Indie gaming's sandbox sensation, Minecraft, is getting updated to version 1.5. Otherwise known as the Redstone Update. And it's one the more significant updates in recent memory.
While not quite on the level as Beta 1.8, aka the Adventure Update, there's still a lot to chew on. Thankfully, PCGamesN has complied a handy little hit list of what to expect.
First, as the name of the update implies, redstone has been completely redesigned. As promised by Jeb_ (who took over development of Minecraft from Notch) some time ago, before version 1.4 to be exact.
Among its new properties is variable signal strength, so voltage can now be a factor when creating whatever redstone powered device. Furthermore, there's a redstone comparator, which works similarly like a redstone repeater, though it only give output once a certain signal strength has been received, which is dependent upon the configuration of the device, per the player's design.
Several other new materials and blocks are also being added to the mix. Including Nether Quartz, which is a key ingredient for creating a redstone comparator, plus it can be used to craft into decorative blocks. Plus you have the hopper block, which movies items in and out of containers, along with the dropper block, which drops items.
Pressure plates have been given actual sensitivity. Instead of simply being trigger or not, now they will be sensitive to the amount of weight put on them. Plus, there's the new light detection block, which works in the same manner, but is instead sensitive to light, obviously.
Other significant additions include animated textures, as well as higher resolution textures, thanks to a re-write of the rendering engine. Though it is assure that the same block look as always will remain. They'll simply be more detailed. Plus a scoreboard is forthcoming, which will keep track of player deaths, plus other stats.
And finally, mobs will be smarter, meaning faster and more aggressive skeletons and zombies. Also, minecarts will be improved as well, since as is, they're somewhat boring and useless. Expect a variety of carts, like those that hop, those that explode, and those that produce other carts.
PCGamesN also has a list of possibly additions in the update, including an overhaul of the game's lighting, the addition of spikes, and even better fishing. Be sure to check the source for their full projections.
