Another idea I had that may be hard to implement is toxic gas (carbon monoxide). We have all heard the stories of miners dying from carbon monoxide poisoning. I think it'd be really cool if you could hit "pockets" of carbon monoxide that would poison you. Not sure how to actually implement or balance this but it would add to the dangers and realism of mining that are currently absent from the game.
Too much realism and it is no longer a game but a simulation. Realism impedes fantasy.
Your breath meter exists, so just like being under water you would start to suffocate to death on carbon monoxide and your health would be poisoned in addition.
The dwarfs sound complicated for a Java game to work out. Also, it is bad enough that Enderman pick up chests. Enemy mobs are not persistent either, so if they loot your stuff you would never see your stuff again as items do fade.
Somebody a month back suggested a Grue, if I have the name right. A subterranean monster that lurks the dark depths, comes out of nowhere, chomp, dead.
You forgot about Slimes, which currently are the only mob with a depth-based spawn requirement, and cave spiders, which are specific to the "abandoned mineshaft" terrain feature.
Also, I second the notion of bats. Bats would be awesome. I see them as being passive unless they are in light, sort of a reverse-spider.
Now for an odd suggestion. I, for one, would like to see a few more types metals and gems in the game. I would like to make tools and armour out of them...now, here is where my idea varies from most people's. Are you ready? These new tools and armour would just be for looks! Are you thinking "For looks...WTF?" right now? Let me explain. Gems like Emerald and Sapphire would exist, but they would just make alternate colour versions of Diamond. Copper might give you orangeish equipment with the same strength as Iron. Et cetera. Why have them? So that people can be creative. For a game in which you can make anything, Minecraft has several areas where people's options are limited.
Ever played an RPG only to realize that sooner or later every character winds up with the same set of "best" equipment? Boring, isn't it? With more variations that are equally viable, people can express their individuality more.
Of course, certain recipes could be material exclusive. Compasses might only take iron and watches gold. Maybe a new "silver" is the only thing that can make a mirror, or copper is needed for the upcoming potion brewer? Basic tools and armour, though, would allow for purely aesthetic differences.
In life, we are either pawns or kings - Napoleon
Too much realism and it is no longer a game but a simulation. Realism impedes fantasy.
Your breath meter exists, so just like being under water you would start to suffocate to death on carbon monoxide and your health would be poisoned in addition.
The dwarfs sound complicated for a Java game to work out. Also, it is bad enough that Enderman pick up chests. Enemy mobs are not persistent either, so if they loot your stuff you would never see your stuff again as items do fade.
Somebody a month back suggested a Grue, if I have the name right. A subterranean monster that lurks the dark depths, comes out of nowhere, chomp, dead.
Anyway, some other ideas:
Bats that would spawn in groups on ceilings of larger caves and will all fly after you if you hit one.
Moles that can dig through blocks (probably not ores though).
Big roaches
Fireflies
Also, I second the notion of bats. Bats would be awesome. I see them as being passive unless they are in light, sort of a reverse-spider.
Now for an odd suggestion. I, for one, would like to see a few more types metals and gems in the game. I would like to make tools and armour out of them...now, here is where my idea varies from most people's. Are you ready? These new tools and armour would just be for looks! Are you thinking "For looks...WTF?" right now? Let me explain. Gems like Emerald and Sapphire would exist, but they would just make alternate colour versions of Diamond. Copper might give you orangeish equipment with the same strength as Iron. Et cetera. Why have them? So that people can be creative. For a game in which you can make anything, Minecraft has several areas where people's options are limited.
Ever played an RPG only to realize that sooner or later every character winds up with the same set of "best" equipment? Boring, isn't it? With more variations that are equally viable, people can express their individuality more.
Of course, certain recipes could be material exclusive. Compasses might only take iron and watches gold. Maybe a new "silver" is the only thing that can make a mirror, or copper is needed for the upcoming potion brewer? Basic tools and armour, though, would allow for purely aesthetic differences.