Start a New Story: Parkour

INTO THE SPIRAL

From the creators of Parkour Spiral and Parkour Spiral 2 comes... Parkour Spiral 3 (didn’t see that one coming, did you?) which is the map I will be exploring my newfound activity. With such a big focus on parkour, one could think that this series would spiral out of control at this point, but no – Hielke Maps' jumping simulator is a labor of love to the athletic training discipline, with meticulous course detail down to the very last pixel and where every jump needs to be executed to perfection.

Loading into the game together with my Minecraft.net co-worker, Cristina Anderca, I notice that Parkour Spiral 3 starts in the meanest way possible – by placing you on a small lobby island in front of the massive, towering spire that is our challenge. It is tormenting to see just how much I will have to go through in order to reach the top. Give me a few hundred years and I will be done in no time!

Why I brought Cristina along is a mystery. Maybe it had something to do with the fact I wanted to enjoy this activity in multiplayer, as a shared experience is a better experience. Then again, not only is she nimble and quick-footed – she wins everything she sets her mind to. Meanwhile, I'm inflexible, clumsy, lack coordination, and have no patience.  

Busy contemplating my decision, I notice Cristina is already gone, working her way through level 3 of the spiral. Driven by rage and sheer determination, I set off as well, jumping from pole to pole while constantly falling into the water below – and this isn’t even a level, just the practice area towards the spire! My journey has begun and so has my frustration.

My experience is not all doom and gloom though. Far from it, actually! While parkour maps like Parkour Spiral 3 may be played as a race, I soon learn to appreciate the relaxing activity of tackling these challenges at my own pace. Despite having played Minecraft for years, I realize I've only tapped the surface of its control scheme and movement potential. I learn about precise slime block jumping, how to scale walls using amethyst clusters, and much more. It is as if Hielke Maps has incorporated every block into their course design – and it is turning me into a better player.

Two hours later, I’m at my limit, and nowhere near Cristina nor the top of the spire. And yet, I can’t help but feel satisfied with what I’ve just gone through. Did I curse and bang my head against a block whenever I failed a jump or accidentally fell into lava? Absolutely, but the challenge, the adrenaline, and the feeling of finishing a really challenging level made it all worth it, and I happily log off, feeling like a more skilled and accomplished player. All respect to skyblock PvP, but from now on, I’ll be working on my blocky nimbleness! If you want to try your hand at Parkour Spiral 3, you can grab it now on Minecraft Marketplace!