When Minecraft first popped up on the scene, about a thousand clones or “inspired by” games popped up everywhere. The Xbox Live Arcade Indie section became flooded with games using as many variations on the words “mine” and “craft” as you could possibly imagine. A 2D version, Terraria, popped up on Steam and became a best seller. The “voxel (volumetric pixel)” style was everywhere, digging and crafting were all the rage, and it was all thanks to a game that was then in the alpha stage of development.
When Minecraft first popped up on the scene, about a thousand clones or “inspired by” games popped up everywhere. The Xbox Live Arcade Indie section became flooded with games using as many variations on the words “mine” and “craft” as you could possibly imagine. A 2D version, Terraria, popped up on Steam and became a best seller. The “voxel (volumetric pixel)” style was everywhere, digging and crafting were all the rage, and it was all thanks to a game that was then in the alpha stage of development.
Cube World (temporary codename) is a game in development now, being coded by one dude, that uses the voxel style – but it incorporates all kinds of influences that read like a who’s who list of games: Zelda, World of Warcraft, Diablo, Monster Hunter and more. Gameplay videos and a FAQ on the developer’s blog show off a world that will immediately remind you of Minecraft because of the style, but with a 3D hack n’ slash action element for gameplay.
There’s no digging or mining planned, but the developer does want to include building so that players can erect houses among a laundry list of other features expected to be added before the game launches.
With a release date of “when it’s done,” there’s no telling how long it will be before we can get our greedy little hands on it. I know this writer is salivating from looking at the screenshots, and especially the videos. It already looks like it’s running really smooth, and should offer up a unique take on a blending of tried and true styles. Be sure to follow the developer’s blog to watch the progress of what is sure to be an exciting indie PC release.
