Java Edition Alpha v1.2.0

Alpha v1.2.0, also known as the the Halloween Update, was released with server 0.2.2 on October 30, 2010, adding the Nether along with new Nether-exclusive mobs and blocks. It also added fishing, a new terrain generator, and other changes and fixes. This version is listed in the launcher, but attempting to play it downloads Alpha v1.2.0_02 instead.

Blocks

 * Netherrack JE1.png Netherrack
 * Soul Sand JE1 BE1.png Soul Sand
 * Glowstone JE1.png Glowstone
 * Carved Pumpkin JE1 BE1.png Carved Pumpkin
 * Jack o'Lantern JE1 BE1.png Jack o'Lantern
 * Nether Portal JE1.png Nether Portal

Items

 * Clock.png Clock
 * Craftable item that tells the time


 * Glowstone Dust JE1 BE1.png Glowstone Dust
 * Cooked Cod JE1 BE1.png Cooked Fish
 * Raw Cod JE1 BE1.png Raw Fish

Mobs

 * Ghast Revision 1.png Ghast
 * Large white mobs that float around the Nether.
 * Shoot fireballs at the player


 * Zombie Pigman Revision 2.png Zombie Pigman
 * When one pigman is attacked all nearby pigmen will retaliate and attack the player.
 * Hold gold swords.

World generation

 * New terrain generator, featuring biomes
 * Changed the "depth noise scale" from 100 to 200.
 * The Nether
 * A hell-like dimension that can be used for quick travel.

Gameplay

 * Fishing

General

 * Added new music tracks and sound effects.
 * Splashes
 * Added "Slow acting portals!".
 * Added "Try the Nether!".
 * Added "Don't look directly at the bugs!".
 * Added "Oh, ok, Pigmen!".
 * Added "Finally with ladders!".
 * Added "Scary!".

Blocks

 * Stairs and furnaces
 * Now face the same direction as the player when placed.


 * Grass and Leaves
 * Are now darker in shade, and their color is now dependent on temperature/precipitation values.

Mobs

 * Mobs
 * Higher lighting values are required the deeper they are to keep mobs from spawning.


 * Creepers
 * Now have new sounds.


 * Skeleton Revision 2.png Skeletons
 * Now hold bows.


 * Slimes
 * Completely removed from mob spawning code.

World Generation

 * Fake chunks generate in the Far Lands.
 * Removed Winter Mode.

General

 * Sunrise now creates a red glow at the horizon.
 * Pressing hides the HUD and the view-model from the person's view. In third person mode, pressing  will create a view looking back at the player's own face.