Minecraft: Story Mode – Season Two has made a relatively swift comeback, considering the typical intervals between TellTale seasons. Given the phenomenal sales of the first season, especially during the previous Christmas season, it makes sense to ride the wave of success. The original series even received three additional episodes. If Cars is Pixar's lucrative franchise, Minecraft Story Mode can be regarded as TellTale's equivalent cash cow.

However, the disappointment lies in the fact that the inaugural episode of the new season, 'Hero In Residence,' falls far short of the quality established by the enjoyable first season. The excitement that permeated the characters in the initial season is noticeably absent, with most of the original cast making only brief appearances and subtle nods to the importance of 'teamwork,' despite Jesse's team being mostly absent. Instead, a lackluster adventurer takes center stage, contributing little to the overall enjoyment.

The primary focus shifts to Jesse and Petra, portrayed energetically once again by the talented Ashley Johnson. They seek adventure after the mundane events of the previous season. Jesse is now a hero, attracting fans wherever he goes, while Petra yearns for a new adventure. Reconnecting with these characters is a welcome return, particularly Petra, who exudes vitality. However, their current mission—returning a llama to its rightful owner—is a far cry from the epic adventures of The Order of the Stone.

Technically, reviewing a TellTale game often involves lamenting the persistence of tired mechanics. Despite this, the visuals are impressive, displaying vibrancy on larger screens. The Champion City world surpasses many areas from the first season in construction and design. The new combat system introduces a stamina bar and strafe mechanic, initially promising but ultimately feeling clunky and unresponsive in practice. Surprisingly, the QTE combat sequences are more enjoyable, especially a well-written and choreographed fight between Jesse, Petra, and a group of security guards.

While it's challenging to criticize visual animations in a Minecraft setting, facial animations, especially for Jesse, need improvement. There are instances where dialogue progresses, but Jesse's mouth remains motionless—an issue persistent in many TellTale games.

The most significant problem with this first episode is its lack of vitality. 'Hero In Residence' lacks the spark that invites further exploration of its story. The new characters lack depth, making it challenging to invest in them, unlike the instantly endearing characters of the first season. The absence of the original team adds to the disappointment, as the new characters feel more like plot devices than engaging personalities.

Acknowledging that it's only the first episode, TellTale series typically improve over time. Nevertheless, the series' start is notably rocky. Venturing into Episode 2 with the hope that the narrative will recapture the spirit of the first season, as it's currently absent.

Minecraft Story Mode Season Two Episode One – Hero In Residence is available on Xbox One, PS4 (reviewed), iOS, Android, and PC.

Developer: TellTale Games
Publisher: TellTale Games

Disclaimer: To complete this review, we received a review code from the publisher. For our full review policy, please refer here.