Online World Atlas: Mabinogi -- Pt. 1, Overview
[Each day, Worlds in Motion will be taking a closer look at individual virtual worlds. We'll start with a nuts-and-bolts overview, then move on to an in-depth tour, to be followed up with a conclusion-- all with the aim of bringing you all the essential info and details on each world in the rapidly-developing virtual landscape.]
This week, our Online World Atlas looks at Mabinogi from Nexon. We previously covered Nexon's 2D MMO platformer Maple Story as part of our Atlas, and they've now brought their hugely successful "fantasy life" MMORPG Mabinogi to North America. Mabinogi originated in Korea in 2004, and is one of the key titles in the free-to-play marketplace -- we'll be taking a look at it over the coming days to see if its capable of competing with not only massively multiplayer games but social worlds, too.
Name: Mabinogi
Company: Nexon
Established: June 2004 (Korea); March 2008 (North America)
How it Works: Mabinogi requires download and installation of its own client, plus Direct X, and runs as an application. Navigation and gameplay are accomplished via mouse and keyboard input.
Overview: Mabinogi is (for the most part) a classic MMORPG, with players exploring dungeons, defeating monsters and purchasing weapons and armor. However, the title is also advertised as a way to "live your fantasy life" and diverges from many other MMORPGs by not featuring a class system. Players can level up in any skills, which include "life skills" such as fishing, cooking and playing instruments, and also age. Players are encouraged to go to school/take jobs, and to socialize by hanging out with other players around campfires.
Payment Method: Mabinogi is free to play, and earns revenue through microtransactions (prepaid Nexon Game Cards are available at retailers such as Target) and licensing.
Key Features:
- "Fantasy life" allows players to play Mabinogi non-violently
- Classless leveling system; characters age
- Large play area with multiple areas; continually updated through patches (referred to as "Generations" and "Chapters")
Useful Links:
Mabinogi World (fan site)
Mabinogi Player (fan site)
