Hey guys, Beta 1.5 just got released, I was looking around the internet and playing some of the game just a few minutes ago, and as far as I know, these are the features that are included in Beta 1.5? Some of them may or may not have been added, but this is what I have heard/seen:

-Pine and Birch saplings added (This is for sure, I saw it)

-Rain, snow and lightning added

-Snow covers blocks with snow and regenerates ice?

-Rain's effects were being debated, I'm not sure what the final result was, but I heard that small indents in the ground minght be filled with water, crops are auto watered, and anything else? Oh yes, and when it is raining/snowing daytime will be one level darker.

-Thunderstorms might have been added, do they start forest fire or deal damage? Possibly light of environment?

That's all I've heard, maybe you guys know some other stuff? If anyone has any features that I missed, please post them.



Zebra

Detector rails and booster rails.

http://www.minecraftwiki.net/wiki/Version_history

If that source is to be trusted,
Weather (Thunderstorms and lighting too. Thunderstorms are even darker than regular rain, allowing hostile spawns.)
Stats and achievements (Meh)
Ladders are more economical to craft
Pigs struck by lightning become Zombie Pigmen!
And power armor- wait, what? Power armor? Watchu talkin' bout, wiki?

Oh right, I forgot about the achievments and stats. I knew that.

"If lightning strikes a Creeper, it becomes electrified and will have a much more powerful explosion." DUN DUN DUUN!

Acatalepsy wrote:

... And power armor- wait, what? Power armor? Watchu talkin' bout, wiki?

My understanding is that the "power armour" is a coating for monsters (possibly players?) that get struck by lightning. Probably only lasts for a few seconds when they are struck.

It's going to be great getting cooked pork from setting pigs on fire. Plus, unarmed damage has been increased. Feel the power!