Starting in alpha

Like many, I've fallen into a bit of a trap in my Minecraft gameplay experience. I'll install some interesting looking mods. I'll play the map for a little while, and then when the inevitable Minecraft update comes in it's continuous development cycle. I'll find that I need, or just want to start over. Either because a mod has stopped updating, or some block IDs had changed (easier to manage these days with most mods config files), or I just can't be bothered. It's a cycle I'd like to break.

So I'm going to set up a bit of a challenge for myself with some simple rules.

No cheats.

Mostly pertains to inventory editors.

No mods.

The game will a completely vanilla experience. Goodbye my beloved minimap.

No texture packs.

I'm stuck with making my buildings look as attractive as possible with the “retro” dev placeholder sprites that come default in Minecraft. A somewhat tall order I might add. I may make an exception for the newer gravel texture and revert it to the old version when the time comes. I've never warmed up to the new texture.

Every building must be useable.

Not a very specific rule. A monument isn't exactly useable. But the purpose of this rule is to prevent shell buildings. Often other Minecraft players will show off their work. Displaying an intricate exterior while leaving the inside bare. The building has no use.

This blog is just to document my experience and give my impressions of the changes that come as I slowly progress through the updates.