Cube World once shimmered with the allure of infinite possibilities, its voxel-based, procedurally generated RPG design drawing comparisons to beloved classics like The Legend of Zelda and Minecraft. However, upon its release in 2019, the game fell short of expectations, leaving players disillusioned. The vibrant world promised by its developers was marred by a lack of engaging content, with NPCs offering little interaction and exploration feeling monotonous. The much-touted procedural lore failed to deliver the depth that players craved, making the adventure feel hollow.
While Cube World had its moments, it lacked the essential elements that make exploration truly rewarding. Players yearned for a blend of the blocky charm of Minecraft and the structured gameplay of traditional RPGs. The thrill of cave diving in Minecraft was often overshadowed by a sense of emptiness, as the world felt devoid of life and purpose. Combat became a mindless exercise, reducing encounters to mere sword-waggling against retreating foes.
In the realm of gaming, other titles have successfully captured the essence that Cube World missed. Dragon Quest Builders masterfully combines the creativity of Minecraft with the narrative depth of JRPGs, while V Rising offers a compelling mix of action RPG mechanics and base-building. These games focus on the core aspects of survival and crafting, ensuring that players remain engaged in upgrading tools, gathering resources, and constructing settlements.
Enter Hytale, a game that echoes the spirit of Cube World while learning from its missteps. Developed by a dedicated team, Hytale has faced its own challenges during a lengthy development cycle. However, it has emerged with a promise that feels more tangible. The game offers a voxel world reminiscent of Minecraft, yet it distinguishes itself with dynamic combat and an adventure mode that, while still in the works, holds great potential.
Taller tales
Currently, Hytale leans more towards the sandbox experience than a traditional RPG, but it successfully captures the thrill of dungeon crawling and exploration that players sought in Cube World. Engaging combat mechanics, complete with satisfying animations and impactful abilities, make battles against unique monsters enjoyable. The developers at Hypixel Studios are actively enhancing the game, introducing new features like dinosaurs and necromancy at a rapid pace.
What sets Hytale apart is its promise of a bright future—something Cube World struggled to deliver. The anticipation surrounding its adventure mode is palpable, and the game’s foundation appears better suited for immersive exploration than its predecessor. Hytale evokes memories of early Terraria, which began with limited content but evolved into a rich experience over time. The growth trajectory of Hytale suggests it could follow a similar path, captivating players with its evolving landscape.
While some may caution against getting too excited based on potential alone, Hytale offers a unique silver lining: its modding capabilities. Designed with modders in mind, the game has already seen an impressive array of user-generated content, including a legendary weapons mod and RPG-style leveling systems. With nearly 4,000 mods available on platforms like CurseForge, the community’s creativity is already breathing life into the game.
As Hytale continues to develop, it has rekindled interest in a genre that many believed had peaked. The current landscape of open-world survival crafting games is vibrant, featuring titles like Vintage Story for simulation enthusiasts, Abiotic Factor for those seeking atmospheric experiences, and Grounded 2 for players with a taste for adventure. For those yearning for a stylish, voxel-based world filled with fresh discoveries, Hytale stands out as a promising contender.
