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MapleStory – Wikipedia
This article is about the original game for Windows. For the anime, see MapleStory (anime). For the Nintendo DS game based on the original, see MapleStory DS. For the Facebook adaptation, see MapleStory Adventures.
MapleStoryThe current logo of MapleStoryDeveloper(s)WizetPublisher(s)Nexon (South Korea, Japan, North America, Europe, Thailand)Shanda (China)AsiaSoft (Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam)Gamania (Taiwan, Hong Kong)Level Up! Games (Brazil)Composer(s)CODASOUNDStudio EIM[1]ASTERIAPlatform(s)Microsoft WindowsReleaseKOR: April 29, 2003JP: December 3, 2003NA: May 11, 2005TW: June 1, 2005SEA: June 23, 2005EU: April 12, 2007THA: October 31, 2017Genre(s)Massively multiplayer online role-playing gameMode(s)Multiplayer
MapleStory (Korean: 메이플스토리; RR: Meipeul Seutori) is a free-to-play, 2D, side-scrolling massively multiplayer online role-playing game, developed by South Korean company Wizet. Several versions of the game are available for specific countries or regions, and each is published by various companies such as Nexon.
In the game, players travel the “Maple World”, defeating monsters and developing their characters’ skills and abilities as is typical in role-playing games. Players can interact with others in many ways, including chatting and trading. Groups of players can band together in parties to hunt monsters and share rewards, and can also form guilds to interact more easily with each other. Players additionally have the option to visit the in-game “Cash Shop” to purchase a variety of character appearances or gameplay enhancements with real money.
In July 2010, the Korean version of the game was completely revised in a patch named the “Big Bang”. Other versions followed suit and have since received the Big Bang update. Later in the year, the Korean version received the Chaos update which introduced PvP (player-versus-player) and professions to the game. Its sequel, MapleStory 2, was released in July 2015 and features updated 3D graphics and a similar storyline. As of 2020, the game has reached over 180 million registered users worldwide and grossed over $3 billion in lifetime revenue.
Plot
Players assume the roles of citizens in the Maple World with no specific objective to win the game, but to work on improving their characters’ skill and status over time. The antagonist of the game, the Black Mage, was sealed away years ago by six heroes. [2][3] Fearing his resurrection, Empress Cygnus enlisted the Maple World to join her Cygnus Knights in preventing his return. [4] However, the Black Wings were able to return the Black Mage to reality for a moment, causing a cataclysm known as the Big Bang. [5] With the seal on the Black Mage weakening, the five heroes return to the world in a weakened state. The player’s character begins a quest to restore the Black Mage’s seal but instead, witnesses his revival. The Black Mage then begins assimilating Grandis with the Maple World in order to rule both worlds.
Gameplay
MapleStory is a 2D scrolling platform game. [6] The controls for the game are executed using the keyboard and mouse. The keyboard is used for many game functions, and much of it can be rearranged to suit users’ needs. The mouse is mainly used to trigger NPCs and manipulate items. Like most MMORPGs, gameplay centers on venturing into dungeons and combating monsters in real-time. The players combat monsters and complete quests, in the process acquiring in-game currency called “Mesos”, experience points and various items. [6] Players are able to acquire in-game professions, allowing them to craft equipment, accessories or potions. [7]
Players have a variety of options when interacting with others online: They can form parties where loot and experience are distributed from a monster;[8] in-game marriages where the game will recognize the two players as a heterosexual couple;[9] guilds which is indicated with a guild’s name listed under their character name;[10] or families, an architecture gathering of juniors and seniors. [11] Players are also able to raise or lower the in-game popularity stat entitled Fame of other players and compete with other players in minigames, such as Gomoku or Concentration. [12] They may also engage in trading activities for “Mesos” or other in-game items (though subject to virtual tax).
Characters
MapleStory characters exist in worlds or servers. Players are able to create multiple characters in each world, though the characters in different worlds can not interact with each other. [citation needed] Each world is similar in content with each other. The worlds are divided into channels, among which characters are allowed to freely switch. The ability to transfer entire characters between worlds was added in December 2007 to Global MapleStory, with restrictions placed on items. [citation needed] In May 2012, this option was removed as it caused a negative impact on character gameplay. [13]
When creating a new character, there are six branches of classes currently available, with two other branches with one class each: Explorers, Cygnus Knights, Heroes, Resistance, Nova and Sengoku. Beast Tamer and Child of God have one class in both branches. Some classes are currently not available in other regions.
Explorer characters start on Maple Island and begin as a Beginner class. [14] The Beginner is able to advance into one of the five classes: Warrior, Bowmen, Magician, Thief and Pirate. [15] After choosing their class, further class progression is only allowed within the scope of the first class advancement with advancements at level 30, 60, 100, [16] and 200. [17] Three separate classes, under the adventurer branch, are created differently from normal Adventurers: Dual Blade (Thief), Kinesis (Magician) and Cannoneers (Pirate). [18][19]
Cygnus Knight characters begin as Noblesse class and begin their journey on Ereve. [20] At level 10, they are allowed to class advance into five Cygnus Knight classes, each one parallels to the Explorer class. [21][22][23][24][25] Upon reaching the level limit of 120, Cygnus Knights are able to change into a level 50 explorer with benefits. [26]
Six Hero classes are currently available: Aran, Evan, Mercedes, Phantom, Luminous and Shade. The Hero classes are characters with background stories related to the antagonist of the game, the Black Mage. Aran has the Combo System, a unique feature to the class, allowing them to generate combo counts by hitting monsters, giving them buffs and allowing them to cast combo-consuming skills. [2] Evan is similar to Magicians, but uses a dragon, which fights alongside them. [27] Mercedes is an elven archer who uses Dual Bowguns. [28] Phantom is a Thief character with the ability to mimic skills from Adventurer characters. Luminous is a magician of light who can also use dark magic which they absorbed from the Black Mage. Shade is the sixth and forgotten hero, whose existence was erased during the sealing of the Black Mage. They use spirits to aid them in battle.
Resistance characters begin in Edelstein, a town taken over by the Black Mage’s followers; the Black Wings. [29] The characters created under the Resistance branch begin as Citizens and have four available job advancements: Battle Mage, Wild Hunter, Blaster and Mechanic. A Battle Mage uses a staff for physical attacks, a Wild Hunter rides a jaguar while wielding a crossbow, a Blaster uses an arm cannon and a Mechanic uses a robotic suit to fight. [29][30] Demon, a separate class, under the resistance branch, is created differently from the normal Resistance. [31] A Demon character can become a Demon Slayer, who uses one-handed blunt weapons and axes, or the Demon Avenger, who uses a specialised weapon called the Desperado. Xenon, another separate resistance character, is a human-turned-cyborg who escaped from the Black Wings’ laboratories who uses Whip Blades in combat.
World
There are three main continents common to all versions in the MapleStory world: Maple Island, Victoria Island and Ossyria. Maple Island is where adventurers start off their characters. Victoria Island contains eight cities, and is where most classes begin. Ossyria features seven distinct regions with varying environments: El Nath Mountains, Ludus Lake, Aqua Road, Minar Forest, Mu Lung Garden, Nihal Desert and Temple of Time. Ereve and Rien are separated from another land which is the beginning of another job of the game.
Cash Shop
The Cash Shop is an in-game shop where players use real-life currency to purchase unique virtual goods such as avatars, digital pets and other in-game items. [32] Most Cash Shop items expire after a period of time. The Cash Shop also offers a shop permit, allowing players to set up a store in the in-game market location called the Free Market.
History
MapleStory was developed and released in South Korea and was localized to ten different regions as of 2010. [33] As other publishers license the game for their region, proxy blocks are put in place (excluding the Korean version, it requires a KSSN), forcing players to play their localized version. [34] On July 7, 2011, LevelUp! Games announced that they will not be renewing the contract for localization in Brazil. [35]
Notable updates
An update entitled Big Bang was released in Korean MapleStory in July 2010 with other versions following suit. [citation needed] Big Bang changed the game’s core coding, and changed many aspects of the game. [36] An update entitled Chaos features the introduction of professions, and PvP. [37]
On March 4, 2015, Nexon announced a new update for MapleStory’s North American server, entitled Black Heaven. Players that registered prior to the update and before March 9 received a free Ignition Pack if they logged in before March 14 and after the update went live. Black Heaven was released on March 11, 2015.
On December 1, 2015, Nexon released the MapleStory Reboot update for its North American server, which allows access to the Reboot world. This world has disabled trading, increased Meso drop rates and weapon/equipment drops that are specific to the player’s class. Reboot has the same monsters as other worlds, but with increased stats and experience points awarded. [38]
Reception
In Global MapleStory (GMS), more than a million players bought items in the Cash Shop, by 2010. [39] In 2006, Nexon announced MapleStory had a combined total of 39 million user accounts worldwide. [40] MapleStory Global had over 8 million users by 2011. [41] As of 2014, it was among the top ten MMOs by worldwide revenue. [42] As of May 2020, the game has reached over 180 million registered users worldwide. [43]
Up until 2011, the game grossed $1. 8 billion. [44] Between 2013 and 2017, the game grossed $1. 181 billion, including $326 million in 2013, [45] $240 million in 2014, [46] $253 million in 2015, $83 million in 2016, [47] and $279 million in 2017. [48] As of 2020, the game has grossed over $3 billion worldwide in lifetime revenue. [49]
MapleStory DS
MapleStory DS is a game based on MapleStory and features a single-player experience. The game was released for the Nintendo DS on April 15, 2010 in Korea. [citation needed]
MapleStory M
MapleStory M is a mobile game released for iOS and Android, in South Korea during October 2016 and then overseas on May 28, 2018. [50]
Sequel
The sequel, MapleStory 2, was released in Korea on July 7, 2015. Unlike its predecessor, MapleStory 2 takes place on a 3D voxel-based plane at an often isometric angle.
Media adaptations
The Japanese anime entitled MapleStory (メイプルストーリー, Meipuru Sutōrī), was adapted of the game and produced by Madhouse. It was aired on TV Tokyo between October 7, 2007 and March 30, 2008, spanning 25 episodes. The plot revolves around a warrior as he journeys to revive the world tree.
The North American publisher of Nexon, released a MapleStory trading card game on November 6, 2007. [51] Nexon Korea and Japan have since released similar trading card games, while Nexon North America has discontinued this service. [citation needed]
Two adaptations of MapleStory have been released for iOS by Nexon Mobile: MapleStory: Thief Edition and MapleStory: Cygnus Knights Edition. The Thief Edition has only one job, Thief, while the other edition features two jobs: a Soul Master and a Fire Wizard. The games do not have multiplayer.
On July 27, 2011, Nexon released a public beta of a MapleStory Adventures as an adaptation for Facebook gaming format. The game consist of mainly single-player, but incorporates the main goals and themes of the full MapleStory game, which includes creating an avatar, fighting monsters and completing quests. [52] This version has been discontinued as of July 31, 2013.
References
^ “Studio EIM’s history of video game music in Korean”. Studio EIM. Archived from the original on 2017-06-22. Retrieved 2017-04-22.
^ a b “Aran”. Nexon America. March 30, 2010. Archived from the original on May 29, 2012. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “The Prophecy of the Black Mage”. November 19, 2010. Archived from the original on June 23, 2011. Retrieved June 23, 2011.
^ “Nexon America Releases New MapleStory Update Featuring the Cygnus Knights”. IGN. July 30, 2009. Archived from the original on December 11, 2010. Retrieved June 23, 2011.
^ “Big Bang: Rise of the Resistance”. Archived from the original on April 10, 2011. Retrieved June 23, 2011.
^ a b “MapleStory characteristics”. Archived from the original on June 20, 2012. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “New Professions and Traits Systems! “. July 15, 2011. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved July 15, 2011.
^ “MapleStory Party”. April 8, 2010. Archived from the original on April 27, 2011. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “MapleStory Marriage”. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “MapleStory Guild”. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “MapleStory Family”. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “MapleStory Minigames”. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “Notice of Removal of MTS, World Transfers and Name Changes”. May 22, 2012. Retrieved September 3, 2013.
^ “Explorer: Beginner”. April 12, 2010. Archived from the original on March 24, 2019. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “Explorer: Warrior”. Retrieved April 27, 2011. “Explorer: Thief”. }”Explorer: Magician”. }”Explorer: Bowman”. }”Explorer: Pirate”. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “Tempest into the Storm update notes”. Archived from the original on 2013-01-03. Retrieved 2020-10-09.
^ “News: Patch Notes for V: 5th Job”.
^ “Dual Blade”. }”V. 104 – Legends Update Notes – Cannoneer”. December 6, 2011. Archived from the original on March 11, 2012. Retrieved March 9, 2012.
^ “v. 169 – Kinesis Patch Notes | MapleStory”. Maplestory – Official Website. Retrieved 2016-09-26.
^ “Cygnus Knights: Noblesse”. June 28, 2010. Archived from the original on March 12, 2012. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “Cygnus Knights: Dawn Warrior”. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “Cygnus Knights: Night Walker”. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “Cygnus Knights: Wind Archer”. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “Cygnus Knights: Blaze Wizard”. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “Cygnus Knights: Thunder Breaker”. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “MapleStory Version 0. 96 patch notes”. April 27, 2011. Retrieved July 15, 2011.
^ “Evan”. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “V. 104 – Legends Update Notes – Mercedes”. December 16, 2011. Retrieved March 9, 2012.
^ a b “Resistance: Wild Hunter”. December 15, 2010. }”Resistance: Battle Mage”. }”Mechanics, Roll out! “. January 12, 2011. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “[Updated] v. 175 – Heroes of Maple: Blaster Patch Notes | MapleStory”. Retrieved 2016-09-26.
^ “V. 104 – Legends Update Notes – Demon Slayer”. January 10, 2012. Retrieved March 9, 2012.
^ “Cash Shop features”. Retrieved April 29, 2011.
^ Eurydice (September 10, 2010). “Dev Blog: Localization”. Archived from the original on May 26, 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2011.
^ “FAQ: General – Why is my country blocked from MapleGlobal? “. Archived from the original on April 29, 2011. Retrieved April 29, 2011.
^ “Encerramento das atividades de MapleStory (outubro de 2011)” [Closing of MapleStory (October 2011)] (in Portuguese). LevelUp! Games. July 22, 2011. Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2011.
^ Eurydice (November 15, 2010). “Dev Blog: Big Bang”. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ Eurydice (March 25, 2011). “Dev Blogs”. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “v. 168 – Reboot Patch Notes | MapleStory”. Retrieved 2016-09-26.
^ “Celebrate One Million! “. December 17, 2010. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
^ “MapleStory haeoe jinchul sarye” (PDF). Nexon Corporation. April 13, 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 15, 2006. Retrieved December 16, 2011.
^ “MapleStory Tops Eight Million Users Six Years”. Gamer Daily News. Archived from the original on May 19, 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
^ Richard Aihoshi (October 28, 2014). “The Free Zone: More MMO Market Intel”.
^ “Investor Presentation Q1 2020” (PDF). Nexon. May 13, 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
^ “MapleStory 2 Coming Soon? “. Orange Mushroom. February 15, 2012.
^ “China’s CrossFire shooter is bigger than League of Legends and World of Tanks”. VentureBeat. January 15, 2014.
^ “Hearthstone, Dota 2 can’t compete with League of Legends in terms of player spending”. October 23, 2014.
^ “The MMO & MOBA Games Market Report, 2016”. SuperData Research. Archived from the original on 2018-01-12. Retrieved May 30, 2018.
^ “2017 YEAR IN REVIEW: DIGITAL GAMES AND INTERACTIVE MEDIA” (PDF). January 25, 2018.
^ “Investor Presentation Q2 2020” (PDF). August 6, 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
^ “Nexon aims for global magic with pending launch of MapleStory M”. June 4, 2018.
^ “MapleStory iTrading Card Game”. Wizards of the Coast. Retrieved 2007-10-21.
^ Dean Takahashi (27 July 2011). “Nexon’s MapleStory Adventures game goes live on Facebook”. Gamesbeat. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
External links
Official MapleStory International website
MapleStory Global
MapleStory Game Review – MMOs.com
MapleStory is a 2D side-scrolling MMORPG with cartoony graphics that features over 30 playable classes. It was one of the first popular free-to-play MMORPGs in the West and still remains one of the most popular and polished MMORPGs today.
Overview
MapleStory Overview
Help prevent the whole of Maple World from falling under the rule of the infamous Black Mage in MapleStory, a free-to-play 2D side-scrolling MMORPG that has stood the test of time and remains one of the most popular MMORPGs. Choose from over 30 unique classes from knights, assassins, and mages, to samurais and even legendary heroes, each with their own distinct playing styles. Live out the game’s story from the unique point of view of each class as you explore a massive and colorful 2D world while completing quests alone or with a party. Experience the game’s unique platform-style quests along with the huge variety of content that the game has to offer, including mini-games and puzzle quests.
MapleStory Key Features:
Fun and Simple Gameplay – engage in no-frills 2D side-scrolling action combat against cute, but deadly, mobs.
Over 30 Unique Classes – play as one of 30 classes, each with their own personalities, skills, playstyles, and stories.
Your Style, Your Rules – customize your character with a variety of gear and costumes to fit your style or needs.
Platform Quests – tired of the usual mob-killing quests? Engage in Jump Quests that can be both fun and frustrating at the same time.
Ever-Evolving World – MapleStory receives a constant stream of updates so there’s always something new to look forward to.
MapleStory Screenshots
MapleStory Featured Video
MapleStory Gameplay First Look HD –
Classes
MapleStory Classes
Classes in MapleStory unlock their job advancements at Levels 30, 60, and 100.
MapleStory Classes:
Warrior – Aran, Adele, Blaster, Dawn Warrior, Demon Avenger, Demon Slayer, Hayato, Kaiser, Mihile, Warrior, and Zero
Magician – Battle Mage, Beast Tamer, Blaze Wizard, Evan, Kanna, Luminous, Magician, Kinesis, Illium
Bowman – Bowman, Kain, Mercedes, Pathfinder, Wild Hunter, and Wind Archer
Thief – Dual Blade, Night Walker, Phantom, Thief, Xenon, Cadena, and Hoyoung
Pirate – Angelic Buster, Cannoneer, Jett, Mechanic, Pirate, Shade, Thunder Breaker, and Ark
For an updated list of classes in MapleStory along with descriptions check out their official class page.
Full Review
MapleStory Review
By Marc Marasigan
MapleStory is a free-to-play 2D side-scrolling fantasy MMORPG developed by Wizet and published by Nexon, one of the biggest game publishers in the world. The game was originally released in Korea back in 2003 and was later released for the North American market on May 11, 2005. In 2014, the game was ranked among the top ten MMOs based on worldwide revenue. At the time, it boasted over 8 million users. More than a decade after its release, the game remains as one of the most popular free-to-play MMORPGs of all time.
MapleStory is set in the mythical Maple World where the citizens are enjoying peace after legendary heroes sealed away the evil Black Mage hundreds of years earlier. The game has received numerous updates since the game was initially released over a decade ago. These updates added more classes, tweaked gameplay, and added to the game’s storyline. Currently, players can now play as one of the legendary heroes, or as a citizen of Grandis, a new world assimilated into the Maple World with the Black Mage’s release from his imprisonment. The game still receives a constant stream of updates with no indication of stopping anytime soon. The game is continually improving and evolving with new areas, new quests, and new bosses so there’s always something new to do – even for veteran players.
Standing the Test of Time
What I like about 2D games is that they age rather well compared to 3D games. After more than a decade, MapleStory’s graphics still look great, if you can get past the cartoony-style, that is. The game’s soundtrack is fun, lively, and changes according to the environment. The high-pitched tunes can get annoying at times, especially if you’ve been playing the game for hours on end. Nothing that can’t be solved by changing a few settings, though. The game’s controls, which mostly makes use of the keyboard, needs some time to get used to, but will feel like second-nature once you get the hang of it. What I don’t like is the fact that you still have to use the mouse to interact with NPCs and objects. Switching between the arrow keys and the mouse and back again just to click on an NPC seems unnecessary to me.
Learning The Ropes
Players are given different types of tutorials depending on the class they choose. Some can be as simple as tooltips or dialog boxes appearing on-screen, while others can include lengthy cut-scenes that also act as a prologue. The latter can take as long as 15-20 minutes to complete but can easily be skipped by veterans of the game. However, for new players who care about the game’s story as much as playing it, I would advise against skipping the tutorials, especially if it’s a prologue-type. Unfortunately, the tutorials are limited to basic stuff like moving, jumping, attacking, and how to use skills. This leaves players unprepared for what lies ahead.
Where’s a Map When You Need One?
MapleStory’s core gameplay, like most MMORPGs, is based on quests. However, unlike most MMORPGs that feature linear quest lines, players are pretty much given free reign of which areas they would like to take quests from, provided that they’re within the level requirements of the quest. The game features a nifty navigation system that points players toward where to find the next quest, which helps a lot in making sure that new players don’t get hopelessly lost in the massive game world (a common complaint during the game’s early years). It also offers quest recommendations and at times, allows the user to instantly teleport to the quest location. However, teleporting to a random place isn’t really advisable if you’re a newbie. I remember dying while trying to complete a quest and resurrecting in a town I’ve never been in before with no idea how to get back, only to die again when I accidentally entered a high-level map. Google finally saved the day for me, but it still goes to show that the navigation system isn’t exactly full-proof.
Jump, Jump, Oh Shoot I Missed It! Jump, Jump…
Before there were instanced dungeons and party raiding, MapleStory already had Party Quests and Platform Quests to give players a chance to earn experience and items apart from the usual grind. In Platform Quests, more commonly known as Jump Quests, players need to jump from one platform to another to reach an NPC at the other end of the map and claim their rewards. While making their way to the end, players must also avoid obstacles such as lasers, moving saw blades, and monsters designed to knock them off the platforms. While they can be fun at first, some jump quests tend to be overly-tedious and frustrating. In addition, some of the more frustrating quests are required to progress in the storyline, so there’s really no way around it.
On the other hand, Party Quests, or PQs, are like 2D versions of instanced dungeons found in typical MMORPGs and come in two forms: Cooperative and Competitive. In Cooperative PQs, a party must work together to complete the map objectives. These objectives range from eliminating all monsters on the map to taking out powerful bosses. In competitive PQs, two opposing teams or groups of individuals compete against each other for rankings. The better you do during the quest, the higher the experience rewards. The competitive PQs can be a lot of fun when playing with friends, which is probably the only way that players can enjoy PQs because of MapleStory’s currently low playerbase, unless you want to run through it solo.
Growing Stronger
MapleStory features the classic stat and skill point system used by older MMORPGs like Ragnarok Online. Players gain a set number of stat and skill points every time they level up until they reach the level cap, which is currently at 250. They can then distribute these anyway they like. For those who don’t have time to research or add up numbers for builds, the game features an auto-assign button that, as the name implies, automatically assigns stat points to the players recommended stats. For example, STR for warriors, INT for mages, and DEX for archers. Skill points, on the other hand, have to be manually assigned.
The Big Bang Theory
After the Big Bang update, leveling up has become extremely fast and made even faster due to the game’s Burn feature, which gives an additional 2 levels every time a player levels up, all the way until they reach Level 99. Unfortunately, only one character per account can use the Burn option and the only way to transfer it to another character is to delete the “Burning” character. Before the Big Bang update, it took forever to reach the first job advancement at Level 30 and anyone over 100 was considered a god. With the addition of the Burn feature, players get to experience end-game content faster, which I assume is the reason why the devs added it in the first place. This may have turned-off veteran players, but personally, I’m glad they made leveling easier. Some players may like their grinding, but I for one would rather spend my time in things other than killing mob after mob to get my character to level up 8 or 10 times a week.
Gearing Up From the Cash Shop
Most free-to-play games have some form of microtransation or cash shop that allows them to earn from the game. Not a problem when everything is balanced, doesn’t have to be fair since they are spending real-world cash, just not overly-advantageous. I also don’t like it when you’re bombarded with microtransactions at every turn and this is exactly what MapleStory does. Want a pet? Buy one from the cash shop. Want to level up even faster? Exp boost from the cash shop. Although MapleStory isn’t the only game to do this, it might have been the first. Plus, it’s the only game where you can easily spend $100 to RENT costumes to place over your normal-looking gear and make them look way cooler, only to spend another $100 when it expires after 90 days. It’s entirely possible to get through the game without spending a dime – you just have to resist the ever-present temptation to do so and rely on good old-fashioned patience and a whole lot of grinding.
MapleStory Reboot
Nexon has always done a phenomenal job keeping MapleStory fresh. To keep things interesting, they launched a massive “reboot” update with MapleStory v. 168, which introduced an entirely new server to the game with a different ruleset. This new “rebooted” world features tougher enemies which yield better rewards, a new “Hyper Stat” point system, a unique damage analyzer, and more. The beauty of this update is that these new systems aren’t forced on anyone, but rather offered as an alternative on an entirely new server. Veterans of the game can check out the new reboot servers for a fresh MapleStory experience.
The Final Verdict – Great
There’s a reason why MapleStory still has a large following more than a decade after it was initially released. Gameplay is fun and simple, although a bit repetitive if you ask me. Graphics and audio are good, and there’s a ton of things to do. Constant updates make MapleStory an ever-evolving world that players can play over and over again. If you can get past the 2D cartoony graphics, this is a great MMORPG that you can easily spend countless hours on.
System Requirements
MapleStory System Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
Operating System: XP / Vista / 7 / 8
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Equivalent
Video Card: Any 128 MB Graphics Card
RAM: 2 GB
Hard Disk Space: 8 GB
Recommended Requirements:
CPU: Intel Dual Core or AMD equivalent
Video Card: GeForce FX 5600 / ATI Radeon 9600 or better
RAM: 4 GB
MapleStory was originally released back in 2003. The game’s system requirements aren’t too demanding. Just about any PC purchased since 2005 should be able to run the game smoothly.
Music
MapleStory Music & Soundtrack
Additional Info
MapleStory Additional Information
Developer: Wizet (Owned by Nexon)
Release Date: May 11, 2005 (North America)
Foreign Release:
South Korea: April 29, 2003 (Nexon)
Taiwan / Hong Kong: June 1, 2005 (Gamania)
Europe: April 12, 2007 (Nexon)
China: Published as Adventure Island by Shanda Games
Development History / Background:
MapleStory was developed by South Korean game developer Wizet and published by Nexon. The game’s success led to Nexon quickly acquiring the company and now Wizet operates as a subsidiary of Nexon. The game launched in South Korea back in 2003, making it one of the longest running MMORPGs. Unlike most other game launched at the time, MapleStory featured cartoony side-scrolling graphics rather than 3D visuals. Since the game’s launch, MapleStory has enjoyed enormous financial success. Nexon revealed that the game earned over $300 million USD back in 2006 and reached over 39 million users worldwide. Since then, the game continues to operate profitably, China in particular being a strong market for the game. The game’s enormous success led to the development of a 3D sequel called MapleStory 2. MapleStory is one of the top 10 most profitable MMORPGs in the world.
MapleStory Game Review – Common Sense Media
A lot or a little?
The parents’ guide to what’s in this movie.
Like most MMORPGs, you are required to kill monsters to advance in this game, however, monsters just fall over and disappear. If your avatar gets killed, it’s replaced by a “ghost shape. “There’s open chat, but a strong language filter is available that can’t be turned game is free to play, but monetizes by micro-transactions — buying items and in-game cash with real money. These purchased items expire after 90 days and the cycle begins again. Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
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User Reviews
Parents say
Kids say
Adult Written byUwotm98 December 30, 2014
Worst game by far
Maple story. How bad can you get? Apart from the lame graphics and story lines, the community is just poor (literally). The game is a joke.
I mean, when you f… Continue reading
Kid, 9 years old July 19, 2011
Teen, 14 years old Written byDemenshunz June 21, 2011
What’s it about?
MAPLESTORY is a 2-D, side-scrolling MMORPG that looks and feels like a \”platformer\”” — a type of video game where players have to get their characters onto platforms. Cute and colorful in an anime style
