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Revision as of 17:14, 7 May 2007 by Iambob4444 (talk | contribs) (→Dying: Added range of EXP loss)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)- This article is about the original game for Windows. For the Nintendo DS remake, see MapleStory DS.
| MapleStory | |
|---|---|
| File:MapleStory.PNG | |
| Developer(s) | Wizet |
| Publisher(s) | Wizet, Nexon of Korea, Nexon of Japan, Nexon of America, Nexon of Europe, Shanda, AsiaSoft, and Gamania |
| Platform(s) | Windows(98/ME/2K/XP) |
| Release |  April 29, 2003 (Test Server 2003)
|
| Genre(s) | Fantasy Massively Multiplayer Online Role-playing Game |
| Mode(s) | MMO |
MapleStory (Korean: 메이플스토리) is a free, 2D, side-scrolling Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game developed by the Korean company Wizet. Several versions of the game are available for specific countries or regions, and each is published by various companies such as Wizet and Nexon. Although playing the game is free, many player appearances and gameplay enhancements can be purchased from the "Cash Shop" using real money. MapleStory has a combined total of over 50 million players in all of its versions. MapleStory Global, for players mainly outside of East Asia, Southeast Asia and Europe, has over three million players.
In the game, players walk around in the "Maple World" and defeat monsters and develop their character's skills and abilities, as in typical role-playing games. Players can interact with others in many ways, such as through chatting, trading, and playing minigames. Groups of players can band together in parties to hunt monsters and share the rewards. Players can also band in a guild to interact more easily with each other.
Gameplay
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 (EXP), and various items. Players can kill monsters alone, or they can form a party with up to 5 other characters. Loot is shared based on relative damage and level of characters in the party, more awarded to higher-level members.
Characters advance in level by gaining a preset amount of EXP for each level. The current level limit is 200. Upon leveling up, players receive Ability Points (AP) and Skill Points (SP) to distribute among their abilities and skills. The increase in EXP needed for each level increases greatly over the course of the game.
MapleStory's 2D scrolling viewpoint more closely resembles a platformer rather than the typical 3D or top-down view of other games (such as Guild Wars or Mu Online). The controls for the game are executed using the computer keyboard and mouse. The keyboard is used for many game functions, and much of it can be re-arranged to suit users' needs. The mouse is mainly used to trigger NPCs, or Non-player characters, and manipulating items.
MapleStory characters exist in "worlds" or "servers". Players are allowed to create multiple characters in each world, although that number differs between versions. Each world, similar in content between each other in the same version, is split into at most twenty channels, among which characters are allowed to freely switch. However, characters and their items cannot be transferred between worlds, although there is limited functionality in transferring items between characters of the same world.
Character progression
Template:MapleStory Character ClassesNew players are sent to Maple Island, a floating island specifically designed to be beginner-friendly. Unlike many other MMORPGs, players in MapleStory cannot choose a character class or job when they create the character. Rather, every character starts with the job Beginner until they meet the requirements to complete the first job advancement.
When a player creates a character, he or she is able to allocate ability points amongst four different abilities. In addition, the player is able to choose from a limited variety of faces, hairstyles, hair colors, skin colors, and initial equipment for their character. After the character's creation, the cosmetic aspects of these can be modified only through the quest "Beauty and the Beast" (MapleGlobal only) or purchase of special coupons from the Cash Shop.
At either level eight or ten, depending on the desired class, the player can willingly choose to complete the first job advancement and acquire a new class as a "Swordman", "Magician", "Archer", or "Rogue".
Once a player reaches level 30, they are able to complete the second job advancement according to their current job. As with the first job advancement, the player is able to choose from two or three secondary professions based on their initial class choice. At level 70 and 120, characters can once again change their jobs. Unlike previous job advancements, the player is only able to progress in their current job to a new-named one(not for maple global yet). Each job advancement grants access to an increasingly powerful set of skills.
Dying
When a character's hit points reach zero, the character dies. This is depicted by a tombstone falling from the top of the screen, and the character transmuting into a floating, ghost-like body. The character is incapable of moving, but they retain the ability to speak and use facial expressions. Death will normally cost a character a percentage of EXP, depending on how much luck they have, but the EXP percentage cannot fall below zero percent. The range of EXP loss can range from as little as 1% to as much as 8%. Beginners do not lose EXP when they die. Items such as the one-use Safety Charm (available from the Cash Shop) and the limited item from the Valentine's and Easter's quest can prevent EXP loss when the character dies. Players are notified upon death with a message box that contains a "Revive" button and upon pressing, they are sent to the nearest town. If the button is not pressed after a period of time, the character is automatically revived. Upon returning to the nearest town, characters are revived with 50 HP, as well as the same amount of MP they possessed upon death.
Abilities
There are four types of abilities and two sub-types of abilities, with varying degrees of value, depending on character class. General effects of each stat do not depend on a character's class; however, damage will vary based on job, level, and the equipped weapon. Characters generally raise one main stat to increase their damage output, as well as one minor stat to meet the requirements to equip weapons and armor and/or increase the specialties that come with some of the abilities. These are raised using Ability Points (AP).
Skills
Every character class has various skills in which to invest Skill Points (SP). As is typical with RPG skills and powers, a skill becomes increasingly powerful or helpful depending on the amount of SP invested in the skill. Each skill can be mapped to a specific button to simplify activation.
Guilds
Players can form Guilds with other players. The purpose of a guild is to be able to find and chat with each other more easily, to bond with other players, and make it easier when trying to complete a quest(not always). Members have their guild's name listed under their character name along with the guild's emblem, if applicable.
Guilds can be created at Orbis for large amounts of Mesos. Additional upgrades to the guild such as a guild emblem and expanding the maximum amount of guild members will carry an additional fee. For each expansion, the cost is more.A guild emblem is an icon representing the guild.
Guilds have a customizable hierarchy of five ranks. The "Guild Master", who initially created the guild, has complete control over the guild. "Jr. Masters", appointed by the Guild Master, have limited control over the guild. Each guild member's rank, level, and job is displayed in the guild window. A special guild only quest called "Sharenian" is available. It is much like a party quest, but more difficult.
There are now guild forums known as the BBS in the Global and Taiwan versions.
Monsters
Killing monsters gives a player experience, Mesos, items, or nothing at all. Any experience gained is automatically added to the player’s total experience, whereas the Mesos and items are dropped at the location of the monsters' death.
Like human-controlled characters, monsters have defense ratings against attacks. In addition, some monsters have elemental strengths and weaknesses making them more or less susceptible to specific elemental attacks. Nearly all monsters can damage the player simply through contact. Some monsters can use skills similar to the player's.
There are several boss monsters which can be found throughout the MapleStory world. Each boss is located at their respective map and do not appear at other maps beyond their bounds. Most boss monsters have special privileges such as high attack and HP, summoning abilities, and dispelling abilities. Spoils from bosses are also typically dominant over other similar items in the boss' level group. Bosses spawn less frequently than normal monsters. Monsters can also be created by monster bags which some monster drop.
Quests
Template:StrategyWiki Quests are varying tasks that players may perform for NPCs in return for experience and possible rewards. There are over a hundred available quests, each with varying prerequisites; most quests may require the player to have attained a certain level or to have completed another certain quest. Most available quests require the player to retrieve a certain amount of spoils attained from monsters or to traverse an obstacle course. Some quests can be repeated, although the reward(s) and given EXP may be different from those attained during their first completion.
Accompaniments/Party Quests
Although not listed as a quest, accompaniments are a special type of quest where a party of players must work together to complete several challenges. Although officially called "Accompaniments", they are commonly referred to as "Party Quests" or "PQs" interchangeably. Most of the seven PQs have their own level limits that every character in the party must be within to enter the quest.
Jump quests
Jump quests are a unique type of quest in which a character starts at one area of a map and uses timed jumps to get from one to another specific platform. The player attempts to avoid enemies and obstacles that can knock them off the platform. Enemies in the special jump quest areas are invincible (level 200) and often have different attacking power than the normal versions of these monsters. Jump quests typically require precise timing, and the reaped rewards are re-attainable. Mobility skills are disabled in Jump Quests, as are speed and jump boosts.
World
Template:StrategyWiki There are three main continents (Maple Island, Victoria Island, and Ossyria) common to all versions in the MapleStory world.
Maple Island is where every new player begins the game, and has short, tutorial quests. When a player leaves the island, they are unable to return to it (except in ChinaMS). A "world map", which displays all of the towns, is available for the island.
Victoria Island has six towns: Lith Harbor, Henesys, Ellinia, Perion, Kerning City, and Sleepywood. From Lith Harbor, one can travel to Florina Beach. From Henesys, you can access the town of Amoria. From Ellinia, one may take a flying ship to Ossyria. Victoria Island has a world map.
Ossyria also has six regions (El Nath Mts., Ludus Lake, Aqua Road, Minar Forest, Mu Lung Garden, and Nihal Desert) and ten towns: Orbis, El Nath, Aquarium (Aqua Road), Ludibrium, Omega Sector, Korean Folk Town, Leafre, Mu Lung, Herb Town, and Ariant. Players first arrive in Ossyria at Orbis. From Orbis, players can reach El Nath and Aquarium by descending the Orbis Tower. A flying train from Orbis station can transport players to Ludibrium (which is apparently seperated from mainland Ossyria), from which Omega Sector can be reached by descending Eos Tower on the town's west side. Korean Folk Town can be reached by descending Helios Tower on Ludibrium's east side, or by traveling to the eastern end of Aqua Road. Orbis station also provides rides from a giant blue bird transporting players to Leafre, a giant crane transporting players to Mu Lung and Herb Town, and a giant genie transporting players to Ariant. Nihal Desert currently has no region map.
In certain versions, there are various additional, smaller continents: Zipangu, China, Taiwan, and Floating Market. There are also two marriage areas called Peach Blossom Island and Amoria, each available in various versions. Happyville and Shalom Temple are event towns, and have limited availability, only accessible during a certain period. Premium Road is accessible only if the player is connected to the game from an Internet Cafe that has contracts with its local MapleStory version. These continents are not shown in any official MapleStory maps.
Items
Items can be acquired from monster drops, purchased from other characters or shops, or as rewards for completing a quest. In some versions of the game, items can be obtained through cash with the gachapon system. Players buy gachapon tickets with cash and each of these tickets can be exchanged for a random item. Unnecessary items can be dropped (where they can be picked up by any other character), sold to any shop for a sum of meso, or sold/traded to other characters. Generally the stronger the monsters are the better the items they drop. Due to the time required to sell valuable items to other players as well as the quantity of items received, many players create a mule account to store excess items and act as a dedicated trading account.
Inventory
There are five different item categories in the game: Equipment (clothes, accessories, and weapons); Use (potions, scrolls and other consumables); Set-up (decorations); Etc. (monster drops, ores, and quest items); and Cash (items bought from the cash shop). In the inventory window, each category has its own section, each of which is only able to contain a limited amount of items; however, extra inventory space can be purchased in the Cash Shop. Extra inventory space is also awarded after certain job advancements.
Equipment can be upgraded by using item upgrade scrolls that give stat bonuses to equipment. Using a scroll on an item can only be attempted a limited number of times irrespective of the scroll's success or failure. The number of attempts varying with the item type. Scrolls have a certain percentage of success, and the lower the success percentage, the higher the stat gains provided by the scrolls. Scrolls can only be used when you have equipped the item that you wish to upgrade, but in KoreanMS, MapleSEA, and JapanMS, there is a new beginner skill that allows you to scroll an item without the need of equipping it.
Cash Shop
Since MapleStory is free, the developers of MapleStory introduced the Cash Shop to generate revenue. This is a virtual shop where players can buy items using real money, so called microtransactions. The items sold in the Cash Shop include clothing items, appearance-changing coupons, pets, and usable items that provide special bonuses, such as a bonus in experience gain. Most Cash Shop items expire after a certain period of time.
Pets, modeled after animals such as monkeys, dogs, cats, bunnies, pandas, and pigs, follow the owner around and can be equipped to pick up spoils dropped by enemies.
In MapleSEA, in addition to credit card payment (through PayPal), it has also released Prepaid cards. As for GlobalMS, Prepaid cash-value cards, or "Nexon Cards", are now released.
The Nexon prepaid cash cards are currently available in nationwide (US) Target stores. They are in the Music Card Section. In the patch before their release, an event quest named "Spot On" was added to introduce the partnership. Completing the quest involves talking to two NPCs who give information about the sale of cash cards. This quest has since been discontinued.
Some users are trading mesos for cash shop items. This is against the terms and conditions. Those who were caught doing so were given suspension to their accounts.
Free Market
The Free Market is a place set aside for people who wish to sell their items amongst other players. Miniature shops can be set up in this area in which people can browse their stock. Shop permits, required to set up a shop, are only available through the Cash Shop. There are two types of store permits: a standard store, which requires the presence of the player, and the mushroom house which does not require the presence of the player but requires additional cash shop money to use this feature. The mushroom house store is only available in time periods of 24 hours or one week. Conversely, the standard store lasts ninety days but only works with the presence of the user. One can meet with players located in other towns, provided the town contains a Free Market entrance. However, one cannot use the free market to travel between towns. There are entrances to the Free Market in many of the various towns, but not all. In MapleGlobal, a storage keeper named Scrooge is available, making it much more convient for players to access their mesos and items.
Unique gameplay features
Although a purely two-dimensional game lacking certain features found in other MMORPGs, MapleStory has features that distinguish it from other online games. For example, by pressing certain keys, a player can have their character temporarily display various emotions viewable by other players; some emotions showcase a confused expression, while another conveys happiness. Additional expressions can be purchased in the Cash Shop.
Fame
Fame is the designation for one of the statistics on a character's character sheet. Although publicized by the game's creators, fame serves little practical purpose besides fulfilling quest and equip requirements. Once characters are at the minimum requirement of level 15, they are able to raise or lower the fame of any character once per day. A character cannot raise or lower the same character's fame more than once every thirty days. Some quests may award a player fame points and some may take them away too.
Minigames
Template:StrategyWiki There are various minigames that one can play, both solo and multi-player: Omok, Match Cards, Pachinko, Gachapon, Rock Paper Scissors, and Fishing System.
- Omok is the Korean cognate of the Japanese game "Gomoku". Omok is akin to tic-tac-toe. To win, a player needs to place 5 of their pieces in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line.
- Match Cards is also known as "Concentration". Match Card games can be opened in grids of 3x4, 4x5, and 5x6 cards. The facedown side of the cards contains images of various monsters, which players take turns matching.
- Pachinko is a mini-game exclusive to JapanMS. Pachinko balls may be purchased in the Cash Shop and are required in order to play. The player must be in a Pachinko House to play the game. In order to win, one needs to get the Pachinko balls in a mushroom hole below a slot. Once it is in, the slot will start. If the player obtains a certain amount of balls, he or she may win in-game prizes.
- Gachapon is a slots minigame, in which the player inserts a ticket and a random prize comes out. To play Gachapon, one must first purchase a Gachapon Ticket from the Cash Shop. The Gachapon machines are located in various towns.
- Rock Paper Scissors is a one-player minigame based off the actual game, in which one plays against an NPC.
- Fishing King currently available in TaiwanMS and ThailandMS. The player can complete a quest to obtain a diving suit before being send to a map that resembles an Aqua Road map to catch fish. Once a player has acquired a diving suit, the player may enter back to catch fish as many times as they want to.
- Fishing System currently available in all versions except KoreaMS, GlobalMS and EuropeMS. You can buy cash shop items (fishing rod, fishing chair, etc.) and talk to a NPC in various towns to go fishing.
Marriage
Players may participate in in game marriages. Weddings occur at one of two special areas, based on the version played. Guests may be invited to the wedding, and the marrying couple will receive wedding rings.
The traditional Chinese marriage system that takes place at Peach Blossom Island is only available in ChinaMS, TaiwanMS, and MapleSEA. In order for the couple to enter the ceremony hall, players will need to don Western- or Chinese-style wedding outfits and a special ring purchased from the Cash Shop. After the ceremony, both players will receive a Diamond Ring as proof of the marriage.
Amoria is a town where marriage based activites occur. A marriage system based on western culture, is available in ThailandMS and GlobalMS. It requires the completion of various quests, including receiving an engagement ring and the blessing of the parents (Cathedral weddings require blessings). Unlike other versions, players may attempt to make a variety of rings. Each of these rings carries various bonuses. In Amoria Dungeon, players can fight exclusive monsters. Currently, the monsters found there include the Orange Mushroom, Blue Snail, Slime, and, exclusive to this map, the Sakura Cellion. If you buy a premium wedding ticket from the Cash Shop, you will be able to have a party after the ceremony.
Events
On certain days, the Game Masters(or known as GM) host special events in which any player is capable of participating, given their character is at a given map during the event time. All participants receive a trophy, and winners receive a random prize.
Users are notified of an upcoming event by a scrolling box at the top of the game screen. Events are known to bring an influx of players to the event's respective locations, which generally causes massive connection lag and sometimes even disconnections.
Special events include Christmas tree events, wedding events, drawing events, and quest events; for example, players might be required to find an item and return it to the event quest NPC or GM.
Occasionally, certain versions of the game hold events that celebrate a certain event in real-life or an event specific to that version, such as a holiday or new server release. During these events, certain aspects of the game are modified in celebration; for example, the experience rate or drop rate may be increased, or special items may be released.
Versions and registration
- StrategyWiki has more information about the content differences between versions at Latest patches.
The Korean version was the first to be created, ergo it has the most features as of yet; other versions are at different stages of development and most are not as advanced in content as Korea's. With this advantage comes the problem of players (mainly from the Global version, but some from others) trying to play KoreaMS. These players are often referred to as 이주자, or "immigrants" by a majority of the Korean MapleStory players. These "immigrants" are the reason why a Korean Social Security Number is required to play. IP blocking is used in some of the other versions of the game, mostly for the same reason. Some attempt to bypass this by using Proxies, which spoof IP addresses to make it seem like a player is playing from a different country - however in Europe MapleStory a GameGuard proxy check has been implemented. This is also because foreign text in the Latin Character-Based Global version causes glitches to occur. This is the same for Koreans in the Chinese version, and so on.
Though some versions share the same world names, they are different and independent of each other. They are defined by their language used, publisher, server location and specialized worlds.
The European version of MapleStory is currently in Open Beta. Started: April 12, 2007.
Revenue and game population
As of Feb. 2006, Wizet has generated 200 million USD from the game service in Korea. Wizet received 110 million USD for licensing the games to other parts of the world.
Game Population (as of Feb. 2006):
- Korea since 2002, 200 thousand subscribers (concurrent users), 14 million subscribers (total)
- Japan since November 2003, 9 million subscribers
- China since December 2004, 25 million subscribers
- Taiwan since July 2005, 3.5 million subscribers
- Thailand since August 2005, 550 thousand subscribers
- South East Asia (mostly Singapore and Malaysia) since June 2005, 550 thousand subscribers
- Global since May 2005, 3 million subscribers
Critical Reception
Further information: ] Further information: ]Users not using the Internet Explorer Web browser are not able to access certain game websites, including the GlobalMS. They are asked to download Internet Explorer to remedy the problem.
In a brief review of the game, IGN praised the game's accessibility and colorful art direction, while questioning the game's slow pace.
There are a significant number of users cheating in the game through the use of hacks. Most use a modified version of the Cheat Engine along with scripts written in assembly language to alter the functionality of the official client.
See also
References
- ^ Jun Sok Huhh (2006-04-21). "Some facts on MapleStory". Retrieved 2006-06-29.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Aihoshi, Richard (2006-12-01). "MapleStory Minute View". IGN. Retrieved 2006-12-22.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) Cite error: The named reference "ign" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page). - "jMS rankings".
- "MapleStory - Intro - How to play". Asiasoft. Retrieved 2006-06-29.
- "FAQ | Gameplay - Can I transfer my account between gateways? Between worlds?". NX Games. Retrieved 2006-06-29.
- "Beauty Parlor coupons". NX Games. Retrieved 2006-10-11.
- "Guide - User Interface". Asiasoft. Retrieved 2006-07-01.
- "Various Features - Guild". NX Games. Retrieved 2006-06-29. Requires Internet Explorer or disabled Javascript for mapleglobal.com.
- ^ "MapleStory - Info - Quests". Asiasoft. Retrieved 2006-05-04.
- "Gamasutra - Q&A: Nexon America Talks Maple Story".
- "MapleStory Southeast Asia - Etc Cash Items".
- "Various Features - Pet". NX Games. Retrieved 2006-06-29. Requires Internet Explorer or disabled JavaScript for mapleglobal.com.
- "MapleStory - Cash Shop - Prepaid Cards". Asiasoft. Retrieved 2006-07-04.
- "MapleStory - Global English Site - Nexon Cash Cards". Nexon America. Retrieved 2006-12-06.
- Statement by in game NPC
- "TaiwanMS ver. 0.43". Gamania. Retrieved 2006-12-20.
- "ThailandMS vers. 0.29". Asiasoft. Retrieved 2007-03-06.
- "ThailandMS releases Amoria v0.28". Asiasoft. Retrieved 2007-01-23.
- "Intro - Game Events". Asiasoft. Retrieved 2006-07-06.
- "Maplestory Mapleglobal English Site". Nexon. Retrieved 2007-03-08.
- "FAQ | General - Why is my country blocked from MapleGlobal?". NX Games. Retrieved 2006-06-29. Requires Internet Explorer or disabled Javascript for MapleGlobal.com.
- "Revenue of Maple Story and Game Population". GameStudy.Org. Retrieved 2006-10-12.
- "GM Blog: 3,000,000". NX Games. Retrieved 2007-03-20.Requires Internet Explorer or disabled Javascript for MapleGlobal.com.
- http://www.nexon.net/Common/Explorer_Error.html
External links
Official game websites
- MapleStory portal - Official MapleStory website
- Official MapleStory Developer site - Wizet Corp., Ltd. Korean
- Official MapleStory developer's site - Wizet Corp., Ltd. Japanese
- South Korean MapleStory site - MapleStory South Korea (Requires Internet Explorer)
- South Korean MapleStory tester site - MapleStory South Korea tester (Requires Internet Explorer)
- Japanese MapleStory site - MapleStory Japan
- Chinese MapleStory site - MapleStory China
- Taiwanese MapleStory site - MapleStory Taiwan
- Thai MapleStory site - MapleStory Thailand
- South East Asian MapleStory site - MapleStory South East Asia/SEA
- Global MapleStory site - MapleStory Global (Requires Internet Explorer)
- Europe MapleStory site - MapleStory Europe (Requires Internet Explorer)
Informational fansites
- English language
- Basil Market - An auction site to buy and sell items in MapleStory, also contains a forum and guides.
- Happy Mapling - A vast library of game information and a forum for discussions and help. GlobalMS and MapleSEA.
- Hidden Street - An extensive library of game information. GlobalMS and MapleSEA.
- MapleTip - Contains Maplewiki, library of game information, guides, a large forum for help, and more. GlobalMS, MapleSEA and JapanMS.
- Orbis Outlet - A new MapleStory fan site with the MapleStory graphics database. GlobalMS.
- Sauna - A library of game information extracted directly from the client. GlobalMS.
- Sleepywood Forums - The oldest standing message board with extensive trading forums, guides, community, etc. GlobalMS and MapleSEA.
- Template:StrategyWiki
- Simplified Chinese language
- 冒险岛主题站 - A library of game information. ChinaMS.
- Thai language
- Maple2 - A library of game data with a BBS. ThailandMS.
- ThaiMS PocketBook - A library of game data. ThailandMS.