Minecraft Beta

Anyone who loved playing with LEGO blocks as a kid will get a kick out of Minecraft, a game that lets them construct their own buildings.

Released in 2011, Minecraft is so popular that it is now available for play on a wide range of gaming consoles, but the PC version remains the most popular version of the game. It features multiple play modes that let you decide how you want to play the game. You even have the option of playing on your own or with others in multiplayer mode.

Most players start out in survival mode. You need to walk around the virtual world and gather resources like stones and wood that you use to make building blocks. Once you have enough blocks, you can start constructing your own buildings. As you level up, you have the chance to explore more of the world, but you'll also unlock new monsters and obstacles that will halt your progress. Hardcore mode is best for experienced players. It starts you out at the hardest level on a specific server. If you die in the game, you lose everything you built and can never play on that server again.

If you advance further in the game, you'll unlock creative mode. Creative mode lets you build your own virtual world from the supplies and items you unlocked in certain levels. There is also a spectator mode that lets you view the work that others did and an adventure mode that is a harder version of survival mode. Multiplayer mode lets you work with others and compete against other players on dedicated Minecraft servers.

Though Minecraft is suitable for all ages, the higher levels are more difficult for younger and less experienced players. You may find that you prefer sticking to a lower level or playing in creative mode over trying to move up in survival mode. It's also worth noting that while you can download a copy of the game in beta mode, you cannot gain full access to all features of the game without paying for a license.

As the game is still in beta stage, you'll find that new upgrades and updates come out on a regular basis. Unlike other games that automatically download and install those updates for you, Minecraft requires that you manually accept, download and install each current and future update.

Pros:

• Fun building and construction game with multiple play modes
• New updates slightly change the game and how you play
• Multiplayer mode lets you play with friends on dedicated servers
• Beta version lets you play some levels for free
• Lets you customize your own virtual world

Cons:

• Higher levels are harder for some players
• Must purchase a license to play the full game
• PC/online version is still in the beta phase
• Updates occasionally add little to gameplay
• You must manually download and install each update