and Android. Gone are some of the elements many gamers, myself included, consider core to the Minecraft experience. There are no enemies, no health or hunger bars, and no crafting or resource gathering, among plenty of other exclusions.

Instead gamers are given unlimited access to 27 unique types of blocks, and a few other items like torches, flowers, and mushrooms. Players can use these tools to build to their heart's content in a randomly generated world comprised of Minecraft's trademark chunky pixel art blocks. Multiplayer-minded gamers can build with local friends via a local wireless network.

A quick rundown, for complete Minecraft newbies: after generating a new random world (you might get towering mountains, lakes, a desert, a swamp, or a combination of biomes), players are plunked into this blocky landscape without instruction or guidance. The only goal? Build whatever you dream up. To place a block players simply equip it by tapping the bottom menu, and then tap where they want it to go. Holding the touch screen "mines" the block to delete it.

Did+we+like+it?

Minecraft: Pocket Edition is a huge disappointment. While all the missing features are sure to disappoint many gamers, what Mojang has included works decently well. The game does make a few smart optimizations for mobile play, like auto-jumping onto ledges when players get close to one. And the touch controls are well implemented and feel great. Tapping to place blocks makes a lot of sense.

Without any enemies Minecraft's landscapes are quite literally lifeless – I didn't feel any motivation to build. Without a day/night cycle and without any enemies, the compulsion to create that first hut or first wall is lacking. The game world still features special elements underground like gold and diamond, but players can't actually collect loot or craft items – everything is mined by hand. There is no reward for exploration.

Minecraft: Pocket Edition is not devoid of fun. In just a few minutes you can create a little brick house complete with windows, flowers on the lawn, an entry walkway… the works. And building collaboratively with a friend is even more satisfying. There are enough types of blocks and other props that every gamer will be able to create their own unique blocky world.

Should+you+buy+it?

Companies like Warner Bros. and Capcom are bringing out full-featured iOS ports of games like Lego Harry Potter and Street Fighter IV for less money than Mojang is asking for Minecraft: Pocket Edition. Gamers new to Minecraft should not pick up this title thinking they can now see what the fuss is about, and Minecraft vets should not pick it up thinking they're getting a true Minecraft on-the-go experience.

The game works as a blank canvas for creating user-generated content, but there simply isn't anything to do with it.

Verdict

Minecraft: Pocket Edition misses the mark. Without enemies, item crafting or resource gathering, the building experience will quickly bore most gamers.

Justin is Executive Editor of IGN Wireless. He has been reviewing cell phone games since the dark days of Java flip phones. You can follow him on Twitter and MyIGN.