MapleStory

MapleStory is a free 2006 massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Wizet for the PC. It is estimated to have 95 million users worldwide with 6 million users based in North America.http://www.nexon.net/Etc/AboutCompany.aspx Next to World of Warcraft, it is currently the second most played MMORPG.http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/maplestory/index.htmlThe game's characters are based off anime-inspired designs and is one of the main features of the game. Though it is free to play, players can purchase game enhancements with real money.http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GeneralGuide.aspx

The game continues to receive updates with new towns, monsters and items.http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=103&pageIndex=1&searchFlag=&searchValue= Players can also participate in weekly events and challenges for prizes.http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/Events.aspx?boardNo=200&pageIndex=1&searchFlag=&searchValue= On December 7, 2010, MapleStory released an update known as the Big Bang.http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=103&contentNo=00AMI&pageIndex=1This added many new gameplay features including a new leveling and combat system, changes to the map world, and a central storyline.http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/News.aspx?boardNo=103&contentNo=00AMI&pageIndex=1 Unlike other updates for the game, the Big Bang will be released in three seperate phases.http://www.mmocrunch.com/2010/11/04/big-bang-will-change-maple-story-next-december/

MapleStory takes place in Maple World, which is divided into four main regions: Maple Island, Victoria Island, Ossyria and Masteria.http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/Intro.aspx?tab=world Each region features its own set of environments, characters and quests. Players are free to develop their own stories by participating in quests and events.

In the first installment of the Big Bang, a cult known as the Black Wings summon the Black Mage into the mining village of Edelstein.http://maplestory.nexon.net/BigBang/RiseOfTheResistance.aspx The event causes Maple World to disappear from existence. When the world reappears, reality has changed. With the Black Mage and Black Wings now ruling over the people of Edelstein, a group known as the Resistance begins to form and rise against themhttp://maplestory.nexon.net/BigBang/RiseOfTheResistance.aspx

The story is similar to other role-playing games such as Final Fantasy VII.

Gameplay is presented in a 2D side-scrolling format similar to platforming games such as LittleBigPlanet. Gameplay focuses on combating creatures and exploring dungeons in order to gain experience points. Players can also gain in-game currency known as "mesos" which are used to purchase items.http://maplestory.nexon.net/News/Events.aspx?PART=/Event/View&boardNo=200&contentNo=004NO&pageIndex=2

All players begin the game on Maple Island after creating their character. The island is used as a tutorial center and features beginner level quests. When players reach level 10, they can choose from four basic job classes: a warrior, magician, bowman, pirate or thief. http://maplestory.nexon.net/Rankings/ExplorerRanking.aspx?type=job&job=0&pageIndex=1Each class features its own set of abilities and job progression. When players leave the island, they can participate in a variety of quests. Players can choose to complete these on their own, join a guild or form a party of up to six players.http://maplestory.nexon.net/Guide/GameFeatures.aspx?boardNo=703&contentNo=005W2&pageIndex=1

There are different versions of MapleStory for each region of the world. Since MapleStory Korea was the first to be released, it contains the most features.http://www.maplestory-online.com/content/maplestory-maplestorysouthkorea.php

A non-online version of the video game was released in South Korea on April 15, 2010 for the Nintendo DS.http://www.siliconera.com/2010/02/24/maple-story-ds-lives-launching-with-dsi-in-korea/ There are currently no plans to release the game in any other countries.