Block Story – build infinite worlds with blocks (Minecraft clone?)

by Paul Wilks Aug 24, 2012 8:29 AM – 4 Comments

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Block Story is, well, there’s no escaping the fact, a clone of Minecraft. Both games feature the lush 3D environment and list of materials, tasks and places to explore. So, how does Block Story compare?

Price: Free, $5.00 for the full version

Tested on: HTC One X
Content Rating: Everyone

AndroidTapp.com Android Game Review:

Pros & Cons:

Pros

Infinite 3D environments!
85 different creatures to discover!
25 introductory quests to build your character!
3 types of controls!
Very smooth and intuitive!

Cons

I found the environment and buildings sometimes disappear.
Blocks often do not disappear when you break them.
Doesn’t have the online love of Minecraft; community forums, tutorial videos, etc.

Features:

Block Story is a gorgeous block building game that irrefutably resembles Minecraft. However, I don’t think it’s easy just to pass it off as just a lame clone. The game offers a massively rich environment, smooth controls and intuitive ways to explore. When you begin you have some 25 mini tasks to complete in order to build your character and learn the controls. These essentially include things like how to collect materials, build objects like weapons and interact with other characters. After all, you’re going to need to know how to shoot a bow if you get attacked by a dragon won’t you?

Once you’ve worked your way through these missions, the world is free for you to build on and explore. There is a hell if you go deep enough and even a floating island to reach. There’s seas, swamps, mountains, beaches and more. There are also 85 different creatures to meet (or fight) so there’s always loads to do. You can build pretty much whatever you like- it’s a blank canvas to do whatever you want, a virtually infinite Lego set on your Android.

There are also three methods of control, so you can tweak things to suit you. I haven’t played Minecraft all that much but I did try it out after a session of Block Story. The first thing I noticed is that Block Story felt a tad smoother than it’s more popular cousin and controls were a little more intuitive. Minecraft- with its online and mobile editions is a massive universe of creativity and as such incredibly popular and original. I think for pure playability, Block Story might have the edge over Minecraft, but there’s no getting away from the massive community elements that come with Minecraft- the videos, tutorials, competitions and more. I think therefore I would recommend Block Story over Minecraft- but only if you’ve never played Minecraft to begin with!

Watch on Mobile

: Block Story – Coal block

: Block Story – Cave

: Block Story – View from top of the hill

: Block Story – Ted will help you out once you’ce completed a few tasks

: Block Story – Smash blocks to collect them

: Block Story – Huge infinite areas

: Block Story – Scenery occasionally disappears

: Block Story – Inventory

: Block Story – Using the recipe book

: Block Story – Quests

: Block Story – Menu

: Block Story – Loading screen

Fun Factor:

Yes, it’s lots of fun. From creating new items to fighting dragons and exploring hell, it’s an awesome game that is enjoyable to play throughout.

I did notice from time to time that the environment sometimes disappears. It’s there, you can stand on it, but can’t physically see it. I’m aware that sometimes rendering is a little sluggish on Minecraft but it at least displays when you get close enough.

Addictive:

These kind of games are very addictive, and certainly if you have a creative urge and love the logical formality of construction and freedom you get with huge games like this, it’s something you’re going to play for hours on end.

Graphics:

The graphics are obviously ‘blocky‘ but the wide variety of textures and huge 3D environment quickly make up for that. It blends the retro with the modern in a very cool way.

Accelerometer, Vibration & Sound:

The game is full of different noises and sounds. From tinkling piano scores to rain noises and building sounds. There is an option to control the game via accelerometer and while this is initially a great effect, you’ll quickly revert to one of the other methods. While tilt control feels smooth, it’s really not very practical.

AndroidTapp.com Rating

AndroidTapp.com Rating! (4.4 out of 5)

Should you Download Block Story? If you’re entirely new to block building games, Block Story is loads of fun and full of ingenious gameplay. However, if you’re a staunch Minecraft fan, I’m certain you’d find it difficult to play the game without constantly comparing the two. On its own Block Story is a brilliantly executed game, but I think that it will only ever live in the shadow of the game it resembles, which is a shame, but the truth. There’s a Lite version to try out first, so definitely give it a go regardless.

Developer: Mindblocks

Tags: 3D, 3D Games, adventure, Android App, Android Apps, Android Game, AndroidTapp.com App Review, Block Story, Blocks, LEGO, Minecraft

Categorised in: Arcade & Action

4 Comments

By eta235 on October 6, 2012 at 10:37 pm:

I believe that block story will only live in the shadow to those who don’t give it a chance there are things that it already has but minecraft for example dynamite and magic

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By ermo on December 31, 2012 at 3:29 pm:

Im new in this kind of games but with a little investigation i learned this is a gender in games, like RPG or FPS. If Block Story is a clone of Minecraft then Minecraft is a clone of it’s predecessors. But it isnt, Block story is a sandbox based on a free block world, like Minecraft, but looks really diferent and in my opinion looks better than Minecraft poket edition (its rival). I will try both hehe

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By ermo on January 1, 2013 at 6:40 am:

I dont want to look obsessed but u compare all the time Block Story with Minecraft and they are different games in different platforms!! Block Story rival with Minecraft Pocket Edition, no with Minecraft!! Minecraft Pocket Edition has not internet world, u cant connect with ur minecraft account, is a different game!! Try to do all u say u can do in Minecraft pocke edition (android game) and u will be uttely disapponted¡¡ because u cant!!
Compare incomparable things!! Compare it with Minecraft Pocket edition and do a new review (or not compare, only do a review )

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By jaytalon on January 4, 2013 at 4:35 pm:

this is an amazing game and, yes, it does have some differences to minecraft like it has skulls (if u dig deep), kryptonite, animals (besides chickens, sheep, pigs, and cows), infinite worlds, and a lot of other stuff. BUT, that doesnt mean its better or worse because minecraft can farm unlike block story. sounless u try both u dont know what ur talking about.

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