Nintendo News | Maple Story DS Online RPG Confirmed

Whilst the Nintendo DS does indeed have a free online component, so far developers have shied away from bringing a large-scale project to the world. However, now that is about to change. Although Maple Story has been talked about for a long time now, today it has been re-confirmed as coming to the Nintendo DS, courtesy of Korean gaming developer Nexon.

Details have emerged on the new game, highlighting that development started mid-2006, with an aim to release the final game in September 2007. It is being worked on by a specific team within Nexon, managed by Hyong-No Kim, the Managing Director of the company. They want to keep original feel of the massively popular online PC game, whilst also adding new elements that will appeal to the Nintendo DS market. Therefore, the game will now be portrayed as a side-scrolling action RPG and an avatar code system will be employed.

The plan is to adapt the PC version of Maple Story to this action RPG style, including the same variation of jobs and skills, as well as the battle system. In addition, via both local wireless and the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, there will be co-operation play for dungeon crawling. Other online inclusions are a PVP system, an online store, the ability to email, a ranking service and the community aspects that have helped make Maple Story a hit around the world.

On top of all that has already been mentioned, the original single player scenario will be included, which roughly equates to fifteen hours of play time. In Autumn, Maple Story DS will be released in Korea, with other territories following: Europe, US, Japan, Australia, as well as any other area that has seen the release of the DS. In other words, Nexon wants the whole world to play Maple Story DS!

Nexon's president, Jeun-Mo Gwon said:

"Maple Story, the well-known online game around the world, and Nintendo DS, which everyone wants, are meeting together, which is going to make a synergy effect."

It is thought that this statement represents the potential for further new titles in the future.

When September rolls around, Maple Story will be released in a special DS bundle, however the price is currently pending and whether or not this bundle is just specifically for the Korean market is unknown at the moment. In the meantime, be sure to check out some related images [ Click to Enlarge ], as well as the first promotional piece for the game below:

The first in-game shots can also be seen here: http://www.cubed3.com/screens/967/

Be sure to stick with Cubed3 for further updates...