Nexon, the studio behind the popular 2000s MMOMapleStory,has launched a new game in theMapleStoryfranchise. For the uninitiated,MapleStoryis a massively popular free 2D MMORPG featuring cute sprites, developed by Wizet and published by Nexon. It came out in 2003, earning it a nostalgic spot in many players' hearts, being the first MMO for many youngsters of the era.
MapleStoryhas continued to run since its release, receiving updates and spinoffs for other consoles, but the announcement of a new game in the franchise comes as a bit of a surprise. The new game is titledMapleStory Worldsand will allow players touse the iconicMapleStorystyle and sprites to design their own worlds.
These worlds can then be shared with others, allowing players to create experiences and visit each other’s worlds.MapleStory Worldsis out now in North and South America on PC,with plans for mobile devices eventually. A release trailer can be watched now viaGameTrailerson YouTube.
Reception To MapleStory Worlds Is Mostly Confused And Negative
It’s Getting Compared To Roblox And Super Mario Maker
MapleStory Worldshas been live in Korea for only about a year, quietly developing and updating the beta to prepare for release in the West. Despite its nostalgic appeal,the reveal ofMapleStory Worldsis not being met with excitement,as Nexon undoubtedly hoped. Comments on the YouTube reveal trailer range from criticisms of Nexon to general confusion about why this game exists.
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The game is being compared toRobloxandSuper Mario Makerfor its ability to design and share worlds. YouTube userlukecwolfpoints out that the move to aRoblox-like game is an attempt to cash in on theactive modding community.YuYuYana_takes the criticism even further, callingMapleStory Worldsthe “we’re too lazy to make our own game, so here’s a gamer-friendly game engine to make one for us” game.
Despite Misgivings, We Might Play MapleStory Worlds For The Nostalgia
But We May Not Be The Intended Audience
I, like many others of my generation, have fond memories of playingMapleStorywith my friends when I was young. The game was simple and repetitive, but it was this charming simplicity that made it so easy to get sucked into the game for hours. As an adult, I no longer have the time to dedicate myself to an MMO, so I can’t imagine ever getting back into a game likeMapleStory.
However,MapleStory Worldshits me right in the nostalgia,and it looks like a game that wouldn’t require as large of a time commitment. I can’t see myself playing it long-term, but I will probably download and play around with it. I suspect that I may not be the intended audience, though: TheRoblox-like appealof the game might be an attempt by Nexon to get the attention of a new, younger player base.
MapleStory Worldsis available to download and play in the Americas right now. The game is in beta and will continue to see updates as more creations and worlds are added.
