Terraria: Review

Minecraft made a massive splash when it first arrived, and it continues to be a wildly popular game. Because of this popularity, it’s easy to accuse a game like Terraria of being a Minecraft clone… but there are few differences that set this unassuming yet remarkable title apart from Minecraft.

The most obvious difference is that Terraria is a 2D game, using a side scrolling system for exploration and resource harvesting. While these elements may make it seem more of a clone, Terraria takes combat and character customisation far more seriously than Minecraft ever did. Making it feel a bit more like an adventure than a world builder. Additionally, most resources are to be found under the ground, so mining is more important here.

Terraria feels tedious at times, as harvesting of materials is a time consuming task. But it is vital, simply because the only way you’re going to get anywhere in the game is by making stuff at the crafting tables in your house which you need to build for yourself, too.

The game employs a day-night cycle that will see more powerful enemies roaming the landscape after dark, and most savvy players will be safely indoors, crafting and going over inventory lists when the sun goes down.

The massive, randomly generated worlds, complex game nature, vast amount of enemies and craftable objects and general feel of Terraria add up to make a game that is thoroughly addictive. It certainly won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. But there will be a great many people who are drawn to the high degree of expression that Terraria allows for.

It’s addictive, and creates a real sense of achievement for players who achieve goals that they set for themselves.

8/10