With MineCon concluding earlier this month, many new Minecraft features were revealed. Also, Microsoft is gearing up to launch the Windows 10 version of Minecraft, albeit in beta form. In the meantime, the game is getting an all new story mode.
Windows 10 Beta Coming Soon
Mojang announced the existence of the new Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta that will ship the same time as the Windows 10 release on July 29. Those who already own the Minecraft PC Edition will be able to download the Minecraft Windows 10 Beta for free. Other players will need to pay $10 for the beta.
Minecraft Windows 10 Beta will have many features from Pocket Edition. Players can craft, create, and explore online with up to seven friends. Also, user feedback will shape the final release version of Minecraft Windows 10.
Dual Wielding Added, and New Arrows Coming Soon
At MineCon 2015, developers revealed that players will be able to dual wield items sometime in the future. This feature is useful for multitasking. For instance, players can hold a torch in one hand while swinging a pickax in a dark mine. Also, leftie players can use their left hand to wield weapons.
Players will also be able to create enchanted arrows that have special powers. Still, Mojang plans to make the arrow gameplay as balanced as possible. One notable arrow type is the spectral arrowhead that allows players to paint their targets in order to track them. The release date for these two new features has yet to be announced.
All New Story Mode Revealed
Mojang has confirmed that Minecraft is getting an all new story mode featuring protagonists and their pig. The merry band of heroes is led by Jesse, who is voiced by comedian Patton Oswalt.
Developed with collaborative efforts by Mojang and Telltale Games, the story mode will be available later this year. Telltale Games already has a history of creating popular games including The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us. Similar to previous Telltale works, Minecraft: Story Mode will employ more of a point-and-click style of gameplay.
According to Telltale's blog, the premise concerns Jesse and his buddies - who deeply admire the legendary Order of the Stone. The order consists of four brave adventurers who have slain an Ender Dragon. They consist of the Warrior, Redstone Engineer, Griefer and Architect. While visiting EnderCon, Jesse and company find that terror has been loose upon their world. Shortly thereafter, the friends embark on a journey to locate the Order to defeat the new menace.
"We've worked closely with the amazing team at Mojang to ensure this story is a natural fit for the Minecraft world fans already know and love," said Kevin Bruner, CEO and co-founder of Telltale Games. "Through Telltale's choice-based gameplay and a story spanning from the Nether to the Farlands, the End, and beyond, we can't wait for fans to experience this new take on the beloved world of Minecraft."
