Minecraft Update Patch Notes for Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3; New Mobs Include Witches, Bats, Horse

Dec 22, 2014 03:35 PM EST

Fans of the 3D block construction game Minecraft will be pleased to know that the developer 4J Studios is offering a grand update of 1.6.4 to the console versions like the PS4, PS3, PS Vita, Xbox One, and the Xbox 360.  The features are numerous, and make the console version a lot more like the PC version.  The update might be delayed on some consoles in some places.

According to Gamestop, the updates include some interesting new additions like Fireworks, which involves an interesting interface from the Crafting Table with ingredients to make a Firework Star or Firework Rocket.  There will also be an added "Adventure Mode" where players can only break blocks with the correct tool. 

There is an entire list on the Minecraft forum that contains updates like new Mobs like the Wither, Wither Skeletons, Witches, Bats, Horse, Donkeys, and Mules.  There will also be new sounds, new death messages, as well as an interesting beacon interface. 

Those who are new to Minecraft, or might be confused by all the new features, should know that there will be a Tutorial World that will show players how to access these new features. 

The one feature that 4J Studios is apparently very proud of is the horse feature.  Apparently, the players can tame and ride some wild stallions, and there is a YouTube video about the horse feature that is deliberately overdone. 

The new update has rolled out to Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PlayStation Platforms in Europe.  According to The Fuse Joplin, there is a delay regarding the Minecraft update for PlayStation platforms in North America.  It is not unusual for a delay of Minecraft to happen on Sony PlayStation platforms compared to Xbox ones.  After all, Microsoft purchased Minecraft creator Mojang last September.  Still, it would be good if the update arrived by the holiday season, as a gift to the many Minecraft users on all platforms. 

In a story not related to the update, The Telegraph has reported that Minecraft intends to release a spin-off game known as Minecraft: Story Mode in collaboration with Telltale Games, producer of many episodic games.  The Story Mode is not going to be an update or add-on, but a separate stand-alone game that will appear on the PC, Mac, iOS, Android, as well as Xbox and PlayStation consoles.  Mojang has said that the plan for the spinoff game is to "mix new characters with familiar themes" for an "entirely original Minecraft experience inspired by the Minecraft community and the game that continues to inspire a generation".