After a few memorable years playing Minecraft I have to admit that Terraria was one of those games that slipped under my radar during its initial release. Perhaps it was because, with its 2D graphics and smaller sandbox world, I subconsciously dismissed it as a handheld-only game. And as my dog ate my PS Vita, I no longer have a decent handheld console to play with. I still have the dog by the way. 
Anyway, I was however pleasantly surprised to hear that Terraria was being released on the Xbox One. But would this be yet another old gen title being wheeled out and dusted down and given a shiny new coat? Would we be subjected to yet another helping of gaming mutton ceremoniously dressed as lamb? Well, I’m happy to report that Terraria on the Xbox One is a fantastic game. Yes, it is a re-release. But developers at Re-Logic have packed enough goodies into the box to make this version with investing in.
With Minecraft sitting pretty as the (un)disputed king of the craft-survival genre, Terraria looks likely to be the first real challenger to come along in years. If you’ve played Terraria on the PS Vita or the Xbox 360 you’ll be immediately familiar with the games premise. You create your 2D character and craft items for him or her, build and equip your own house and fight demons. Occasionally you’ll come across a boss character that will require all of your skills and abilities to beat. But once you’ve nailed them, you’re rewarded with better items to craft with. 
Terraria allows you to set your own pace and play the game the way you want. There are no hard and fast missions and you decide what you want to do. Re-Logic has also included a brilliant multiplayer option with voice chat that allows you to play with or against your mates at any time. This will come in handy if you’re ever stuck outdoors at night and facing a pack of demons and miles away from home.
Terraria graphics have been greatly improved on the Xbox One and loading times are almost none-existent. The 2D visuals are super crisp and run as smooth as silk. It’s worth noting that the Xbox One version of Terraria also comes with bigger sandbox worlds all of the patch v1.2 features of the original game. This includes all of the bug fixes and extra items such as the ability to choose how the Gravitation Potion works, maps with added rain and blizzards and new pressure plates that can only be triggered by certain things such as the player, enemies, or both. Excellent.
If you already own Terraria on the Xbox 360, the improvements offered by the next gen version are still worth checking out. If, however, you’ve never played Terraria before, then this is a fantastic way to introduce yourself to one of the best game releases this year. Highly recommended.
8 out of 10