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Marc Watson
Written By
Marc Watson
Published
2/7/20

New on Java Realms: Maps at an Exhibition

A walk through thirteen new artistic works!

It was 10 pm, and I’d put off writing the New on Java Realms blog post – even though I was aware of having to answer to our reigning Overlord and Editor Per Landin should the piece be late. Being late with an article of this magnitude was out of the question. Every few weeks, we cover the latest maps, minigames and experiences made by the community, and make them freely available on the Java Edition of Realms. My deadline was fast approaching and rocking back and forth while nervously sipping coffee was proving to be unhelpful.

Listening to music intended to stimulate creativity, I stared down a record thirteen pieces of content. Whew! I knew that such a quantity would dictate a departure from our regular format, and I found myself at an impasse. I was in the midst of Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, a suite of songs that takes the listener on a stroll through an art exhibition when all of a sudden – EUREKA – inspiration finally struck! Having recently run out of other clever narrative devices, I decided that I would take you on a similar journey. 

So without further ado – the Java Realms exhibition, featuring the latest maps on Java Realms!

The Mini-games

Today’s exhibition features six action-packed mini-games:

  • Illusions by Creeper Juice & Squishy
  • Pillar Ninjas by Supersette & Aargs
  • Arrow Fight by PvPqnda & Hielke
  • Island Fall by The Minermen Team
  • Armor Stand Parkour by mickae and ZebraPantz
  • Depiction Battle by AryFireZ
  • Laser Tag by Flytre

Illusions
Reminiscent of works such as Antichamber, Illusions requires one to stay focused at all times, pondering its puzzles and mazes.

Pillar Ninjas
The creator's distinctive use of white serves to create a peaceful, neutral space, starkly juxtaposed against the backdrop of projectile-based chaos.

Resource gathering and careful exploration in the face of adversity are a theme as old as humanity itself, and the two team/two island setup speaks to the duality within us all.

Island Fall
The masterful application of negative space has culminated in a floating archipelago. The creator’s intent here is clearly fast-paced PvP.

Navigate from point A to point B. Armor Stand Parkour explores the concept of free will: are you moving the armor stand, or is it moving you?

A suitably meta entry to round out this collection, Depiction Battle is art about creating art. May the best painter win!

Laser Tag
1980’s influences with a modernist twist. Laser Tag brings us back to a simpler and more innocent time, and one can feel the yearning to return to that era.

The world templates

As we leave the mini-games section behind us, we move onto the contemplative world template part of the exhibition, featuring:

  • Eastern Bay Woods by ZzLEMONzZ
  • Flytrap Takeover by HypixelDoge, collage, and A_Girl
  • Deercastle by Hoonas2003 and mattikrokki
  • Yellow Oasis by kartoffelgranate and Slarox

Eastern Bay Woods
Traditional piece. Influenced by the Middle Ages, with the surrounding foliage used to convey a sense of mystery.

Flytrap Takeover
Very high-concept. Understated dwellings are surrounded by massive flytraps. Clearly indicative of a whimsical mind.

Deer Castle
Here the artist captures the age-old class struggle between lords and peasants; the working class and the aristocracy.

Yellow Oasis
A classic work from the artist’s Yellow Period. A majestic palace is flanked by a large sailing vessel. Soft and lovely color palette.

The experience

Looking for new ways to decorate your dirt block house? Most excellent – this part of the exhibition got all you need to get into inspiration mode!

  • White House with Original Interior by kartoffelgranate & Slarox

White House with Original Interior
A recreation of the historic neoclassical-style edifice, complete with the eponymous original interior as reimagined by the artist.

The adventure

Alas, all exhibitions most come to an end, and as this has been a true adventure, let’s end it with one too!

  • Left Right Up Down by GrmpfhcGames

Left Right Up Down
Here, the artist wants to tell us something about the application of force in life’s constant puzzles. A classic theme in four parts.

Promenade

Thank you for joining us for this guided tour of this week’s new additions to Realms. Be sure to stop at the gift shop on your way out. 

To learn about loading these amazing maps, as well as other content into Java Realms for your PC, visit our help site. If you haven't yet tried Realms for yourself, you'll have a blue diamond on the Minecraft Realms button, located on the main screen of Minecraft: Java Edition. Click it, then follow the instructions to try Realms free for 30 days.

Want to have your own Minecraft creations featured on Realms and on Minecraft.net? Head over to this page, which explains the Java Realms Content Creator Program. If you have questions about this process, you can find me on Twitter.

Happy Minecrafting!

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