Minecraft Story Mode: Season 2 Episode 5 Above and Beyond Xbox One X Review

It seems like forever ago that Jesse was just an ordinary citizen with basic problems and looking up to heroes with acclaimed accomplishments. Now, Jesse is the hero people look up to for strength, leadership, and now saving. The final episode of Minecraft Story Mode: Season 2 has Jesse face to face with the Admin, ending the season on the same high as when the season began.

Taking place after the events of episode 4 Jesse and his friends are charged with defeating the Admin and saving his town from his cruel dictatorship. The events that follow rely less on difficult decisions and more on how Jesse has developed himself through his actions. The decisions you've made since the beginning of the season will alter much of episode 5, with characters deciding whether to help him or dismiss Jesse.

This leaves less room for development, instead, the primary focus of episode 5 is closure. Having Jesse tackle most of the unsolved mysteries left behind from past episodes, decisions yet to be closed off, and a final battle between the primary antagonist. The final battle, like previous boss encounters, is simply button-prompt and basic fighting found in previous combat encounters. However, thanks to excellent choreograph scenes and writing it was a joy to watch.

The only character that falls flat is the Admin. He doesn't evolve into anything special and by the finale simply becomes a cookie cutter character of a lonely misunderstood tyrant. It's never explained why he became the person he is, which is a massive let down for a character with a lot of promise.

The finale does open the series up for more adventures. By the end, the player's final decision affects not only the people of Jesse's town but his own future. At first, it didn't seem like a profound choice but considering the consequences, later on, could prove otherwise. 

The gameplay doesn't attempt to stray what has already been established. You'll still make decisions within a specific time period, solve basic puzzles, and craft items. Above and Beyond doesn't add anything new to the overall experience but provides different ways to use these same mechanics.

Above and Beyond concludes the series on a high note while leaving room for more in the next season. While it spoils a potentially great antagonist it gives a solid conclusion of everything that transpired. Minecraft Story Mode: Season 2 Episode 5 Above and Beyond provides the player with a finish that encompasses their entire journey into one 70 minute adventure. 

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed
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