I choose Beta! Can't really pick a specific version, as I don't remember which one I started playing on, but I was around when the old grunt noises for damage was still active. I was also around before the walking sound switched from the sound of dirt breaking, to a softer, less abrupt sound. Really though, what's kept me playing all these years, is the constant development. Even though the players may not think the later builds are "better" (not saying they don't, just pointing out the possibility), Mojang had the knack of constantly trying to improve on Minecraft. I'd say, personally, the fact that the developers seemed just as interested as I (albeit in different ways) seems to have fueled my desire to play. Though disappointed as I am that Mojand sold out to Microsoft, that desire is still present, as 1.9 will soon be released, which offers more to learn, more to experience, and different ways to play. The excitement of waiting for a secret update friday still exists.
