Free-To-Play 2D Side-Scrolling MMORPG WonderKing Returns, But Nostalgia Alone Cannot Save It

WonderKing has made a return, though not quite in the way longtime fans had hoped. The free-to-play 2D side-scrolling MMORPG, originally released in 2010, has been revived in 2025 with promises of modern visuals, smoother combat, and a fair, cosmetic-based monetization model. Pre-registration drew in a wave of nostalgic players like myself who fondly remembered its MapleStory-inspired gameplay and lighthearted charm. Unfortunately, the relaunch has stumbled right out of the gate, offering a disappointing experience that feels half-finished rather than reborn.

The original WonderKing was developed by Ryu&Soft and published in North America by Ignited Games. It featured four starter classes — Swordsman, Mage, Thief, and Scout (Archer) — with more advanced options available as players progressed through the levels. What made WonderKing stand out was its approachable design and whimsical art style. The game’s colorful world, straightforward questing, and sense of humor made it a relaxing alternative to other side-scrollers such as La Tale and Elsword. However, legal troubles, rampant hacking, and a lack of publisher support caused the game to shut down only a year later, leaving behind a devoted fanbase that always wished for its return.

That wish finally came true this year, but not in the way players expected. The 2025 revival of WonderKing was supposed to be the game’s second chance — a modernized, polished reimagining that would bring new life to a beloved classic. Unfortunately, the execution has been dreadful.

A Closed Beta test for the game recently went live, and anyone who has tried it can confirm the onslaught of technical issues that appear from the moment it launches. Fullscreen mode fails to function properly, resolution scaling is broken, and in-game text is almost unreadable across menus and dialogue boxes. The interface feels outdated and cluttered, with endless pop-ups interrupting gameplay and breaking immersion. It quickly becomes apparent that the new WonderKing lacks the level of care and testing required for a proper modern release.

Even more disappointing is the inclusion of an autoplay feature — something the original game never had. Instead of rewarding manual grinding and skill-based progression, the new version introduces an automation system that plays the game for you. This choice completely undermines the sense of accomplishment that made old-school MMORPGs so addictive. Rather than feeling like a revival of a classic PC game, WonderKing now feels like a rushed mobile port with idle-game mechanics that have no place in this genre. This single design decision is likely to alienate many returning players who came back expecting a faithful recreation of the WonderKing they once loved.

The gap between the developers’ promises and the actual product is enormous. Trailers and previews showcased remastered sprites, fluid combat, and quality-of-life improvements meant to bring the experience up to modern standards. Instead, players are greeted with poor optimization, low-resolution assets, and performance issues that make the game look and feel like an outdated emulator build. The sense of polish that was supposed to define this revival is entirely missing. It feels as if the developers recycled old files and assets from the original version and hastily patched them together under the guise of a remaster.

All hope is not entirely gone, but it is fading fast. Beneath the rough presentation and broken systems, traces of the original WonderKing’s charm remain. The approachable leveling, vibrant world, and cheerful music still hint at the fun that once captured players’ imaginations. However, those strengths are buried under layers of poor design choices and technical instability. Unless the developers take immediate action to overhaul the game, WonderKing’s comeback will likely end up as short-lived as its first run.

To win back its audience, the development team must address these problems quickly and decisively. Fixing the resolution and performance issues is an essential first step. Removing the autoplay system and returning to manual combat would restore the sense of player agency that defined the original. Most importantly, the developers should focus on recapturing the spirit of exploration and community that made WonderKing special fifteen years ago.

Unfortunately, the official release is scheduled for just one week from now, leaving very little time to correct these glaring problems. Given the current state of the beta, it is difficult to believe that the final version will differ significantly from what players are experiencing today.