Whenever I look up lists of the top MMORPGs, Maple Story is always in the top ten, and is usually the only one listed that is free to play. I downloaded the game this last weekend and tried it out, to see why it ranks so high among all the other pay-to-play games.
Visually, the game is adorable. All characters are chibi-like, round, small and cute. There are limited customizable options when making your character, but they change to reflect their weapon and armor. The models for the NPCs are also limited, and you think you’re seeing the same character over and over, but they have a different name under them. Sort of like in Pokémon, where a model for a character represents their type, like all Bug Catcher Boys will look alike, but have different names. The monsters you will encounter fit right in with the look, but still distinguish themselves as the enemy. I saw a girl riding a pig mount, and it looked much friendlier than the pigs I encountered in the wild.
The environment is really colorful. The foreground is very clear while the background is blurred out. It gives the environment more depth. Still, the game has a 2-D side scroller look. It actually plays like an 8-Bit Nintendo platformer, with Nintendo 64 graphics. I could see this game move to the Nintendo DS and fit right in with the games there.
The introduction part of the game is about the first ten levels. You start on Maple Island. You take on a few quests, and venture across screens, separated by glowing portals. You fight snails, tree stumps, slimes, mushrooms, pigs, and bigger mushrooms. Quests are the standard “collect so many of this item” or “kill this many of this monster” or “talk to this person.” The other kind of quest is a trivia challenge. You are asked questions about information NPCs have told you, just to test if you were paying attention. I suppose this might be helpful for younger players, to help them remember. I found this to be tedious. You can become a Warrior, Bowman, or Thief at level 10, but a Magician at level 8. I know this because I was told by no less than five NPCs, and had to answer the question about this in two different trivia quests. I also know it is Maple Story’s Fourth Anniversary, because many NPCs told me, and told me again every time I leveled. If you’re someone who does not like to read quests, this might be off-putting to you.
Another thing I was told repeatedly is that Maple Island, where you start, is an easy, introductory place. Victoria Island, where most of the game takes place, is much harder. No less than three NPCs told me that the Orange Mushroom is the most difficult monster on Maple Island, but it is nothing compared to the monsters of Victoria Island. I was disappointed to arrive at Victoria Island to fight the same snails, slimes, and even the Orange Mushroom again. It wasn’t until I found pigs with ribbons tied around them that I found a more difficult monster than the Orange Mushroom. Though those mushrooms are pretty fierce, doesn’t that picture just strike fear into your heart?
Leveling works off an experience system, as with most RPGs. Each level requires more EXP than the one before it. With each level you get 5 AP to spend on stats. Certain stats benefit certain classes. Until you determine your class, you can only put AP into Strength and Dexterity. Not to worry, though, if this is your first time. When you choose your class, it will allow you to reconfigure your points, and will do so automatically, dividing the points as appropriate. Also, when you level, and gain 5 more AP, you can choose to assign them automatically. I’m sure there are those who will find fault in the way the points are divided and insist you assign them yourself, but when just starting out, it’s a nice feature to have. Once the class is chosen, it starts to become more of a game, as your character is distinctly different than other classes.
Nothing is free, so how does Maple Story make money? There are two ways. In game products can be bought with real world money. Certain items can only be purchased this way, and not with Mesos, the in game currency. Players can set up shops to sell in game items for Mesos, but the license to open the shop is paid for with real money. Additionally, there are in game advertisements. I was surprised to find a 7-11 and a Target in the town of Henesys. Maybe I can do my grocery shopping while playing.
My experience with the introduction part of the game was not overwhelmingly fun. The Nintendo side scroller was a nice trip down memory lane, but seems dated, especially for an MMORPG. Also, the interaction with other people was limited, I saw them running around and in the towns, but there was no need to team up with anyone. Now that I’m a Bowman, I will see more of the game, and hopefully work with other players. I will post an updated review when I’ve seen more of Victoria Island