Minecraft: Infinite Lego

Minecraft is a rare example of a game that has no context to it at all. When you start a new world, you're dropped right into the game with no tutorial, no goals, and no idea of who you are, where you are, or why you're there. Slowly but surely (and through a lot of trial, error, and frustration) you realize that you can break blocks and place them elsewhere. Eventually you figure out that you can break down trees to create wooden planks, break those down into sticks, and pretty soon you have a small inventory of basic tools to help you survive the wilderness. Suddenly, you realize that the sun is setting and the world is getting much darker. This brings with it the horrifying realization that monsters spawn in the dark and they will waste no time making your first night a living hell. However, should you persevere through the first night, you're left with the drive to build a safe haven somewhere in the world, and pretty soon you'll have a nice cabin set up with all the Minecraft necessities (furnace, chest, and crafting table). Eventually you'll probably go on to expand your base, delve deep into the earth for minerals, or even build a portal to the Nether dimension.

So why is this seemingly brutal game fun? I find that it's the limitless possibilities that come from being an experienced player. Since initially figuring out how to play the game is as simple as memorizing a few simple crafting recipes, most players are quickly able to develop their own strategies for setting up a fully-functioning home base within a few days of play. It's a very accessible game open to any playstyle. If you're a solitary player, there's a single player mode. If you're a cooperative player, there's thousands of multiplayer servers for you to join. Do you enjoy killing other players? Some of those servers have a PvP mode enabled, turning a game of solitary survival into a tense situation where any dumb moves can leave you dead and ransacked. Do you just want to build cool things? Try the creative mode, where you have unlimited access to every item and block in the game. Point is, there's a way to enjoy Minecraft for every gamer and it offers players a chance to be in full control of what they do in-game and why. It's a truly open-world game, and that's why I find it fun.