Highly-acclaimed video game gets major update on the Mac

Aug 1, 2012 18:11 GMT  ·  By

Developer Markus Persson has just released the latest version of his popular building game Minecraft. A mile-long changelog accompanies the release and existing gamers are strongly encouraged to update.

General changes include an updated launcher with a new demo mode and no visual changes, improved overall stability and performance (reduced CPU, RAM, bandwidth usage etc.), the addition of an optional single-player command called "Cheats" on non-hardcore worlds, snooper settings, video options, updated language files, and much more.

The demo mode for non-premium users lasts 5 game days per world and is single-player only.

Gameplay changes include a new Adventure mode only playable using commands. Building, setting things on fire and using buckets is disabled in this game mode, and players can only interact with mobs and the environment. Players can also place and take stuff from a chest, a furnace or a dispenser.

Trading has been included. Depending on their profession, villagers will offer different trades to players using emerald as currency. There are three kinds of trades: selling, buying and enchanting.

The Creative mode inventory has been improved with categorized tabs for various groups of items and blocks, a search tab that is automatically enabled when the chat key is hit, and a survival inventory tab, which shows the full inventory, a 'Destroy item' slot and armor slots (including a preview of your character and a 2x2 crafting field).

As far as Experience is concerned, it now drops from ores that drop items, depending on ore type. Players looking to gain even more experience quickly and easily can take smelted items out of furnaces or destroy mob spawners.

Improved enchanting means that the new maximum level with bookshelves is 30 and 15 bookshelves are enough to reach level 30, according to the game’s creator. All this and much more can be found in version 1.3.1 of Minecraft for Mac, available immediately via the link below.

Download Minecraft for Mac