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Nexon talks about MapleStory’s fifth anniversary

May 13, 2010 Articles Recommend, maple story|213views

Nexon America is proud to announce that their little browser based game MapleStory of only 6 million North American players turns five years old today! Who would have thought that this cartoonish side-scrolling chop-em-up would attract such a loyal following? Over the years the game has grown from only a few servers to eleven, from starting off with four classes to having fifteen if counting sub-classes, and countless new zones.

Recently the game sported over 70,000 max concurrent users and more than 95 million players world wide. Still, not a single player has yet to defeat Pink Bean, a cute, yet ferocious boss monster. It seems as though there is still a lot to do, see and conquer in this little game that could. We asked the developers ten questions, so jump below to see their answers. Also, check out their Facebook page.

MapleStory is known to have a younger audience. How many of your players have grown up with your game, and do they tend to stick around after a certain age?

Nexon: While it’s true that MapleStory is young player friendly, we have players of all ages. But a large portion of our users have stuck with us for our entire five year run. For many that means that while playing MapleStory, they’ve gone through huge milestones, like graduating from high school or even college. We think that’s awesome. As our players have changed and grown they’ve had a major impact on the game itself.

Any chance that the game will ever step out of the side-scrolling world, receiving a graphics upgrade?

It’s unlikely that MapleStory will ever leave behind its side-scrolling, platforming heritage. Classic game play and great looking 2D art are a big part of MapleStory’s personality. We plan to do everything we can to preserve those aspects of the game for as long as MapleStory is around.

Any other forays into the world of mobile gaming? How soon we will see an iPhone or iPad version?

There are currently no plans to bring MapleStory to mobile gaming in North America.

How do you effectively price your items for children?

We don’t think much about users’ age when we price an item. We mostly consider the usefulness of an item as well as its value to players.

We’ve heard you have tens of millions of players. How do you keep up with the demands of such a large, and young, playerbase?

Nexon: We do the best we can to keep up with what our players want through our forums, social media sites, and fan sites. Our users are vocal and expressive, so they don’t make it too hard on us. While it can be difficult to cater to such a large audience, it also keeps the game growing and changing with new ideas and influences. We’re proud of the diverse features and experiences we offer and a lot of that is a direct result of our users.

How popular are your ranking systems, and what do players receive for being number one?

It’s very popular. Currently, MapleStory rankings are all time, so getting a high rank is a serious achievement. Mostly, rankings are about bragging rights and the admiration of your fellow Maplers, but we do sometimes offer prizes to users who reach high ranks when a new class is released.

It’s been 5 years of MapleStory. Do you expect it to last 5 more years in its current form, or would you see a “MapleStory 2″ coming out?

I would love MapleStory to last another five years, but it’s all up to the players. As long as players want to spend time with MapleStory, we will continue to offer them the chance. We want to focus on making the game we have as good as it can be for as long players are playing.

Is there anything you would like to change about the release of the game 5 years ago?

Nexon: If we could do it over again, I think we would adjust the EXP curve right at the beginning. Changing the leveling curve after several years of service was one of the hardest changes we’ve had to make. I wish we could have had the EXP curve set as we wanted from the beginning, rather than having to change them later.

Nexon America is growing, and it seems MapleStory is too. But will there always be a place in Nexon’s line-up once more “mature” titles like Vindictus come out?

I think there will always be a place in Nexon’s line-up for any game that is fun. Adding new games means more players, even sometimes very different players, but that doesn’t mean we’ll forget our current players or how much they’ve meant to us.

If there is one thing you want potential players to read, to convince them to play MapleStory…what would it be?

MapleStory is fun, has hundreds of quests, thousands of items, and millions of players, and…it’s free!

On behalf of Massively, we’d like to thank Nexon for taking the time to answer some of our questions, and we wish them another 5 years of MapleStory!

Tags: anniversary, browser, maplestory, Nexon

MapleStory Unveiled New Character Class Cygnus Knights

Aug 2, 2009 maple story|3,935views

Nexon America Inc. released a new update for MapleStory, a 2D side-scrolling MMORPG where players can enjoy a multitude of different skills, spells and abilities, as well as numerous community features. This update will introduce a brand new set of character classes called Cygnus Knights. These knights have already been available in Korean Version and South East Asian version. A Cygnus Knights character can be created by any player with a level 20 or above character. All Knights begin at level 1 with the Noblesse job. Once a Knight reaches level 10 they can chose to take one of five new jobs; Dawn Warrior, Blaze Wizard, Wind Archer, Night Walker, or Thunder Breaker. Cygnus Knights characters can enjoy a new quest line, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th job advancements, and 120 levels of content.

Stroy about Knights of Cygnus

The Black Mage, who had been sealed away, has returned to Maple World!

Cygnus, the young empress who had been traveling through Maple World, is coming home. The Black Mage had brought absolute terror to Maple World long ago, and now he has apparently reawakened… Remembering the horrors of the past, Cygnus decides to defend the world from the evil mage before he can drive it toward destruction. Knowing well that no one around her possesses the power to carry her cause, Cygnus recruits help from Maple World.

Upon hearing the news, adventurers flock to Ereve-the mythic castle thought to have once housed Cygnus-in order to serve Empress Cygnus, a living symbol of peace. Founding a knighthood to keep the peace of Maple World, Cygnus lends her own name to the newly formed army.

Dawn Warrior	A Dawn Warrior is a Warrior.With the massive strength and powerful physique, Dawn Warriors vanquish the enemy in close proximity. They are accompanied by Sol, the spirit of light, especially in combat. Only those equipped with a burning heart, sharp eyes, an even sharper blade, and undying loyalty to the empress are qualified to become a Dawn Warrior.
Blaze Wizard	A Blaze Wizard is a Magician.As expected of any great Magicians, Blaze Wizards possess powerful magic. They can call on Ignis, the spirit of fire, to fight with them. They can also merge with Ignis to release massive fire magic. Those who always strive to better themselves and are wary of self and enemy can become a Blaze Wizard.
Wind Archer	A Wind Archer is a Bowman.Attacking the enemy from afar, Wind Archers are guided by the spirit of wind, Ventus. Ventus can be summoned to guard or fight, and can imbue its power to the bow as well as its owner. When a rational mind meets infinite freedom, a Wind Archer is born.

The most talented of Warriors, Bowmen, Thieves, and Pirates gather. However, they are still too weak to face the Black Mage. Knowing this, Cygnus calls on the five possessors of the elemental spirits to lead and train her new army for their upcoming battle against evil.

Once put through the rigorous training, the adventurers are reborn as Cygnus Knights whose mission in life is to protect the peace of Maple World; whose way of life is sharpening and mastering skills until the day facing the Black Mage becomes inevitable.

 

Night Walker	A Night Walker is a Thief.Luck, skill, and a bit of cunning separate the Night Walkers from the rest. Though marked and assisted by the spirit of darkness, Umbra, Night Walkers put great importance in independence, which leads some to learn poison skills. Night Walkers serve justice in places where light does not reach, so those who are willing to serve in the shadows may become a Night Walker. Â
Thunder Breaker	A Thunder Breaker is a Pirate.Armed with Knuckles, Thunder Breakers can show off their various fighting moves as well as flamboyant combos. When jolted with a bolt of lightning of Fulgur, the spirit of lightning, even stronger techniques lay at their disposal. Seekers of fun, excitement, humor, and romance of adventure should become a Thunder Breaker.

 

Tags: maplestory

MapleStory:Magician Guide part one-Build Level 8-30

May 14, 2009 maple story|384views

The following are all magician skill and stat builds for a first job magician.

Stat builds: Stat builds are much simpler than skill builds. The following are not in any particular order as they all work. Strength and Dexterity are never needed. Keep them at 4. Intelligence is your main attacking stat. The higher your intelligence, the higher damage you will hit with your spells. Luck adds to damage, but not nearly as much as intelligence. Luck is mainly added in order to equip armor and weapons.

Build A: Standard BuildLevel 8: Intelligence: 48 Luck: 11For every level from 9-30, put 4 points in Intelligence and 1 in Luck.

Why is this build good?

With this build, you will never be short on your luck requirements. You will be able to equip all your armor and weapons at the appropriate levels while still having a lot of power.

Build B: Luckless BuildLevel 8-30: Put all stat points into Intelligence

Why is this build good?

Luckless magicians are more powerful than their normal luck counterparts. This comes at a cost. Because they cannot equip the appropriate armors for their levels, they suffer on defense and magical defense.

Skill Builds: Skill builds are much harder to create because there are so many more options. The following skills are the skills available to Magicians in the first job.

Improving Improving Mana Recovery: This is a passive skill that should be maxed in all builds. It raises the amount of Mana recovered every ten seconds. It saves money and potions. It has no prerequisite.

Improving Max Improving Max Improving Max Mana Increase: This is another passive skill that should be maxed. It increases your max mana every time you level. By the end game, it gives more than three thousand extra mana compared to another end game magician who had not invested any points into it. It has a prerequisite of five points in Improving Improving Mana Recovery.

Magic Guard: This is an active skill that is essential as you level as a magician. When you are hit by a monster, and magic guard is activated, part of the damage hits your mana, and part hits your hit points. This allows a magician to take on the toughest monsters in the game. It has no prerequisite.

Magic Armor: This is the one of the only skills that a magician does not need to max. It adds a set amount of physical defense. Though it it better than Magic Guard during the first job, its use is very limited. When you are facing a monster that hits for thousands of damage, forty physical defense is useless. It has a prerequisite of three points in Magic Guard.

Energy Bolt: This is one of two magic attacks that you will receive as a Magician. It sends a ball of energy at the enemy. It has no prerequisite.

Magic Claw: This is the other magic attack Magicians receive. It attacks twice. It’s prerequisite is one skill point invested in Energy Bolt.

Energy Bolt vs. Magic Claw

There are many differences between Energy Bolt and Magic Claw:

Power: Magic Claw hits with two hits of 40 Spell Attack each. Energy Bolt hits once wth fifty five power. However, Magic defense is factored in twice with magic claw and only once with Energy Bolt.

Cost: Energy Bolt uses six less Mana than Magic Claw. However, Magic Claw has a better Damage to Cost ratio. Also, Energy Bolt users will have an extra skill point.

Accessibility: Magic Claw goes through walls. Energy Bolt doesn’t. Magic Claw also has slightly longer range. They have very similiar casting times.

The Verdict: Magic Claw is the preferred route to go, but Energy Bolt is still a viable option if you want to be unique.

Skill Build: Magic Claw and Energy Bolt are interchangeable.

Level 8: +1 Energy BoltLevel 9: +3 Improving Improving Mana RecoveryLevel 10: +2 Improving Improving Mana Recovery +1 Improving Max Improving Max Improving Max Mana Increase Level 11: +3 Improving Max Improving Max Improving Max Mana IncreaseLevel 12: +3 Improving Max Improving Max Improving Max Mana IncreaseLevel 13: +3 Improving Max Improving Max Improving Max Mana IncreaseLevel 14: +3 Improving Improving Mana RecoveryLevel 15: +3 Improving Improving Mana RecoveryLevel 16: +3 Improving Improving Mana RecoveryLevel 17: +2 Improving Improving Mana Recovery +1 Magic ClawLevel 18: +3 Magic ClawLevel 19: +3 Magic ClawLevel 20: +2Magic Claw Save one pointLevel 21: +4 Magic ClawLevel 22: +2 Magic Claw Save one pointLevel 23: +4 Magic ClawLevel 24: +1 Magic Claw +2 Magic GuardLevel 25: +3 Magic GuardLevel 26: +3 Magic GuardLevel 27: +3 Magic GuardLevel 28: +3 Magic GuardLevel 29: +3 Magic GuardLevel 30: +3 Magic Guard

Total: 16 Improving Improving Mana Recovery, 10 Improving Max Improving Max Improving Max Mana Increase, 20 Magic Guard, 1 Energy Bolt, 20 Magic Claw

This build provides the most mana. It maxes out the most important attacks and buffs. The following are variations on the skill build:

Variation A: Max Mana

Level 8: +1 Improving Mana RecoveryLevel 9: +3 Improving Mana RecoveryLevel 10: +1 Improving Mana Recovery +2 Improving Max Improving Max Mana IncreaseLevel 11: +3 Improving Max Improving Max Mana IncreaseLevel 12: +3 Improving Max Improving Max Mana IncreaseLevel 13: +2 Improving Max Improving Max Mana Increase +1 Energy BoltLevel 14-30: Revert back to the normal skill build

This variation adds even more max mana, but it is a very hard build. Because you lack a magic attack for five levels, leveling will be tough. However, with Henesys Party Quest (Guide Coming Soon), the five levels will shoot by.

Variation B: Early Damage

Level 8: +1 Energy BoltLevel 9: +3 Magic ClawLevel 10: +3 Magic ClawLevel 11: +3 Magic ClawLevel 12: +3 Magic ClawLevel 13: +3 Magic ClawLevel 14: +3 Magic ClawLevel 15: +2 Magic Claw +1 Improving Mana RecoveryLevel 16: +3 Improving Mana RecoveryLevel 17: +1 Improving Mana Recovery +2 Improving Max Mana IncreaseLevel 18: +3 Improving Max Mana IncreaseLevel 19: +3 Improving Max Mana IncreaseLevel 20: +2 Improving Max Mana Increase +1 Improving Mana RecoveryLevel 21: +3 Improving Mana RecoveryLevel 22: +3 Improving Mana RecoveryLevel 23: +3 Improving Mana RecoveryLevel 24: +1 Improving Mana Recovery +2 Magic GuardLevel 25-30: Revert back to standard build.

This variation is for the impatient players. It give the short term advantage of a good attack in exchange for the long term loss of Mana.

Stay tuned for my next article- The Magician Training Guide!

Tags: maplestory

maple story

May 16, 2008 maple story|772views

MapleStory (Korean: 메이플스토리) is a free-of-charge, 2D, side-scrolling Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game developed by the 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 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 subscriber accounts in all of its versions MapleStory North America (Global), for players mainly in North America and 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 is typical in 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 join a guild to interact more easily with each other.

Tags: maplestory