MapleStory is a highly immersive MMORPG that is suitable for those who enjoy cute graphics, anime-like theme and characters, and an interactive environment where it is easy to make friends. Since MapleStory is 2D, the experience of the game drastically differs from 3D MMO’s that have realistically detailed graphics. However, with its customizable skills and styles for characters, players are allowed to choose from over 40 playable classes. To share more about my analysis of MapleStory, I will be discussing its genre, aesthetics, culture, history, narrative, and impact/risk aspects.
MapleStory is considered to have more than one genre that defines the characteristics and dynamics of this game. A suitable genre in which MapleStory falls in is action because it involves some type of fighting abilities. In the game, players are required to have decent motor skills and hand-eye coordination in order to successfully maneuver the on-screen character, but is quite simple compared to most 3D role playing games. The jump quests in the game are a good example of requiring motor skills. Players have to jump through platforms and reach a certain distance that is required to retrieve items in order to complete the quest. Another genre category I believe MapleStory falls in is process-oriented. Such games allow the player to explore the dynamic of the game by providing a purpose to save Maple World as the storyline explains. MapleStory is different in a sense to other games as there is no “success” to winning the game, and any player are allowed to reach higher levels as long as they are able to master their character.
MapleStory’s aesthetics are pleasing in both look and feel with its cute graphics and competitive gameplay. The 2D aspect of MapleStory limits the player’s ability to try to imitate real-life, but instead makes them feel as though they are in a non-realistic world of anime. With a ride range of music for their soundtrack, it is easy to be absorbed into character as you are playing. Most of the music is happy and playful which pairs well with the cartoonish image of the game; however, in certain situations, the music will change according to the theme. During boss fights, the music will be darker, and during quests the soundtrack will be more lighthearted. The rules and geography of MapleStory creates a simple, side-scrolling platform that is easy to maneuver around and creates a balance with the music and look of the game.
The culture of MapleStory is revolved around social interactions and a virtual life that is similar to an anime-like lifestyle. Like most MMORPG games, MapleStory is designed for those who are socializers that look to build friendships and have fun. As a cultural form, MapleStory addresses multi-ethnical cultures including Chinese and American culture. During holidays, such as Chinese New Year or Christmas, there are item drops specifically related to that event such as red envelopes, or candy canes and gingerbread. These drops are a way for players to celebrate the holidays virtually and is definitely an immersive cultural learning experience. Besides incorporating real life holidays, MapleStory is also a representation of the world as a separate community where players can be a part of a guild and act as a community and family of their own within the game.
MapleStory has a few notable updates and reboots that improved the server and introduced new changes that enhanced the game quality. As I revisited old YouTube videos of some MapleStory gameplay, and compared it to my own experience, I found that the Big Bang update was a significant change in 2010. The core coding of the game was completely rewritten that included a changed map layout and a new user interface in one of the worlds called Victoria Island which made it easier to get around. Furthermore, the EXP needed to level up was significantly reduced. The Reboot update in 2015 also benefited players and provided access to the Reboot World that included a server with increased stats and EXP. For those who are beginners in MapleStory or PC games in general, these updates have definitely made the game more enjoyable and simple to play.
The fictional world and setting of the story revolves around Maple World and the gameplay is set as a side-scrolling platform as mentioned earlier. It limits the engagement of the player with the game, and in order to show some more impactful scenes, there are videoclips shown in certain narratives from NPC’s that help tell the story of a quest players are partaking in. Because the mechanics of MapleStory’s narrative is organized in a quest style, players have to complete quests in order to move on to the next step If they want to follow the storyline and defeat the Dark Mage that reigns over Maple World. I believe the storyline does flow well with the structure of the game, as players get to solve the quests and complete the story.
From playing MapleStory, I found that there is a possible opportunity for it to be an impactful game geared towards edutainment, or more specifically, commercial entertainment. It does not necessarily teach basic educational skills such as algebra or spelling, but it does indirectly teach players about the free market system that is used in the game. MapleStory can be beneficial to players through learning opportunities of the economy. With the repetition of buy/sell/trade practices, it promotes players to truly learn about the free market system. It is an optimal way for them to learn how to gather information about the economy, gain knowledge about the market value of certain items in order to know how much to sell or buy for. In terms of the active media perspective of the game, the risks associated with playing MapleStory does not result in violent behavior that some parents may be concerned about. MapleStory establishes a friendly environment, and the most violence players can get is possibly through pvp battles against other plays with competitive natures.
With my overall experience with the game, I find that the key feature of MapleStory are its interactive aspects and cute aesthetics. Since the difficulty of the game is relatively low, it is not hard for an average hardcore gamer to level up. But with the large number of character classes to choose from, the fun factor will still be substantially high because it would be interesting to try out all the six different hero classes. This also means that the replayability of the game is definitely considered because I would look forward to trying other heroes and testing their skills/abilities. Taking into consideration the genre, aesthetics, culture, history, narrative, and impact of the game, it can appeal to those who are looking for a sense of creativity and learning experience other than just the animated graphics. Also, building social connections and experiencing relationships is a big part of what makes Maple culture that sometimes cannot be experienced in the real world. I recommend this game to those who are not overly competitive and who want to simply build friendships.