Minecraft: Story Mode Season Two Episode Three Review

Jesse and company set out to escape the Sunshine Institute in the third episode of Telltale’s Minecraft: Story Mode Season Two. However, this episode is not all sunshine and rainbows…in more ways than one.

Minecraft: Story Mode Season Two Episode Three Review

After being banished by the admin and failing to escape the Sunshine Institute, this episode shows Jesse as he (or she) gets accustomed to life in prison, getting a chance to know the denizens and the warden, all while trying to plan their big break. The thing is, almost none of them have any significant personality. Sure, there are Bob Ross and Morgan Freeman types milling around, but they don’t get a lot of screentime and lack any sort of character development. Other creatures include “zombies” and “spider creepers,” which feel a little too by the books. Even the warden (who is simply named “Warden”) has a fairly superficial personality, with his “troubled” past barely touched upon. This may be a series for the younger set, but it lacks anything significant for those with a more critical eye.

If anything, this game prides itself on busywork. Tasks include talking to people to get the supplies to make a cookie, investigating cells, and sweet talking others to get what you need. The plot takes more of a backseat in this one, but the tasks sometimes feel more drawn out than anything else.

In true Telltale fashion, there are some choices to be had. Dialog choices tend to encompass all of the same emotions, making almost every scenario play out the same. Aside from a seemingly major choice near the end, any significant decision leads to the same consequence. This can get especially jarring if you go with the option the game doesn’t want you to go with – one choice near the end regarding another character resolves itself literally 30 seconds after you make your decision. It can get frustrating, and it makes it feel like your choices don’t matter.

There is some action to be had in this episode as well. Quick time events are still the name of the game here, but there is some combat to be had. Jesse packs a stamina meter, and he/she must time their attacks, roll, and counter at the appropriate time. Dark Souls this is not, but it is still a welcome addition to what otherwise would be a fairly cinematic game. There is also some crafting and building to be had, though these opportunities are highly structured and limited.

The third episode of Minecraft: Story Mode Season Two plays things too safe. The characters are a little too one-note, and though the Sunshine Institute has the potential to be an interesting setting, everything just feels phoned in.