Is MapleStory Enough To Make You Play An Idle Mobile Game?

I don’t know about you guys, but I generally dislike idle games. And I don’t even bother with mobile games anymore for the most part. That being said, I’m open-minded! Like, what if your favorite IP spat out an idle mobile game?

You see, Nexon is currently holding a playtest for MapleStory: Idle RPG — an upcoming MapleStory idle mobile game. It began on May 14, but access is limited to those in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Australia. Soon, we out here in the West will get the chance to check it out.

Players choose an Explorer class and watch them auto-hunt enemies, because it’s an idle game. You instead focus instead on upgrading stats, equipment, and abilities. There’s stat point distribution, weapon gacha, dungeon challenges, and a mastery system that rewards weapon collection. Passive and active skills are unlocked through leveling and job advancement, and there are several systems for enhancing gear, such as awakening, promotion, and starforce upgrades. Monetization is present via memberships, and there’s cosmetic options purchasable with premium currency.

I don’t know how fun MapleStory: Idle RPG will be but I’m a sucker for the MapleStory aesthetic and nostalgia is a hell of a drug. That love for MapleStory alone is enough to get me to try an idle mobile game. The thing is though, this isn’t the first spin-off MapleStory game.

Remember MapleStory 2 from 2015? It was a 3D MMORPG sequel with a blocky art style and sandbox-style gameplay. The game struggled to maintain a player base and officially shut down globally in 2020.

There was Pocket MapleStory too, which existed from 2014 to 2021. That was supposed to bring the MapleStory experience to smartphones. The game featured simplified mechanics and auto-battle. It was discontinued due to low player retention and limited support.

At least MapleStory M, a full-fledged mobile MMORPG that includes both real-time and auto-combat gameplay, is still going strong. Nexon recently dropped MapleStory N, which is MapleStory with crypto and NFTS, as well. And MapleStory Worlds — Roblox, but MapleStory — is off to a good start.

Maybe MapleStory: Idle RPG will scratch an itch that MapleStory fans currently have for an idle game that’s available on mobile? I just hope it’s not pay-to-win, and available on PC too!