It’s time to pull up your nostalgia glasses and hunt some Orange Mushrooms, as we head back to Maple World with MapleStory R: Evolution, an idle RPG that’s officially authorised from the original MapleStory IP. Suffice to say, MapleStory is a franchise that has taken the gaming community by storm ever since the original game’s release back in 2003, with its vibrant world, diverse character classes, and engaging gameplay loop.

With MapleStory R: Evolution being officially authorised from the original IP, fans of MapleStory are definitely in for a treat as you can expect those same iconic elements being present in this game. Features such as the original classes, maps like Henesys, nostalgic music like the melodic main menu theme, loveable monsters much like the slimes, and many more.

Much like the venerable IP, MapleStory R: Evolution adopts the classic colourful 2D side-scrolling visuals and now adds a flavourful twist in terms of its gameplay, which is being an idle game. Don’t let the name fool you though, there’s plenty to go around despite MapleStory R: Evolution being an idle game!

General Functions 

Before we dive into the meat of things, let’s go through some of the basic features that you can get from MapleStory R: Evolution. One of the main things that are worth noting is that MapleStory R: Evolution comes in 3 different language options, those being Traditional Chinese, English, and Thai.

To change between the languages, players will need to click on their profile icon located at the top left corner, then go to “Settings”, and under the Multiple languages setting click on the drop down bar to change between the languages. However, do note that you’ll need to download the necessary language pack before being able to change between them.

Another function that players might want to check out is the code redemption feature. Similar to the language option, the code activation feature can be found on the same page, but it’s located on the bottom section of the page, just above the “Settings” tab. Players will be able to redeem gift codes that are distributed by the game official in the future. Hope we get more goodies!

Iconic Classes

As previously mentioned, MapleStory R: Evolution will be featuring the classic character classes which are prevalent in the original MapleStory IP. Players can choose between 5 varying classes from Thief, Cannoneer, Bowman, Warrior, and Magician.

In similar fashion, each of these classes has its own distinct playstyle that carries its own pros and cons. You have your agile Thief class whose main weapons consist of darts, has high Damage Output and Survivability, but lacks at Controlling the enemy. On the opposite side, you have the Cannoneer class that uses cannons, excels at Controlling enemies but isn’t as survivable as the Thief class.

Then you have the Bowman that has the highest Damage Output among the other classes, but at the cost of being decent at everything else. Next on the list is the Warrior class, which is considered the tank role in MapleStory R: Evolution with the highest Survivability stat, but isn’t as mobile-friendly as the other classes. Last but not least would be the Magician class who wield powerful AOE magic that is good at clearing hordes of mobs, but they can be very frail.

Those are just the base classes that are available in MapleStory R: Evolution. Upon reaching level 46 and attaining a few other requisites such as having your Rage skill reaching level 3, and clearing Adventure Journey 3-5, players can then proceed to the first Job Change Test which requires you to clear through a challenge.

For those who are unfamiliar with this Job Change feature, it essentially means giving an upgrade to your current class and advancing to the next class specific job. An example being the Cannoneer class advancing to the Gunslinger class, giving you a boost in your stats and skills, as well as unlocking a new Rage Skill.

Casual Gameplay with Myriads of Game Modes  

MapleStory R: Evolution can be considered more of a casual game where a large majority of combat is hands-off, and letting the game run its own course as it’ll automatically move you around and use skills accordingly during combat, aside from casting your Rage Skill. This makes the overall process of playing MapleStory R: Evolution to be a very relaxing experience.

On top of the casual idle gameplay, the game offers players a treasure trove of resources from Coins, to Red Diamonds, to Pure Energy Stones used for enhancing your weapons, and much more. MapleStory R: Evolution is very generous when it comes to giving out players all sorts of useful materials that either indirectly strengthen your character such as skill upgrades, or equipment enhancement, or just straight up character exp which makes levelling up your character very easy.

Even when you’re not actively playing the game, MapleStory R: Evolution offers players an abundance of rewards. Players can claim a set of rewards that includes materials such as Totem Fragments, Light Blue Ores, and Time Energy, for when you’re either online or offline, meaning that you can even earn rewards without booting up the game!

Despite its casual looks, MapleStory R: Evolution has a surprising amount of content that players can go through. One of the most prominent content is the Adventure Journey which is essentially the main story content where you go through stage after stage and slowly uncover the story being told.

Another interesting gameplay that players could go through is the Dimension Trial, which are these unique levels that go through different locations in Maple World. In each Chapter of the Dimension Trail, players are required a specific material called Time Energy go access and it features an exploration type of gameplay where you can gain unique attributes that will only affect your character in the current chapters; such as “Strength” which boosts your character’s attack, or “Luck” which increases the success rate for certain events.

There’s also a ton of additional content players could play through from the “Battle” tab on the game’s main home screen. From assortments of Daily Battles such as “Adventure Training Field” where you can earn EXP and Light Blue Orbs, to “Challenge Monsters” where you can earn Skill Books and Materials to upgrade pets, to even PvP content like “Grand Arena” where you face off against other real players for Arena Honors and Red Diamonds as you rise the ranks in a Seasonal basis. However, do note that these Daily Battles have limited tries per day and will refresh daily.

And those are just the few game modes that players can enjoy and plenty of resources to earn. Suffice to say, there won’t be a lack of content for players to go through when playing MapleStory R: Evolution.

Pet System 

Another cool feature that MapleStory R: Evolution has is the Pet System, where players can own up to 7 adorable creatures to join in your journey. These little critters can be obtained through several methods such as the “Fox God Throne ” summoning that could either give you Pet Fragments which after collecting a number of them can be exchanged for a pet, or even a whole Pet together. However, to summon Pets, you’ll need a specific resource called Divine Moon Stone.

Having pets in your party will give you passive attributes and skill bonuses, with each pet above the SR rating having its unique skills. Much like equipment, Pets can also be levelled  up with either Candy, Drinks, or Cake which gives more stat bonuses the higher your pet level is.

Another cool feature with the Pets is that you can “Advance” your Pets and even “Evolving” them, which on top of giving them better stats, make them take on a new look too! To evolve your pets, all you need are extra copies of the pet you want to evolve, and at certain advancement levels, your pet will change forms.

Set off an Adventure with Friends

While MapleStory R: Evolution can be enjoyed by yourself, you can most definitely enjoy the game with friends as well. The game offers multiple ways for you to enjoy content with other players, such as through the Homeland system where you can invite friends to your customisable humble abode.

Alternatively, you’re able to get your friends to take on Boss fights, or even join “Adventure Team” which is the game’s equivalent of the Guild. Needless to say, there are plenty of options for players to go on adventures together when they feel tired of playing the game alone.

Adventure with Style

When it comes to games, one of my favorite aspects is being able to customize your character in terms of looks, and MapleStory R: Evolution is no stranger to that. Aside from being able to create your custom avatar, the game goes one step further by letting players equip all sorts of stylish costumes from the fashion system.

Accessed through the Fashion House via the “Collect” tab located at the bottom part of the main in-game menu, players can go through the abundance of in-game costumes that are available and be able to preview them on your character.

Not only will you make your character look as fabulous as they can be, but specific fashion items also carry bonus stats that can make your character stronger. Making your character slay in and out of combat.

Verdict

All in all, MapleStory R: Evolution is certainly a game to pick up if you’re either a veteran fan who grew up playing MapleStory, or someone who is looking for an in-depth yet casual game filled with a treasure trove of content.