This post was created as part of my Nexon PEAK activities.

I came back to MapleStory on July 2, 2020, and I’ve been playing it steadily ever since.

Over the past six years, there have been quite a few moments when I almost quit MapleStory. But the reason I still haven’t been able to let it go is...

What, to me, are MapleStory’s most charming points?

◆ MapleStory’s distinct 2D pixel outfit aesthetic

The biggest reason I can’t quit MapleStory is simple: outfit coordination. You really can’t find MapleStory’s distinct 2D pixel outfit aesthetic in other games. Especially since Coloring Prism and Boutique Gift were released, I’ve loved being able to dye all kinds of fashion items to match my own taste and create a wide variety of looks.

When I was young, I poured a lot of affection into the dolls I loved. Now, as an adult, I feel that same kind of attachment again when I dress up my MapleStory character. For me, MapleStory feels a little like doll play for adults.

◆ A game built for solo play

One thing I really appreciate about MapleStory is that party play is never forced. If a player wants to challenge bosses above their current specs, they can form a party and take them on that way. Players like me, though, who prefer solo play, can fight bosses that match our own specs alone. Beyond boss content, so many other parts of the game can also be enjoyed solo, and I think that’s one of the reasons I’ve stayed with MapleStory for so long. For players like me—people who prefer to avoid too much interaction or friction with others and just immerse themselves quietly on their own—there really isn’t a game quite like MapleStory. I hope it never loses that strength, and that this remains one of its defining qualities.

◆ MapleStory’s famous and beautiful BGM

MapleStory’s music is so good that plenty of people listen to it even if they don’t play MapleStory at all. Even during the periods when I wasn’t playing, I still listened to MapleStory music often... There’s something about it that puts me at ease and makes me want to come back. Maybe that’s why I returned to MapleStory and have kept playing until now 😅