MapleStory 2 (Korean: 메이플스토리 2; RR: Meipeul Seutori 2) is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online role-playing game, developed by NSquare in association with Nexon and NCSoft. MapleStory 2 was released on 7 July 2015 in Korea.[4] The game takes many of the features of the original game, MapleStory, and applies them to a 3D voxel-based environment. Most enemies, NPCs, and locations made a return in this sequel, although with several changes.
MapleStory 2 | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | NSquare |
Publisher(s) | Nexon |
Engine | Gamebryo[3] |
Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
Release | |
Genre(s) | Massively multiplayer online role-playing game |
Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
Gameplay
Unlike its predecessor, MapleStory 2 features third-person movement, and a "blocky look, similar to Minecraft" according to Polygon's Julia Lee.[5] The game contains features commonly seen in MMORPGs, such as a leveling system and customizable weapons and armour, but also a "Battle Royale" mode,[6] PVP arena and interior decoration minigame.[7] There were also a number of premium in-game currencies, called the Blue Meret and Meso Token respectively, which allowed players to buy unique equipment for their characters in the global servers.[8] The premium currency in the Korean version of the game is simply called the Meret (메럿).[9]
Release
After two closed betas for the global version were conducted, the first one from May 9 to 16[10] and the second one on July 18,[11] the game was released globally on October 10, 2018 as a premier event.[2]
The Japanese and global services were closed permanently on May 27, 2020.[12] An official archive page was set up by Nexon, with illustrations and concept art available for download for free.[13] The game's servers for China closed on 2 November 2022.[14] The game still continues its service in Korea.