Parents' Guide to Minecraft: Story Mode

This game had a tough challenge to overcome in injecting a narrative into a world where previously there was none. The narrative that does unfold is a tad generic, since it seems to want to play both to fans of Minecraft (who are typically children or teenagers) and of Telltale (whose games have skewed more mature and nuanced). (The story in a Telltale game is very important, since the focus is on dialogue and navigating the personalities around you.) Though not every episode is out yet, this first outing is a good effort, though noticeably lighter in terms of what you're able to do, the locations you can visit, and choices you can make.

In other Telltale games, the threat of one of your decisions leading to someone's death is very real. However, since this is a game intended for children, your choices feel somewhat neutered. The focus here seems to be more on being diplomatic and kind to everyone. This isn't a truly harsh issue, as the writing is enjoyable and there are a few genuine laughs, but the series still has a chance to turn things around and go in some interesting directions. As the first chapter closes, it's set up to be fairly generic, although it borrows from myths and familiar stories, which a kid might see as repetitive. Chances are they won't mind, though: It's freakin' Minecraft with a story!