Visually speaking, is Minecraft too dark for your liking? If so, you'll probably be happy to learn that Microsoft has just released a new "Pattern Texture Pack" for the title that very literally brightens the game world.

　　Available now for all Minecraft console editions (yes, even the PlayStation versions) is a 99-cent texture pack that lets players decorate their Minecraft creations with "bright colors, beautiful patterns, and knitted animals."

　　The add-on also introduces a new pattern-themed UI and stylized texture that can be applied to all new or previously created worlds. Check out the image gallery at the bottom of this post for a closer look at the Pattern Texture Pack.

　　After Microsoft acquired Minecraft and developer Mojang last year in a $2.5 billion deal, some worried that the company would ignore or even remove the PlayStation versions of the sandbox game. However, though some content is released first on Xbox platforms (The Simpsons texture pack is one example), it appears Microsoft isn't giving preferential treatment to its own platforms in every case.

　　In other Minecraft DLC news, the Mass Effect Mash-Up Pack--already released for Xbox--is now available for all PlayStation versions of the game. Inspired by Mass Effect 3, this bundle comes with 36 character skins based on people like Commander Shepard and others.

　　Gallery