MapleStory

"MapleStory is a Fantasy Role Playing MMORPG with over 40 classes and customizable cosmetic options. Join the massive community of 260 million players in thrilling 2D adventures, facing never-ending challenges and building your unique hero. Explore the iconic 2D art style, engage in co-op and single-player gameplay, and experience absolute control of your character's abilities."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

62%

Audience ScoreBased on 11,759 reviews

story488 positive mentions

grinding880 negative mentions

story
3,122 mentions
16 % positive mentions
80 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The story aspect of Maplestory has received mixed reviews from players. Many appreciate the game's rich lore and character backstories, which vary significantly across the numerous classes, providing a sense of depth and engagement. However, players often criticize the overwhelming amount of quests, repetitive objectives, and unskippable cutscenes that detract from the gameplay experience, making it feel tedious and convoluted. Overall, while the narrative elements can be charming and nostalgic, they are often overshadowed by frustrations related to quest navigation and pacing.
- “Maplestory is a delightful journey into a whimsical world filled with charm and nostalgia.”
- “The story and writing is often cheesy and silly, but I think that's part of its charm.”
- “With multiple engaging storylines that vary in tone from hilarious to serious, events that are actually fun and useful, and some of the best character progression of any game, maplestory truly delivers and doesn't stop.”
- “Can't even enjoy it from the non-stop yapping from the unskippable story they've added in.”
- “Too much dialogue in the beginning; it's better to spread the dialogue more evenly throughout the story and level progression.”
- “The main story is awful and suffering, and everyone is forced into mcguffin-holding chosen ones that really shouldn't be the chosen ones with how they act.”
grinding
889 mentions
0 % positive mentions
1 % neutral mentions
99 % negative mentions
Grinding is a central aspect of MapleStory, with many players noting its addictive nature, especially for those who enjoy repetitive gameplay. While some find the grind therapeutic and satisfying, particularly when leveling up or collecting gear, others criticize it as tedious and overwhelming, especially in the late game where progress can feel slow and heavily reliant on RNG. Overall, the game caters to those who appreciate grind-heavy experiences, but it may deter players looking for a more balanced or varied gameplay approach.
- “One day I hope they will release MapleStory 2 again... remembering the success of MapleStory came from the journey and feeling of accomplishment of getting stronger slowly over time... not grinding 4 characters to max level within a month and then just repeating the same 2 end-game raids 10 times a day for eternity.”
- “The game isn't really grinding if you choose to just do other things like hang out with friends and mess around doing quests for fun, etc. There's a massive amount of stuff to do in the game, but many of the players seem so hyper-focused on getting to endgame quickly.”
- “- The grind isn't as tedious as it once was back in the old days.”
- “The core of the game is grinding, but it's so boring that I need to watch something while I grind.”
- “At endgame you are grinding 100+ hours for a <0.5% upgrade.”
- “The game gets horribly grindy and, if you have no friends to play with, isolating, more so than other MMOs.”
gameplay
532 mentions
29 % positive mentions
62 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of MapleStory is characterized by its vibrant 2D graphics and engaging mechanics, offering a mix of nostalgia and modern features. While many players find the core gameplay loop addictive and enjoyable, it is often criticized for being grind-heavy, repetitive, and heavily influenced by pay-to-win mechanics, particularly in higher levels. Despite these issues, the game maintains a strong community and a variety of classes, making it appealing to both new and returning players, especially on the reboot servers that aim to reduce monetization pressures.
- “The gameplay is incredibly engaging, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern mechanics.”
- “The game offers a vast and colorful world full of quirky characters, exciting quests, and a variety of engaging gameplay mechanics.”
- “The gameplay is still snappy and satisfying, so no complaints there.”
- “Clunky mechanics, janky hitboxes.”
- “The gameplay loop of just mobbing and bossing with high-end level 250+ stuff having super marginal gains in terms of power is the most boring.”
- “Gameplay is a nightmare because Nexon nerfs anything the players enjoy.”
graphics
361 mentions
36 % positive mentions
59 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The graphics of Maplestory are characterized by a charming and colorful 2D pixel art style that many players find nostalgic and appealing. While some reviews note that the visuals can appear dated or childish, they are often praised for their creativity and vibrancy, contributing to an enjoyable gaming experience. Overall, the game's aesthetics are a significant draw, with many players appreciating the unique art style and the variety of character designs and environments.
- “The art style is absolutely enchanting, with each area bursting with color and creativity.”
- “Charming graphics and art style: Maplestory's 2D side-scrolling graphics and adorable character designs create a visually appealing and nostalgic experience.”
- “The graphics are incredibly cute and inviting, and can't be matched by any other game out there.”
- “The graphics are so outdated that I half-expected a pixelated caveman to pop up and ask me if I've discovered fire yet.”
- “Controls were clumsy, graphics horrible, navigation of menus confusing.”
- “Within the first 15 minutes of downloading and playing this game not only was I confused with how to play it but I was disgusted by the terribly outdated graphics and options in the menu.”
music
271 mentions
52 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its nostalgic and captivating quality, often described as one of its standout features. Players appreciate the diverse and memorable soundtrack, which enhances the overall atmosphere and gameplay experience, making it enjoyable to grind while listening. Despite some criticisms regarding changes to the game, the music remains a beloved aspect that many players continue to cherish and reminisce about.
- “The music is, without question, one of the hallmark standouts of the game.”
- “The game has incredible music, definitely one of the most memorable soundtracks ever made in MMORPGs.”
- “The music is beautiful, and if you've played in the past, the nostalgia is going to hit hard.”
- “However, I do not recommend it anymore because they deleted all my characters for inactivity (all progress and cash items gone forever), the soundtracks changed, and the game has changed; I do not recognize it anymore.”
- “The music for new regions is still arguably awful.”
- “The techno reboot of the theme music is so cringe-worthy it needs to be banned.”
monetization
139 mentions
2 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
42 % negative mentions
The monetization practices in this game have drawn widespread criticism, with many players labeling it as a "cash grab" due to aggressive microtransactions and pay-to-win elements that overshadow gameplay. While some argue that cosmetic purchases are fair, the overall sentiment reflects disappointment in how monetization has compromised the game's integrity, leading to a fractured community and a focus on profit over player experience. Despite the option to play for free, many feel that significant investment is necessary to enjoy the game fully, making it feel predatory and exploitative.
- “While there are in-game purchases, they are not necessary to enjoy the game.”
- “The microtransactions in this game are bearable; they give little advantage to players and are mostly cosmetic.”
- “An extremely grindy game, with a lot of monetization options; however, with the reboot server, a lot of that becomes mitigated and you're able to have a good experience without spending money.”
- “The game's simplicity and charm have been overshadowed by an overwhelming amount of new systems, pay-to-win elements, and a focus on monetization.”
- “One of the most incredible updates in the longest time, butchered into a pay-to-win cash grab to line the company's pockets while they kill the game.”
- “Nexon’s overly aggressive monetization of this game makes EA and Bungie look like saints.”
stability
93 mentions
3 % positive mentions
-1 % neutral mentions
98 % negative mentions
The stability of Maplestory has been widely criticized, with players reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and performance issues that significantly hinder gameplay. Many users express frustration over the lack of communication from the developers regarding these persistent problems, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction and disappointment. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess" that requires extensive troubleshooting, making it challenging for both new and returning players to enjoy the experience fully.
- “The game runs great, and the design is creative.”
- “The stability of the game is impressive, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable experience.”
- “I haven't encountered any crashes or major bugs, which makes for a seamless gameplay.”
- “Game freezes and crashes like crazy.”
- “It's a buggy, crashy, pay-to-win piece of software with a horrible UI and UX.”
- “This is one of the worst coded games I have ever played; they don't remove the glitches, they just move them to an area where you cannot reach it.”
humor
60 mentions
98 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players finding it both nostalgic and entertaining, often highlighting the quirky characters, funny quests, and amusing interactions. Many reviews note that the game's lighthearted tone and comedic elements, such as humorous cutscenes and absurd situations, contribute to its charm, making it enjoyable despite some criticisms of its monetization practices. Overall, the humor is a significant draw for players, enhancing their gaming experience and providing a fun escape.
- “Funny nostalgic mushroom game is still fun decades later.”
- “If you like fun RPG games, this is for you! There are many classes to choose from, a catalog of fun quests, and funny costumes and pets.”
- “With multiple engaging storylines that vary in tone from hilarious to serious, events that are actually fun and useful, and some of the best character progression of any game, MapleStory truly delivers and doesn't stop.”
- “To truly hit endgame requires level 210, and basically everyone at that level has so many cash shop items it's not funny; this is the norm for MapleStory.”
optimization
51 mentions
8 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
41 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is widely criticized, with players reporting frequent crashes, lag, and poor performance even on high-end PCs. Many users note that the game engine is outdated and struggles to handle the demands of modern hardware, leading to excessive loading times and gameplay issues. While some improvements are anticipated with upcoming updates, the overall sentiment remains that the game is significantly unoptimized and frustrating to play.
- “If optimized right, you can get characters to level 130 and then use extreme growth potions, so you never have to touch them once they reach level 130.”
- “As of this review, it has a lot of optimizations (balance-wise), which is a huge bonus.”
- “Although I would love to see more investment towards the American server and even a revamp with Windows 10 optimization.”
- “The game engine is poorly optimized; it is strange that a 2D game requires such a strong PC.”
- “Terribly optimized and incredibly laggy.”
- “This game is just poorly optimized by nature.”
emotional
28 mentions
89 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
11 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game evokes a mix of nostalgia and heartbreak, with players expressing deep connections to its charming visuals and music, alongside frustrations over its monetization and repetitive storylines. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to create emotional rollercoasters, with some sharing personal stories of tears shed during gameplay, while others lament the changes and state of the game, feeling a sense of loss for what it once was. Overall, the emotional experience is described as both heartwarming and disheartening, reflecting a complex relationship with the game's evolution.
- “After 18 long and emotional hours, I knew the time between me and the maple world was over.”
- “Creates situations that will send you on emotional rollercoasters.”
- “I cried during my Mercedes story when I first started, and I have cried many times since then.”
- “The game has a boring story that you have to experience every time you start a new character.”
- “It's a good game until you encounter events and have to sit through the same tedious storylines every time you create a new avatar. If you skip the stories, you can't participate in the events.”
- “The emotional aspect is overshadowed by the repetitive and dull story arcs that make it hard to stay engaged.”
character development
9 mentions
67 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is characterized by charming and adorable designs, with a wide variety of classes that enhance the visual appeal and nostalgic experience. However, players note a lack of a coherent character development path, leading to a somewhat disorganized experience. While the graphics and art style are praised, some players feel that the character design could be improved and lacks clarity in representation.
- “I love the slow pace atmosphere, the character designs and different character classes.”
- “Character design is really good, skills look awesome.”
- “The visuals in-game are colorful and charming, with adorable character designs that show that timeless appeal.”
- “Create character... obviously no real character development path, it all looks rather messy and patched together. Some class sounds ear-piercingly loud (normalization!? It's not that hard), and I have no idea what the character would actually look like; these aren't exactly 1080p graphics.”
- “While the character design isn't that good, you may find yourself picking your first class based on what the designs look like. The classes are very extensive and well thought out, but the overall character development feels lacking.”
- “The character development feels disjointed and lacks a clear progression path, making it difficult to feel invested in the characters.”
atmosphere
9 mentions
56 % positive mentions
11 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its beautiful background art, top-tier music, and engaging character designs, creating a slow-paced and immersive experience. Players appreciate the nostalgic and social elements, particularly in areas like Ellin Forest and Ludibrium, although some feel that the overall gameplay may not match the quality of the atmosphere. The soundtrack is highlighted as a significant contributor to the game's ambiance, enhancing the enjoyment of various environments.
- “In my opinion, the atmosphere in this game might be its best feature.”
- “For the first time in almost 20 years of playing on and off, I got to enjoy the beautiful background art, the top-tier atmospheric music, and the many cute and easy-to-digest storylines this game has to offer.”
- “From the atmospheric chill of Ellinia's forests, to the cheeky toy-land of Ludibrium, to the epic rock songs playing for some of the bosses, there's plenty to enjoy in the soundtrack.”
- “Ye, I have a lot of good memories from this game and still come back to AFK and enjoy the atmosphere in Ellin Forest, but sadly I can't say it's a fun game to play.”
- “If you are an old player wanting to come back to reminisce about the old social atmosphere, it's most likely not worth it, but at least the music is good.”
- “That was when the very atmosphere of the game changed for the worse.”
replayability
6 mentions
50 % positive mentions
17 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability, with players able to create up to 40 characters, leading to extensive playtime ranging from 5 to 80 hours each. While it offers depth and caters to casual gamers, some competitive players feel a lack of motivation over time, especially if they miss limited-time events, which can diminish the game's overall appeal.
- “Replay value = 10/10, I'll never quit playing.”
- “Lots of replayability; in fact, the game encourages you to create 40 characters (a legion), which will take you between 5-80 hours each depending on your experience and resources.”
- “Good, laid-back MMORPG with lots of replay value and depth.”
- “It made it more playable for the casual side of the gaming community, but for players like me, who enjoy the serious and competitive nature of games, it has either become apathetic or I am unable to find motivation to play the game.”
- “However, the replay value is destitute and the more limited-time events you miss, the less the game feels worth playing.”