I’ve been generally just taking my time leveling in MapleStory 2 (many other head start players were already level 50 by day 2 whereas my highest level character as of this writing is just 20. Part of that is because I created characters for each class and played them to at least 10-16. I also got side tracked doing some of the exploration quests for each zone, trying to get my fishing rank up (while also gaining two levels in the process) on my wizard (am still undecided what class I will be concentrating on but I’m enjoying assassin and wizard right now; rune blader will be released with official launch on the 10th so I may end up changing my mind depending on how that feels).
As I mentioned in one of my prior MapleStory 2 entries, the graphical aesthetics in this aren’t what I normally find appealing. However, there is a certain charm to it which offsets my usual feelings regarding this style. While the game has this simplistic look to it, the game has an incredible amount of depth to it (things that I would like to see in titles that I normally play).
Another thing I became engrossed in was the housing. I haven’t even begun to construct anything worthwhile and have just dropped things haphazardly just to gain some progression in that system. Some folks have already created some mind blowing layouts though (my plan is to sort of create a Japanese style “castle”). For this version of the game, Nexon has allowed a generous 25×25 tile layout for free (you can expand the initial setup you select for free in addition to increasing the height).
I was looking through the tiles that can be purchased and there is quite a lot that is offered for free (some desirable ones including things to create a kitchen all cost Merets though). This is also where I came across a gotcha because I inadvertently purchased a few tiles by clicking on them when I was in construction mode (there is no confirmation). There’s a budget button which I hadn’t used which is probably where you can define how much you want to actually spend (to prevent overspending by accident).
The game’s built-in tutorial system (Maple Guide) pops up very simple tutorials at level appropriate intervals for mounts, pets, gathering, mining, etc. There’s also the entire music composing and performance system that I also want to get into. It reminds me of the system in ArcheAge (except instead of having to gather and craft the paper that your music will be composed on, the game just sells blank music sheets that are useful for a number of performances). The central area of one of the lower level main towns (Tria) is normally crowded with other players playing (some in ensembles). Audio wise, it can be somewhat chaotic but also sort of funny.
I haven’t really looked into the UGC (user generated content) portion of the game where you can design your own costumes which can then be listed for sale to others. Nexon is still working on this area (I believe an additional piece of software known as the Design Lab hasn’t been released yet) where even design blueprints for housing will be sellable/purchasable in the future. Basically, MapleStory 2 offers a bunch of activities outside the normal combat related ones.
As far as the combat, it isn’t that bad. I have a feeling it really shines if using a game pad controller though (which is supported). The game does have both WASD and point-to-click movement. Being an isometric game though, diagonal movement requires holding two keys (which I found annoying). Point-to-click movement has its own issues though because the UI and skill bars aren’t locked out while in combat (during one dungeon run, my chat boxes were all over the screen and things I had on my skill bar were either moved or dropped off by accidental clicking). To date, I haven’t found one single quarter view isometric game that has done the UI right where it allows a lockout and disabling of tooltips during combat.
Nexon did not skimp on inventory space in the global version (giving players a large personal stash and sufficient account bank storage) nor has the game thus far dropped a ton of consumables or materials to fill it up. I’m still finding it hard to believe I am playing a Nexon published title where I’m feeling the constraints of the designed cash shop mechanics that is prodding you to spend money to increase your quality of life.
Questing gear can be sold to NPC’s or listed on the Black Market (aka trade broker/auction house) and starting from level 20, be broken down into materials. Items when equipped become soul bound so only dropped ones can be traded. And here is what I really like. There is a counter for how many times that item can be traded (normally one time). This means that items cannot be constantly flipped.
The games social functions is where things shine. Emotes here are truly expressive in anime style fashion which plays well with the chibi anime style character models. I just wished there was an officially supported way to use the original Korean (or even Japanese) audio. I know there is the unofficial way to replace the audio files but I also don’t want to run afoul of Nexon’s designed anti-cheat system (Nexon Game Security).
There’s a bunch of other things that I haven’t even yet encountered yet since I’m in no rush to get to max level (50 but goes to 60 at official launch on the 10th). Overall though, my impressions of what Nexon has done (for the time being) with the global version is very favorable. Given this is F2P, I expect there will be a huge influx of players on the 10th. Fortunately, there are regional servers to distribute that load (each is their own realm meaning you cannot play with those on a different server; so NA-West cannot play with those on NA-East as an example).
This is actually one of the first Korean MMO’s in quite awhile that I can recommend to others (to at least give it a try for the first 15 levels with each class) which says a lot because of how cynical I am about them (not to mention that Nexon has normally been one of those “avoid if possible” publishers). The game can be played with either the standalone Nexon launcher or via Steam (beginning October 10th, a Nexon game account can be linked to a Steam account where you can play from either; server side, there is no separate servers for Steam accounts).
