In early June, to celebrateTetris’ 40th Anniversary, theTetrisAdd-on was implemented intoMinecraft. Once purchased and downloaded from theMinecraftMarketplace, players can bring blocky fun ofTetristo the blocky world ofMinecraftfor the first time, officially. With the add-on, players could craft Tetrimino Generators to enlarge Mino Shards into the classic straight, zigzag, L-shapedTetrisblocks that will fall near the Generator.
Not only can players seeTetrisblocks falling from the sky, they may encounter killer cubes called Tetrimonsters that can be tamed and even be used as mounts. TheseTetrisblocks can be used tobuildTetris-themed structuresor be crafted intoTetrisblock tools such as a Mino Pickaxe. With the wacky, nostalgic fun of theTetrisAdd-on, Mojang and other marketplace creators should work on making other crossovers with similar pixelated features.
Classic Pixel Games in Minecraft
Back in the 1970s and 80s, video games were just starting to become popular through primarily arcade cabinets, computer games, and a few early consoles. Limited by technology’s power at the time, all games were pixelated back then, but those pixels birthed some of the most iconic games thatMinecraftcould crossover with to make spectacular add-ons. One of the longest lasting video game franchises Mojang could merge with isThe Oregon Trail. First developed in 1971,The Oregon Trailwas a primarily text-based strategy and role-playing gamehaving players struggle to keep a 19th Century pioneer family alive as they travel westward in the U.S. along theOregon Trail.
InThe Oregon Trail, players would find enjoyment from not only learning about 19th century life but by trying to survive the longest compared to their friends. In a potentialMinecraftOregon Trailadd-on, players could be able to build wagons and hitch donkeys, cows, or horses to them as they get quests to travel west. Along the way, villages can serve as towns where players can purchase food, water, and weapons but will be forced to follow linear routes. Players could further risk death by becoming infected if unable to heal or be dragged away when attempting to ford a river. This add-on could use a new texture pack to makeMinecraftbetter mirror North America, such as making cows look like bison.
Galaga in Minecraft
Another classic pixel game thatMinecraftcould crossover with isGalaga. First made in 1981,Galagais a fixed space shooterwherein the player’s starfighter must destroy the titular alien Galaga ships. Similar to theTetrisAdd-On, this hypotheticalGalagaadd-on could have random Galaga ships fall from the sky likeTetrisblocks. Players could be able to craft a starfighter or new alien-themed tools to combat the Galaga. This could even introduce new space-themed blocks for players to build unique fighters or space bases. The Galaga could also fall from their ships and become a new kind of mob for players to fight in close quarter combat.
AnOregon Trail-themed world was added toMinecraft: Education Editionwherein students could learn about the Fine Arts and Humanities as they played in a blocky 19th century world.
A Shovelrous Minecraft Add-On
For more modern players, Mojang and Yacht Club Games could cooperate to create aShovel Knightadd-on toMinecraft. First released in 2014,Shovel Knightis a 2D side-scrolling platformerwhere players embody the Shovel Knight as he travels great distances and defeats monstrous foes with his trusty shovel to rescue Shield Knight. This add-on could finally makeMinecraft’s shovel a formidable weapon and introduce a few enchantments to make the shovel act more similar to Shovel Knight’s signature weapon. These enchantments could allow players to use shovels to jump off of enemies or simply increase the shovels’ damage output.
This add-on could further introduce more RPG elements in villages, such as being able to speak to villagers or other mobs about certain quests, similar to how Shovel Knight could interact with Chester or the fish-like Troupple King.NewShovel Knight-themed armorscould be introduced with this add-on as well, including the Stalwart Plate or the Dynamo Mail. In terms of mobs, some ofShovel Knight’s most iconic bosses, including Plague Knight, or simple enemies such as Propeller Rats or sword-wielding Boneclangs, could be added throughout the world to giveMinecraftmore of aShovel Knight-esque challenge.
Minecraft
WHERE TO PLAY
Minecraft is a game made up of blocks, creatures, and community. You can survive the night or build a work of art – the choice is all yours. But if the thought of exploring a vast new world all on your own feels overwhelming, then fear not!Minecraft has no set goal and can be played however you’d like! This is why it’s sometimes called a “sandbox game” – there are lots of things for you to do, and lots of ways that you can play. If you like being creative, then you can use the blocks to build things from your imagination. If you’re feeling brave, you can explore the world and face daring challenges. Blocks can be broken, crafted, placed to reshape the landscape, or used to build fantastical creations.Creatures can be battled or befriended, depending on how you play. The world of Minecraft allows for epic adventures, quiet meditations, and everything in between. You can even share your creations with other players, or play in community worlds!
