Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition

Gaming Age (A)

All in all, this feels like an excellent port of one of the best PC titles in recent years. If you’ve missed out on the PC version of the game for whatever reason, do yourself a favor and check this out. And if you’re a PC Minecraft veteran, but want to school your console friends on your Minecraft knowledge, then you’ll be happy to know that game makes the transition to consoles without a hitch. It’s a great port of a great game, and well worth picking up.

Official Xbox Magazine (UK) (10 out of 10)

4J has turned in an accomplished port, boasting crisp, high-resolution visuals and a reorganised inventory. We noticed the odd minor bug, like items that refuse to craft, but it's nothing you should lose sleep over. It's pushing it to say that this is the definitive version - thanks to Microsoft's certification procedures, the PC game will probably benefit from more frequent updates, and how Mojang intends to handle user mods like custom textures remains to be seen. In terms of console sims, though, nothing touches it. Minecraft's world is one that everybody should experience.

XboxAddict (9.6 out of 10)

There have been some games that are horrible rip offs that offer nothing but an excuse to be robbed of your Microsoft Points, but then there are the games that stand alone as iconic masterpieces of work that provide gamers with countless hours of enjoyment. It's very rare to find a game that perfects the minute details of simple actions and turns it into a work of art. Whats even more shocking is that there have been games that have been in development for over ten years that don't even come close to the quality of this game, and it's an arcade game at that. Granted it may have a high price point, but if you think about other amazing works of art such as: A Ferrari, a Renoir painting, fine champagne you'll discover that beauty of that caliber pays top dollar. Minecraft possess all the qualities of a masterpiece, and a top tier price tag to compliment it, but one thing is for sure, it's worth every penny.

GamezGeneration (9.5 out of 10)

Minecraft ist und bleibt ein Mega-Phänomen. Und vielleicht ist es das gerade deshalb, weil man es nicht richtig in ein Genre einordnen kann. Adventure, Survival Horror, Open World, Sandbox, Rollenspiel, Aufbauspiel, Landwirtschaftssimulator, Strategie – in dem “kleinen” Indie-Titel steckt mehr drin als in manch großem AAA-Titel. Jetzt bleibt nur noch zu hoffen, dass per Update auch noch weitere Features integriert werden, die in der PC-Version schon lange zum Alltag gehören.

XGN (9.2 out of 10)

Mojang heeft met zijn Xbox 360 versie van Minecraft weer een pareltje in handen. De vertrouwde gameplay is terug met daarbij het speciale craftmenu en de introductie voor nieuwe spelers. Ook de split-screen voegt een extra dimensie toe aan de game, zeker nu het aanbod van co-op games begint te vermageren. Het is jammer dat we nog niet met de volledige, meest recente PC-versie van de game aan de slag kunnen. Maar zoals Mojang al liet weten zal het beide platformen zo snel mogelijk met de meest recente versie voorzien. Zo kunnen we dus nu al uitkijken naar wat de PC al heeft, en dat allemaal zonder extra te hoeven betalen.

NZGamer (9 out of 10)

After a massively successful run on the PC, Notch's innovative indie game Minecraft has finally arrived on Xbox Live Arcade, and it's a surprisingly solid port - given the switch to controller.

Jeuxvideo.com (18 out of 20)

Minecraft Xbox 360 Edition n'a rien d'une version bridée, et délivre même une expérience très proche du jeu d'origine. Moyennant un tarif amplement justifié de 1600 MS points, elle vous offre un gameplay superbement adapté au support, un mode Survival plein et entier et des possibilités multijoueurs permettant de vivre l'expérience à plusieurs, en local comme en ligne. Son seul défaut notable est la refonte du système de craft, qui ne laisse plus la même place à la découverte et à l'expérimentation. Cette concession imputable au jeu au pad (ou au diktat de l'accessibilité ?) ne devrait pas vous gêner outre mesure tant le concept sollicite toujours autant votre ingéniosité et votre créativité. A moins d'y être réfractaire, vous ne devez manquer ce titre sous aucun prétexte.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (9 out of 10)

It doesn't have to be, though. Minecraft already exists in that form and has millions of evangelists; the phenomenon happened, it doesn't need to happen again. All this version means is that you no longer have an excuse for not joining in.

Gamer.nl (9 out of 10)

Iedereen heeft een andere ervaring in Minecraft. Wij vonden het bijvoorbeeld grappig om als uitdaging op een woestijnachtige kaart te spelen met amper grondstoffen. Het resultaat na uren werken: we staan 's nachts op het dak van een enorm glazen huis, uitkijkend op onze zelf gemaakte paradijselijke tuin. Een sereen meer en de omgeving verlicht met toortsen, terwijl tientallen zombies ons huis grommend omsingelen. De zon stijgt op, de muziek zwelt aan... en de zombies vliegen massaal in de fik door het zonlicht. Een uniek beeld in een uniek spel.

Gaming Nexus (9 out of 10)

Minecraft on the Xbox Live Arcade is an addicting and rewarding experience, assuming you are willing to put the time into the experience. This is one of those games where you will truly get out whatever you put into the game, and that can be both good and bad. If you put in the time and dedication though, you will discover one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences ever.

Eurogamer.it (9 out of 10)

Nel bene nel male è un titolo a cui tutti dovrebbero dare un'occhiata almeno una volta, non solo per una mera questione di "cultura videoludica", ma anche perché è un gioco da cui tutti possono ricavare un'esperienza. Non importa quanto siate bravi o fantasiosi, qualcosa uscirà sempre fuori, e sarà qualcosa di vostro, unico, perché Minecraft non fa altro che fornivi una carta eccellente e una bellissima penna.

PC Invasion (INC Gamers) (9 out of 10)

In short, Minecraft 360 is a slightly older, self-contained version of Minecraft. It has a deftly handled new user-interface and control scheme, a guided version of the crafting system, a handy tutorial and split-screen co-op; none of which the PC release can offer. However, if you’re looking for endless maps, modding opportunities, ‘discovery’ based crafting and the latest, greatest updates for the game, the PC version is the one you need. Either way you’ll end up with a version of Minecraft, so debates about version specifics will fade into insignificance when you start work on that mighty Linker Ziggurat.

videogamer.com (9 out of 10)

It might be big, complicated and unrestricted, but Minecraft is an example of the possibilities of gamers rather than their games, and its towering success has been accomplished without alienation or elitism. 4J Studios has played its part in one of gaming's grandest success story with affable competence, allowing console owners to grab their tools and build something in Mojang's intricate and lovable world.

GameOver (Greece) (9 out of 10)

Καθώς πρόκειται για παλιότερη έκδοση του Minecraft από αυτή που κυκλοφορεί αυτή τη στιγμή για το PC, απουσιάζουν ορισμένα χαρακτηριστικά, όπως η ανάγκη για φαγητό και το level-up, ενώ το creative mode λάμπει διά της απουσίας του. Εδώ γίνεται εμφανής και μια μεγάλη έλλειψη του Minecraft Xbox 360 Edition: ενώ θα δέχεται συχνά updates από τη Mojang (κάτι που δεν είναι δεδομένο σε ένα παιχνίδι κονσόλας με τον τρόπο που είναι στο PC), δεν υπάρχει τρόπος να δεχθεί mods, ένα από τα χαρακτηριστικά που απογείωσαν το game στο PC και συνέβαλαν στη δημιουργία της τεράστιας κοινότητάς του. Αυτό σημαίνει ότι οι παίκτες που παίζουν το παιχνίδι αποκλειστικά στο 360, μπορεί να νιώσουν “φτωχοί συγγενείς” σε σχέση με το PC. Από την άλλη, ωστόσο, αν έχετε 360 και θέλατε πάντοτε να ζήσετε την εμπειρία του Minecraft, έχετε τώρα μια πρώτης τάξεως ευκαιρία, και πλέον, καμμία δικαιολογία να μην ζήσετε αυτή τη μοναδική gaming εμπειρία.

The Controller Online (9 out of 10)

Much like Seinfeld was a show about nothing, but was one of the most hilarious shows ever, Minecraft is a video game about nothing, but will keep you busy and entertained for hours. If building a world out of blocks sounds boring to you, then you have come to the wrong place and you could easily get two other games on the Xbox Live Arcade for your 1600 MS Points. On the other hand, if you are creative, have tons of patience and love video games that let you create, then you will love Minecraft, even if you never really figure out what to do next.

Multiplayer.it (9 out of 10)

La release di partenza, non equivalente allo stato di evoluzione della controparte PC, è probabilmente data dai tempi richiesti per il porting ma anche in quest'ottica le intenzioni del buon Notch sembrano essere quelle di donare anche all'utenza console un'esperienza in costante evoluzione. L'ottima traduzione dei comandi sul pad e le piccole ma funzionali modifiche apportate non snaturano affatto la bontà del progetto, ma anzi contribuiscono a farne esprimere il massimo potenziale in questa nuova dimensione videoludica. Già allo stato attuale, quindi, Minecraft per Xbox 360 vanta una maturità e una solidità di gameplay di tutto rispetto, in virtù delle quali non possiamo che consigliare l'acquisto a chiunque sia disposto a investire moltissime ore nell'esplorazione e nel crafting più selvaggio. Mantenendo sempre un occhio attento al tramontare del sole per anticipare l'avanzare delle tenebre.

Hooked Gamers (9 out of 10)

Thanks to 4J Studios and Mojang, we now have a great port of a stellar game on our Xbox's. Even though it may not be the current iteration that we see on PC's, the game features easily accessible controls and an in-depth tutorial system for teaching beginners how to become fluent with the games mechanics, making it an exceptional title.

Cheat Code Central (4.4 out of 5)

So should you buy Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition? Well, that depends on what you want from the game. If you want to play Minecraft with your LIVE friends, this is a no-brainer. If you've never played Minecraft in your life because you're simply not a PC gamer, then now you have a chance to make amends; buy the game as soon as humanly possible. The only people who will be disappointed are those who are hoping this is going to be an upgrade from the PC version. While it might feel to veterans like a dumbed down version of the game they love, it has still managed to retain that special quality that got us hooked in the beginning. And really, that's what counts here, isn't it?

GamingXP (88 out of 100)

Sind Sie neu im „Minecraft“-Universum, neugierig worum es bei dem ganzen Hehl so geht, wollen aber nicht allein und ohne Hilfe in eine beinah grenzenlose Welt entsendet werden? Dann sind die 1600 MS Points für XBLA-"Minecraft" eine gute Investition. Streben Sie eher nach Entdecker- und Forschergeist, dann ist die Trial-and-Error Philosophie des PC-Originals vielleicht eher Ihr Paar Schuhe. „Minecraft“ (Xbox 360 Edition) steht für einfach zu erlernenden Sandbox-Spaß, den man am besten mit Freunden genießt.

MondoXbox (8.8 out of 10)

Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition è un titolo unico e capace di catturare il giocatore per tantissimo tempo, ma non è un gioco per tutti: se vi piace perdere ore su ore esplorando e dando sfogo alla vostra creatività ne trarrete sicuramente grandi soddisfazioni, in caso contrario potreste finire per annoiarvi molto presto. Vista la sua unicità, il mio consiglio è comunque di dargli una chance per vedere se sia in grado di catturarvi.

Game Informer Magazine (8.75 out of 10)

Those shortcomings aside, Minecraft more than delivers in most other ways. I’ve always been a fan of games that emphasize exploration and freedom, and that’s what Minecraft is at its core. I absolutely love the feeling I get from scaling a blocky mountain and seeing a wide-open expanse of pure possibility in the distance. It was revelatory when it was released on PC, and Xbox 360 players now have a chance to experience all the wonder that Minecraft offers.

Console Monster (85 out of 100)

In the end, Minecraft is a simple game that is only as deep as the player decides to make it. With strangely addictive and fun gameplay, made even more enjoyable when shared with friends, Minecraft is a game that every gamer should experience. With the lack of the customisation and overall support of the PC version, veterans may find the game a tad gimped, at least for the time being. But for newcomers, or strictly console gamers, The Xbox 360 version is the perfect time to jump in.

IGN (8.5 out of 10)

Minecraft on Xbox is almost as good as the PC version. It’s still a great way to express yourself, but the lack of some of the PC features like mods and Creative Mode is disappointing. The vastly improved crafting interface and smooth online play make it easier to get into than ever before, which should open up Minecraft to a whole new audience. If you long to be creative and express yourself in a videogame, and don’t mind being dropped into a sandbox that lacks stereotypical game goals, Minecraft is one of the greatest options available.

GameWatcher / Strategy Informer (8.5 out of 10)

To those who already know what Minecraft is, then the 360 version may seem a bit bare, but then this version isn’t really for you. 4J Studios’ adaptation fits in perfectly with the Arcade theme, and we hope there’s framework in place to slowly add in content and features, much like what they’re doing with the PC SKU. As we outlined above, once the initial ‘oooooo’ factor wears off, singleplayer does get a bit tiresome if you haven’t got a purpose, but then all you need is a couple of online friends or someone in your own house to share the experience with, and it becomes fun again. Now you’ll know what all the fuss was about too.

Game Over Online (85 out of 100)

Overall, the Xbox 360 version of Minecraft is an excellent port. It lacks many of the features its PC sibling has, but those are expected to be implemented in the game's free updates. If you're looking for a fun, highly addictive way to relax and let your creativity run free, or if you want an entertaining game to play with some friends, this won't disappoint.

ZTGameDomain (8.5 out of 10)

Minecraft on Xbox 360 is a superb package that is well worth the inflated XBLA price tag. For $20 you get so much content that it is hard to argue the value, especially considering it is cheaper than on PC, and now more accessible for players without a gaming rig. Sure, it may not be as involved as the PC version, and the lack of constant updates and mods is disappointing, but the sheer content already included is more than enough. If you check out the demo and enjoy the premise, this game is a must own. There is simply so much to see and do here; you can literally get lost for months.

AusGamers (8.5 out of 10)

Regardless of this, the core experience you’re getting here is a great adaptation of Minecraft for the console market, one that plays to the strengths of the format it finds itself on. After five days of play, it’s safe to say that this is the version I’ll be sticking with for now, unless the huge amount of spare time required to really get to grips with the PC version’s numerous possibilities opens up. As a way of introducing new players and giving them the tools required to start enjoying the game immediately, Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition is a success.

3D Juegos (8.1 out of 10)

Cada cierto tiempo aparecen títulos que marcan de forma notoria a la industria del videojuego, y tenemos muy claro que Minecraft es uno de los elegidos. Es verdad que esta adaptación a Xbox 360 está lejos del alcance y las enormes posibilidades de juego del original; pero también es cierto que son muy pocos los títulos capaces de hacerle sombra cuando se trata de divertir. Y para nosotros, eso es lo que importa. Por eso, si no podéis haceros con el original en PC, ni lo dudéis: Minecraft no decepciona.

Game Revolution ( )

If you've already been playing Mojang's baby for years, though, there's nothing new here. Stick to your establishment. And it should be obvious, but if you've tried Minecraft and didn't like it, Xbox 360 Edition won't make a fan out of you.

Meristation (8 out of 10)

Para los jugadores habituales de PC el cambio será mínimo pues salvo alguna modificación en los menús y algunas opciones nuevas, ninguna de ellas revolucionarias, el videojuego se muestra idéntico al que pueden encontrar en sus ordenadores, por lo que el salto a la versión de Xbox 360 no está tan justificado. Sin embargo, todos los jugadores que aún no hayan probado la versión PC y se adentren por primera vez en este universo en Xbox 360 se van a encontrar con uno de los mejores videojuegos de los últimos años, uno de esos títulos que nos permiten ser libres y crear un mundo simplemente limitado por nuestra imaginación. Ha llegado la hora de que los jugadores de Xbox 360 conozcan el mundo de Minecraft y disfruten de una versión que mantiene intacta la esencia del original.

Metro.co.uk (8 out of 10)

The amount of missing features is disappointing, but as a first step this is an excellent console version of one of gaming’s most open-ended and creative experiences.

Inside Gaming (8 out of 10)

Although it lacks some of the features and complexity of the PC version, the Xbox 360 edition of Minecraft stands up on its own. The addictive core gameplay of hunting, gathering, and building is intact, with streamlined crafting and multiplayer that make the console version unique. It’s definitely not a game for people with short attention spans or addictions to hyper-violence. If you have the patience and enjoying creating more than destroying then Minecraft is one of the most gratifying downloadable games you can buy for Xbox 360.

G4 TV: X-Play (4 out of 5)

On the whole, any Minecraft is better than no Minecraft, and the 360 version is a full, satisfying game, when not judged against the PC version -- even in slightly-gimped form, Minecraft is better than most games on earth.

Impulse Gamer (8 out of 10)

Additional gaming enhancements such as mods and texture packs have been promised to the 360 gamers later down the track. Add in a plethora of achievements from "Getting Wood" like punching a tree until you get a block of wood or "On A Rail", travel on a mine card for 500 metres and there's plenty of achievements to be found in the game that will keep you coming back for more! So what are you waiting for? Check out Minecraft!

Eurogamer.de (8 out of 10)

Wer es noch nicht auf dem PC oder dem Mac gespielt hat, empfindet das vielleicht anders - und hat trotzdem kaum eine Ausrede, es sich nicht in der fertigeren, besseren Version für Personal-Computer zuzulegen. Besteht ihr jedoch auf das Konsolenerlebnis, ist Minecraft immer noch eines der besten Spiele für Überlebens- und Sterbenskünstler, das ich mir vorstellen kann. Wie viele Spiele kennt ihr schon, in denen zugleich alles und gar nichts passieren kann? Richtig. In diesem Sinne: Es gibt nichts zu tun. Packen wir es an!

Gameblog.fr ( )

Bref, si elle gagne en accessibilité et en interface, cette version souffre tout de même du manque des éléments qui ont été intégrés au jeu final, et qui ne sont pas dans ce portage d'une vieille bêta. Qu'à cela ne tienne, si vous n'avez pas d'ordi et n'avez jamais eu l'occasion de goûter à ce plaisir unique qu'est MineCraft, elle reste tout à fait réussie, en particulier pour ceux qui comptent y jouer à plusieurs.

Atomic Gamer (8 out of 10)

Whether you're building an impressive mansion, hunting down diamonds in dark caverns, or venturing into the evil Nether realm, all of it works great here on 360 and nothing was compromised - well, other than possibly the integrity of your world when the game crashes, or the crustiness of the year-old build that 4J Studios brought to the 360. Let's hope that some updates start coming out to get the game to be a little more stable, and just a little more caught up to the current day.

VentureBeat / Gamesbeat (80 out of 100)

The success of the PC version is a testament to the allure of Minecraft. Like its source material, Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition has no shortage of flaws, but it also provides a wholly unique gaming experience that can last for untold hours, whether you’re mining alone into the deepest depths of your randomly generated world or crafting a giant Starship Enterprise replica with a crew of up to seven other players. At $20, Minecraft is one of the most expensive Xbox Live Arcade games ever released, but it’s also one of the most substantial and definitely one of the most enjoyable. Just remember your training as a child and don’t step on the lava….

Worth Playing (8 out of 10)

As I said before, Minecraft is what you make of it. The game has no real end goal and a minimal set of instructions, so you decide what you want to do. It is a sandbox in the truest sense of the word, so it'll please those who like making things up as they go along. It still needs updates to unlock the true vision and potential, but what you have here is a very enjoyable and versatile experience that should be played at least once.

Giant Bomb ( )

In the future, this version of the game will live and die by the frequency and robustness of those promised updates and the extent to which they catch the game up to the progress of the PC original. The 360 Edition is a bit steep by Xbox standards at $20, though the PC version now costs a bit more (and some outlets seem to be selling this one for less, anyway). If you're reading this review at all, you probably own at least one platform, ranging from PC to Mac to the iPhone or Android, that Minecraft already runs on, but here and now, the 360 game offers enough value for block-building neophytes to justify its existence in a world where Minecraft has already seemingly been wallpapered everywhere you look for the last couple of years.

Spazio Games (8 out of 10)

Minecraft: Xbox360 Edition più che un gioco è un'esperienza modellabile sulle proprie fantasie e sull'ingegno che ogni giocatore può avere. L'assenza di una storia, la possibilità di modificare a proprio piacimento qualsiasi elemento di gioco sono solo alcuni elementi che contribuiscono a rendere il titolo un qualcosa di troppo soggettivo e personale. Se non lo avete già fatto, e non avete modo di testare la versione PC che rimane la più completa, vi consigliamo di dargli una chance, potrebbe davvero aprirsi un nuovo mondo davanti ai vostri occhi.

Games.cz (8 out of 10)

Minecraft je jako nepopsaná stránka, otevřený svět, který nabízí místo, kde si můžete splnit své vlastní sny a prožít různé příběhy. S každou vytěženou kostičkou budete mít radost, že jste zase o krok dál k pohodlnějšímu a bezpečnějšímu životu. Hra je vhodná pro všechny, kteří v sobě stále ještě nezabili poslední kapičku fantazie. Jste tvůrci svého osudu, tak na co ještě čekáte.

Ready Up (8 out of 10)

Put simply, the XBLA version of Minecraft takes the wonderful creative spirit of the original PC game, adds an easy-to-use interface and enough guidance that you'll know what an awesome world you're about to explore.

4Players.de (80 out of 100)

Neulinge sind auf der Konsole mit Abstand besser aufgehoben! Denn nur auf Xbox 360 erklärt das Spiel wichtige Zusammenhänge und erlaubt endlich das bequeme Herstellen neuer Gegenstände ohne Sekundärliteratur. Auch auf Konsole graben sie tief unter Tage nach Mineralien, stellen Waffen und Proviant selbst her, bekämpfen Monster und errichten prachtvolle Zuhause. Langzeit-Abenteurer werden allerdings wichtige Bausteine vermissen, die am PC selbstverständlich sind. So ist die Welt nicht unendlich, sondern auf eine überschaubare Fläche begrenzt. Die Illusion echter Freiheit entsteht daher nicht. Auch fehlen weitere Klimazonen, Landwirtschaft, Viehzucht, das Brauen von Tränken sowie das Verzaubern von Gegenständen. Im Kern ist es eine Version, die auf PC und Mac seit einem Jahr veraltet ist. Es ist ein kleineres Minecraft, das 4J für die Konsole entworfen hat - ein faszinierendes Spiel, das dem Original aber einen großen Schritt hinterher hinkt.

Gamer.no (8 out of 10)

Det er alltid delte meninger om spill som gjør noe utenom det vanlige, og Minecraft er intet unntak. Konseptet appellerer rett og slett ikke til alle. Spillet har ingen konkrete mål, utenom de du setter selv. Hvis du kun kjøper spillet fordi du liker tanken på å slåss mot zombier vil du sannsynligvis bli skuffet – overlevelseselementet betyr nemlig mindre og mindre jo mer du spiller. De første timene er verden farlig, men så har du fått kontroll og da er det i stor grad kreativiteten din som avgjør hvor mye moro spillet har å by på.

Vandal Online (8 out of 10)

Esperamos que la etiqueta de descarga de contenido que encontramos en el menú principal se llene a partir de ya con DLCs que acerquen este Minecraft al original. Por el momento, podemos disfrutar de su genial modo Survival, tanto solo como acompañado de manera local y online, y eso, hablando de un juego de estas dimensiones, ya es mucho decir.

Eurogamer.pt (8 out of 10)

Minecraft é já um clássico, um exemplo de simplicidade e contexto, aliado a um sistema ausente de objetivos estruturados que permite que seja o jogador a determinar os próprios objetivos, oferecendo uma longevidade infinita ao jogo. Esta versão é algo limitada em relação ao original, mas no geral é uma adaptação competente, e absolutamente obrigatória para quem nunca experimentou o jogo no PC.

The Telegraph ( )

Though Minecraft is renowned for being an extensive world in its own right, 64,000 kilometres, in fact, it's reduced significantly here. Xbox players are likely to find the 'end of the world' much sooner than they'd like, too, with the port's maps being a tiny 1024x1024 blocks. However, as 4J and Mojang promise to keep patching the console version, it's hopeful that both map size and version will update and grow. There'll always be limitations on console, and it's highly unlikely the game will ever compare to it's PC counterpart, but this is an impressive port and a brilliant game regardless. It's made even more of an ominous time-glutton by having you sprawled out on the sofa, pad in hand, mind, so be careful.

411mania.com (7.3 out of 10)

Overall, Minecraft for 360 brings over most of what makes the game fun, but not all. Like the PC version, this is a good start, but it’s the updates that will keep players coming back to play it. I say give it a shot if you like creating, you won’t be disappointed once you see the hours slipping away.

GameSpot (7 out of 10)

While plenty of concessions were made to bring Minecraft to the Xbox 360, it's good to see that the overall depth and flexibility that made the original so engaging aren't completely sacrificed. However, despite the nice multiplayer options, the improved accessibility, and the refined crafting system, the missing elements are a sizable backslide from the PC version. But is the core foundation still a lot of fun? Absolutely--if you temper your expectations.

Leviathyn (7 out of 10)

With so much missing, the experience between this new version and the PC version is huge. Veteran players will find using the controller and easy server setup to be the only features worth talking about. It is a shame that they will find so much to dislike or hope for. It is really hard to recommend that PC players buy this one as well. Right now, I’d stay on your desktop or laptop. If you have never played Minecraft before, then you’ll enjoy the building aspect of this game immensely. Minecraft is a great game that has suffered from slow development and creators who put too much on their plate before finishing a project. I hope that 4J and Microsoft are ready to tackle these issues and make the 360 version of Minecraft a huge success. I just don’t see it at release.

Level 7 (7 out of 10)

Alla som har en fungerande dator bör helt enkelt skaffa Minecraft på det formatet. För PC-hatare, soffälskare och splitscreen-spelare är detta däremot ett väldigt bra val. Personligen saknar jag tyvärr alldeles för många funktioner för att konvertera mitt grävande till konsol.

Splitkick (7 out of 10)

The hardcore may look at these minor concessions as a “dumbing down” for the console crowd, but it honestly assists with accessibility. That’s a good thing in terms of helping define direction for a new player, or as a reminder for someone like me who hasn’t played in a long time. Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition is a wonderfully crafted title full of the experimentation, adventure, and creation of its big brother.

Gamereactor (Denmark) (7 out of 10)

Med Microsofts tungere godkendelsesproces på patches og udvidelser vil vi nok næppe i samme grad som på PC og iOS bliver overstrøet med opdateringer, men man må da håbe at Creative-delen er i støbeskeen. Det kan jeg dog ikke anmelde ud fra.

Gamereactor (Sweden) (6 out of 10)

Du som däremot nöjer dig med ett sparsmakat alternativ, kräver handkontroll, kan bortse från att det charmiga crafting-systemet är som bortblåst och vill spela på delad skärm har mycket att hämta här.

Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) (5.5 out of 10)

If Minecraft on the PC is the video game equivelent of LEGO, then Minecraft on XBLA is Duplo. It’s a perfect introduction to the game and its experience—but it won’t take long for you to outgrow it and want the real thing.