Corner Corner, Maritime Street, Canada Water, London, SE16 7LL
The Minecraft Experience in London is one of those days out that kids will talk about non-stop on the way home. If your household has any Minecraft fans, you’ll know exactly how quickly they’ll spot a blocky creeper or a set of pixelated pickaxes and the attraction is full of little details.
The sets look the part, the lighting and sound effects give it some drama and the whole thing starts with a sense that you’re stepping inside the game rather than just watching someone else play it. You even get your very own interactive orb.
You’re taken through the story of Villager Rescue as part of a group with a mission to help the villagers and see off a few familiar foes along the way. The hosts keep things moving and really try to pull everyone into the adventure.
For younger kids, seeing the game come to life at full size is a thrill and there’s a real buzz when something unexpected happens like the onscreen graphics changing to a familiar scene or a door opening to reveal the next room.
The theming is spot on, especially when you get to The Nether. The deep reds and eerie glow make it instantly recognisable and there’s a nice sense of atmosphere without it tipping into anything too frightening for younger players.
Building the portal is one of the more satisfying interactive moments with a real payoff when it lights up. Crafting weapons is also great fun. It’s in these moments that the experience really nails the feel of the game.
That said, there are times when it feels a bit more like following a set path than truly exploring. One of the best things about Minecraft is the freedom to build and roam wherever you like and here you’re very much on rails. The puzzles are straightforward, which works for children, but older fans might find them a bit too simple.
It also moves along quite quickly. Just as you’re looking around at the scenery or lining up for a photo, you’re often told it’s time to move on. The theming is good enough to deserve a few more chances to take it in. Even a couple of minutes extra in each room would make a difference, especially for parents trying to get a snap of their kids grinning in front of a massive creeper.
One thing that does stand out is the staff. They throw themselves into it and make sure kids feel part of the action. Even when the tasks are simple, their enthusiasm keeps the energy up and stops things from dragging. If you’ve got children in the group, it’s hard not to be pleased when you see how much they’re enjoying it.
In the end, it’s a fun way to spend a couple of hours, especially if you’re going mainly for the kids. It looks the part, there are a few nice surprises along the way and it’s definitely going to tick the box for younger fans.
If you’re expecting the same creative freedom you get in the game, you might find yourself wanting more. A bit of extra time in each room, more chances for photos and some extra layers of challenge would really lift it. As it stands, it’s a good family outing that kids will love and adults will find a lot of fun, even if it doesn’t quite hit the heights it could.
Minecraft Villager Rescue review – 4 stars
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