Alpha 1.2.6 is, therefore, the final "classic" version. It is the version where you could punch a tree, build a dirt hut, and fight zombies without worrying about sprint (didn't exist) or critical hits (didn't exist). It is the last pure survival experience before Minecraft started becoming the game we know today.
The Minecraft community has a thriving "Retro Gaming" subculture. Thousands of players regularly downgrade their modern launchers to play Alpha 1.2.6. The Appeal of Simplicity minecraft 1.2.6 alpha