"Minecraft" 1.8 is just out there over the blocky horizon, bringing with it new and exciting features. This isn't just another simple update that fixes bugs, or even gives us a new contraption; no, 1.8 brings with it the much anticipated "adventure" elements. Markus "Notch" Persson first started talking about the update before the 1.7 release, but later decided to turn the ever-growing download into its very own release. Now, it looks like the adventure features are being split into yet another release.

Speaking to IGN, Notch provided a quick video walkthrough of what we can expect in the upcoming 1.8 patch. There's essentially two parts: "creative mode," and "adventure mode."

Creative mode is for those of us who have the determination to build giant, ridiculous sculptures in "Minecraft," but perhaps don't have the technical know-how. The update makes this rather simple, allowing you to fly around the world creating whatever you can dream up. You can't get injured, and you'll have a never-ending supply of resources at your disposal. No need to keep that diamond pickaxe handy either, since destroying objects in creator mode is super easy.

Once you've built a life-sized replica of the Titanic, dropped a diamond off it into the ocean, and painted a nude portrait of a Creeper – what? – it's off to the brand-new adventure mode. Based on what's shown in the walkthrough, Mojang is hoping to push players into more combat situations.

Beyond some new animations – better explosions, more nom-like eating of tasty pork – the biggest change is the very role-playing-centric skill bar. As you kill animals or enemies, they'll pop in a burst of experience orbs. Collecting those orbs awards you skill points which you can – well, you actually can't do anything with them yet. Notch says the team is working on how to implement the experience into the gameplay. Getting to those enemies is a bit speedier now, too, thanks to an added sprint function.

Of course, there's also the new enemy, the Endermen. They're incredibly creepy, but harmless – as long as you don't directly look at them. If you do look at them, well, prepare to get freaked out before they murder you.

So, here's the good news: 1.8 should roll out in the next couple weeks. The bad news? Some portion of the Adventure update is being split up into a 1.9 update. Yes, that means more waiting. While creative mode looks really great, adventure mode definitely needs more work. It looks like we may have to wait until 1.9 before those skill points – really, the crux of the adventure update – amount to anything more than mindless collection.