Terraria: no objectives

It was released just two months ago, but Terraria is already one of the most played games on Valve's Steam. Many people would say that the game is in essence similar to Minecraft (the game consists also of "blocks" that can be mined and then stored and used to build your own creations, and of course world are randomly generated, which is great), but it also has a certain Castlevania and Metroid look as well as similar mechanics (or Metroidvania, as we like to say). It is more action based and it has a lot of RPG potential. Of course the sandbox part of the game has caught the attention of many gamers, selling 200,000 copies the week it was released. I guess that the recent Steam summer sale had also something to do with the game selling well.


Don't be fooled by the simple graphics: Terraria has a lot to offer

I've read some people saying that the game has no objectives. I guess some people enjoy games in which you have to put some creativity or use the game just as a tool, while others prefer a story-driven gameplay. Am I the only one who would rather ride a bike across the city in Grand Theft Auto than follow the story line? I think many people do, but luckily the game has space for both. With Terraria, there is some balance regarding objectives, as you have bosses, different areas to explore (there are many layers in the underground) and many objects to collect. However there isn't a story or even a clear guide, you are basically free to start where you want and go at your own pace.

Crafting and mining is also very important. We have many minerals and other materials at our disposal. For example, to make potions you need a table and a bottle, and to craft the bottle you need sand and a furnace. You may also want to put the furnace inside a house. I always found fascinating those games in which you can have a house. It gives you some space which is only your own (well, like in real life) and contributes to the sense of having something "unique" if the game is Online. In Ultima Online many players would spend millions of gold (and hours!) in creating and decorating their house. I think it was the most awesome feature of the game along with the skill based system, and still I think it makes the game very unique.

Anyway, back to Terraria, I think you should try it if you are a bit interested. It is probably the most original game of the year and it is being updated from time to time with big updates (the developers are working really hard, and these updated are free!). The online mode is not very well supported right now, but it is playable. Also, did I mention it sells for $10?