Pokemon” redirects here. For the oncogene once called Pokemon, see Zbtb7.
"Pocket Monsters" redirects here. You may be looking for Monster in My Pocket.
Pokémon (ポケモン, Pokemon?, IPA: [ˈpoʊ.ke.mɑn]) is a media franchise owned by video game giant Nintendo and created by Satoshi Tajiri around 1995. Originally released as a pair of interlinkable Game Boy role-playing video games, Pokémon has since become the second most successful and lucrative video game-based media franchise in the world, falling only behind Nintendo's Mario series.[1] Pokémon properties have since been merchandised into anime, manga, trading cards, toys, books, and other media. The franchise celebrated its tenth anniversary on 27 February 2006, and as of 1 December 2006, cumulative sold units of the video games (including home console versions, such as the "Pikachu" Nintendo 64) have reached more than 155 million copies.[2]
The name Pokémon is the romanized contraction of the Japanese brand, "Pocket Monsters" (ポケットモンスター, Poketto Monsutā?),[3] as such contractions are very common in Japan. The term "Pokémon", in addition to referring to the Pokémon franchise itself, also collectively refers to the 493 fictional species that have made appearances in Pokémon media as of the recent release of the newest Pokémon role-playing games (RPGs) for the Nintendo DS, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Like the words deer and sheep, the singular and plural forms of the word "Pokémon" do not differ, nor does each individual species name; in short, it is grammatically correct to say both "one Pokémon" and "many Pokémon". Nintendo originally translated Poketto Monsutā literally, but a naming conflict with the Monster in My Pocket toy line caused Nintendo to rebrand the franchise as "Pokémon" in early 1996.[citation needed] The game's catchphrase in the Japanese language versions of the franchise is "ポケモンGETだぜ! (Pokémon Getto Daze! - Let's Get Pokémon!)"[citation needed]; in English language versions of the franchise, it was originally "Gotta catch 'em all!," although it is now no longer officially used except in the sidestory episodes airing under the name Pokémon Chronicles.
In November 2005, 4Kids Entertainment, which had managed the non-game related licensing of Pokémon, announced that it had agreed not to renew the Pokémon representation agreement. Pokémon USA Inc., a subsidiary of Japan's Pokémon Co., now oversees all Pokémon licensing outside of Asia.[4]
Contents[hide]
1 Collecting and playing
2 Video games
2.1 Generations
2.2 Game mechanics
2.2.1 Starter Pokémon
2.2.2 Pokédex
3 In other media
3.1 Anime series
3.2 CDs
3.3 Pokémon Trading Card Game
3.4 Manga
4 Criticism
4.1 Racism
4.2 Religion
4.3 Health
5 Cultural influence
6 See also
7 External links
8 References
//
Collecting and playing
The concept of the Pokémon universe, in both the video games and the general fictional world of Pokémon, stems from the hobby of insect collecting, a popular pastime which Pokémon executive director Satoshi Tajiri had enjoyed as a child.[5] Players of the games are designated as Pokémon Trainers, and the two general goals (in most Pokémon games) for such Trainers are: to complete the Pokédex by collecting all of the available Pokémon species found in the fictional region where that game takes place; and to train a team of powerful Pokémon from those they have caught to compete against teams owned by other Trainers, and eventually become the strongest Trainer, the Pokémon Master. These themes of collecting, training, and battling are present in almost every version of the Pokémon franchise, including the video games, the anime and manga series, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
In most incarnations of the fictional Pokémon universe, a Trainer that encounters a wild Pokémon is able to capture that Pokémon by throwing a specially designed, mass-producible tool called a Poké Ball at it. If the Pokémon is unable to escape the confines of the Poké Ball, that Pokémon is officially considered under the ownership of that Trainer, and it will obey whatever commands its new master and/or friend (depending on how that trainer treats Pokémon in general) issues to it from that point onward, unless the Trainer demonstrates enough of a lack of experience that the Pokémon would rather act on its own accord. Trainers can send out any of their Pokémon to wage non-lethal battles against Pokémon; if the opposing Pokémon is wild, the Trainer can capture that Pokémon with a Poké Ball, increasing his or her collection of creatures. (Pokémon already owned by other Trainers cannot be captured, except under special circumstances in certain games.) If a Pokémon fully defeats an opponent in battle so that the opponent is knocked out ("faints"), the winning Pokémon gains experience and may level up. When leveling up, the Pokémon's statistics ("stats") of battling aptitude increase, including Attack, Speed, and so on. From time to time the Pokémon may also learn new moves, which are techniques used in battle. In addition, many species of Pokémon possess the ability to undergo a form of metamorphosis and transform into a similar but stronger species of Pokémon, a process called evolution.
In the main series, each game's single-player mode requires the Trainer to raise a team of Pokémon to defeat many non-player character (NPC) Trainers and their Pokémon. Each game lays out a somewhat linear path through a specific region of the Pokémon world for the Trainer to journey through, completing events and battling opponents along the way. Each game features eight especially powerful Trainers, referred to as Gym Leaders, that the Trainer must each defeat in order to progress. As a reward, the Trainer receives a Gym Badge, and once all eight badges are collected, that Trainer is eligible to challenge the region's Pokémon League, where four immensely talented trainers (referred to collectively as the "Elite Four") challenge the Trainer to four Pokémon battles in succession. If the trainer can overcome this gauntlet, he or she must then challenge the Regional Champion, the master Trainer who had previously defeated the Elite Four. Any Trainer who wins this last battle becomes the new champion and gains the title of Pokémon Master.
Video games
Main article: Pokémon (video games)
Generations
The original Pokémon games were Japanese RPGs with an element of strategy, and were created by Satoshi Tajiri for the Game Boy. These role-playing games, and their sequels, remakes, and English language translations, are still considered the "main" Pokémon games, and the games which most fans of the series are referring to when they use the term "Pokémon games."
All of the licensed Pokémon properties overseen by The Pokémon Company are divided roughly by generation. These generations are roughly chronological divisions by release; every several years, when an official sequel in the main RPG series is released that features new Pokémon, characters, and gameplay concepts, that sequel is considered the start of a new generation of the franchise. The main games and their spin-offs, the anime, the manga, and the trading card game are all updated with the new Pokémon properties each time a new generation begins. The franchise is currently in its fourth generation.
A level 5 Bulbasaur involved in a battle with a level 5 Charmander in Pokémon Red and Blue.[6]
The Pokémon franchise started off in its first generation with its initial release of Pocket Monsters Aka and Midori ("Red" and "Green", respectively) for the Game Boy in Japan. When these games proved extremely popular, an enhanced Ao ("Blue") version was released sometime after, and the Ao version was reprogrammed as Pokémon Red and Blue for international release. The games launched in the United States on September 30, 1998. The original Aka and Midori versions were never released outside of Japan.[7] Afterwards, a further enhanced remake titled Pokémon Yellow was released to partially take advantage of the color palette of the Game Boy Color, as well as to feature more elements from the popular Pokémon anime. This first generation of games introduced the original 151 species of Pokémon (in National Pokédex order, encompassing all Pokémon from Bulbasaur to Mew), as well as the basic game concepts of capturing, training, battling, and trading Pokémon with both computer and human players. These versions of the games take place within the fictional Kanto region, though the name "Kanto" was not used until the second generation.
Screenshot of Pokémon Crystal, portraying a player's Level 18 Croconaw battling a Level 13 Snubbull.
The second generation of Pokémon began in 2000 with the release of Pokémon Gold and Silver for Game Boy Color. Like the previous generation, an enhanced remake titled Pokémon Crystal was later released. It introduced 100 new species of Pokémon (starting with Chikorita and ending with Celebi), for a total of 251 Pokémon to collect, train, and battle. The Pokémon mini was a handheld game console released in Decmeber 2001 in Japan and then later in 2002 in Europe and North Amemerica.
A Pokémon Emerald screenshot featuring an enemy Pupitar and Solrock fighting in a double battle against a player's Aggron and Smeargle.
Pokémon entered its third generation with the 2003 release of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire for Game Boy Advance and continued with the Game Boy Advance remakes of Pokémon Red and Blue, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, and an enhanced remake of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire titled Pokémon Emerald. The third generation introduced 135 new Pokémon (starting with Treecko and ending with Deoxys) for a total of 386 species. However, this generation also garnered some criticism for leaving out several gameplay features, including the day-and-night system introduced in the previous generation, and it was also the first installment that encouraged the player to collect merely a selected assortment of the total number of Pokémon rather than every existing species (202 out of 386 species are catchable in the Ruby and Sapphire versions).
In 2006, Japan began the fourth generation of the franchise with the release of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl for Nintendo DS. The fourth generation introduces another 107 new species of Pokémon (starting with Turtwig and ending with Arceus), bringing the current total of Pokémon species to 493. The Nintendo DS "touch screen" allows new features to the game such as cooking poffins with the stylus and using the "Pokétch". New gameplay concepts include a restructured move-classification system, online multiplayer trading and battling via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, the return (and expansion) of the second generation's day-and-night system, the expansion of the third generation's Pokémon Contests into "Super Contests," and the new region of Sinnoh, which has an underground component for multiplayer gameplay in addition to the main overworld. Currently, spin-off titles in the fourth generation include the Pokémon Stadium follow-up Pokémon Battle Revolution for Wii (which has Wi-Fi connectivity as well[8])
Game mechanics
Main article: Pokémon game mechanics
Starter Pokémon
One of the consistent aspects of the Pokémon games – spanning from Pokémon Red and Blue on the Nintendo Game Boy to the Nintendo DS game, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl – is the choice of one of three different Pokémon at the start of the player's adventures; these three are often labeled "starter Pokémon." Players can choose a Grass-type, a Fire-type, or a Water-type, Pokémon indigenous to that particular region, all of the pokemon are the colors of their types.[9] For example, in Pokemon Red and Blue, the player has the choice of starting with Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle. The exception to this rule is Pokémon Yellow (a remake of the original games that follows the story of the Pokémon anime), where players are given a Pikachu, an Electric-type mouse Pokémon, famous for being the mascot of the Pokémon media franchise; in this game, however, the three starter Pokémon from Red and Blue can be obtained during the quest by a single player, something that is not possible in any other installment of the franchise.[10]
Another consistent aspect is that the player's rival will always choose as his or her starter Pokémon the one that has a type advantage over the player's Pokémon. For instance, if the player picks grass-type Bulbasaur, the rival will always pick fire-type Charmander. Of course, the exception to this is again Pokémon Yellow, in which the rival picks an Eevee, but whether this Eevee evolves into Jolteon, Vaporeon, or Flareon is decided by when the player wins and loses to the rival.
Pokédex
Main article: Pokédex
The Pokédex is a fictional electronic device featured in the Pokémon video game and anime series. In the games, whenever a Pokémon is first captured, its data will be added to a player's Pokédex, but in the anime or manga, the Pokédex is a comprehensive electronic reference encyclopedia, usually referred to in order to deliver exposition. "Pokédex" is also used to refer to a list of Pokémon, usually a list of Pokémon by number.
In the video games, a Pokémon Trainer is issued a blank device at the start of their journey. A trainer must then attempt to fill the Pokédex by encountering and at least briefly obtaining each of the various different species of Pokémon. A player will receive the name and image of a Pokémon after encountering one that was not previously in the Pokédex, typically after battling said Pokémon, either in the wild or in a trainer battle (with the exceptions of link battles and tournament battles, such as in the Battle Frontier). In Pokemon Red and Blue, some Pokemon's data is added to the Pokedex simply by viewing the Pokemon, such as in the zoo outside of the Safari zone. Also, certain NPC characters may add to the Pokedex by explaining what a Pokemon looks like during conversation. More detailed information is available after the player obtains a member of the species, either through capturing the Pokémon in the wild, evolving a previously captured Pokémon, hatching a Pokémon egg (from the second generation onwards), or through a trade with another trainer (either an NPC or another player). This information includes height, weight, species type, and a short description of the Pokémon. Later versions of the Pokédex have more detailed information, like the size of a certain Pokémon compared to the player character, or Pokémon being sorted by their habitat (so far, the latter feature is only in the FireRed and LeafGreen versions). The GameCube games, Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD, have a Pokémon Digital Assistant (P★DA) which is similar to the Pokédex, but also tells what types are effective against a Pokémon and gives a description of its abilities.
In other media
Anime series
Main article: Pokémon (anime)
The main characters of the Advanced Generation anime. Humans from left to right: Brock, Ash, May and Max. Pokémon from left to right: Mudkip, Pikachu, Treecko and Torchic.
The Pokémon anime series and films are a meta-series of adventures separate from the canon that most of the Pokémon video games follow (with the exception of Pokémon Yellow, a game based on the anime storyline). The anime follows the quest of the main character, Ash Ketchum[11], a Pokémon Master in training, as he and a small group of friends[11] travel around the fictitious world of Pokémon along with their various Pokémon partners.
The original series, titled Pocket Monsters, or simply Pokémon in western countries (often referred to as Pokémon: Gotta Catch Em All to distinguish it from the later series), begins with Ash's first day as a Pokémon trainer. His first (and signature) Pokémon is a Pikachu, differing from the games, where only Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle could be chosen.[12] The series follows the storyline of the original games, Pokémon Red and Blue, in the region of Kanto. Accompanying Ash on his journeys are Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader, and Misty, the youngest of the Gym Leader sisters from Cerulean City.
Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands follows Ash's adventures in the Orange Islands, a place unique to the anime, and replaces Brock with Tracey Sketchit, an artist and "Pokémon watcher." The next series, based on the second generation of games, include Pokémon: Johto Journeys, Pokémon: Johto League Champions, and Pokémon: Master Quest, following the original trio of Ash, Brock, and Misty in the western Johto region.
Ash Ketchum and Pikachu together in the pilot episode, Pokémon, I Choose You!
The saga continues in Pokémon: Advanced, Pokémon: Advanced Challenge, and Pokémon: Advanced Battle, based on the third generation games. Ash and company travel to Hoenn, a southern region in the Pokémon World. Ash takes on the role of a teacher and mentor for a novice Pokémon trainer named May. Her brother Max accompanies them, and though he isn't a trainer, he knows large amounts of handy information. Brock (from the original series) soon catches up with Ash, but Misty has returned to Cerulean City to tend to her duties as a gym leader. (Misty, along with other recurring characters, appears in the spin-off series Pokémon Chronicles.) The Advanced Generation concludes with the Battle Frontier saga, based off the Emerald version and including aspects of FireRed and LeafGreen.
The most recent series is the Diamond and Pearl series, with Max leaving to pick his starter Pokémon, and May going to the Grand Festival in Johto. Ash, Brock and a new companion named Dawn travel through the region of Sinnoh. The series was released in the US in a special hour block on the 20th of April.
In addition to the TV series, nine Pokémon films have been made, with a tenth slated for release in Japan in July 2007.
CDs
One of the many Pokémon CDs to be released.
Pokémon CDs have been released in conjunction with the Pokémon anime. The tracks feature songs that have been shown in the English dubbed version of the anime. However, some CDs have been released to promote and profit the anime.
There have been many released CDs featuring tracks from various artists that have been shown in the anime.
Pokémon 2BA Master
Pokémon: The First Movie
Pokémon: The First Movie Original Motion Picture Score
Pokémon World
Pokémon The Movie 2000
Pokémon The Movie 2000 Original Motion Picture Score
Totally Pokémon
Pokémon 3: The Ultimate Soundtrack
Pokémon Christmas Bash
Pokémon X: Ten Years of Pokémon
Pokémon Trading Card Game
Main article: Pokémon Trading Card Game
Palkia, the Spatial Pokémon Trading Card Game card from Pokémon TCG Diamond and Pearl.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game is a collectible card game similar in goal to a Pokémon battle in the video game series. Players use Pokémon cards, with individual strengths and weaknesses, in an attempt to defeat their opponent by "knocking out" his or her Pokémon cards.[13]
The game was first published in North America by Wizards of the Coast in 1999.[14] However, with the release of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Game Boy Advance video games, Nintendo USA took back the card game from Wizards of the Coast and started publishing the cards themselves.[14]The Expedition expansion introduced the Pokémon-e Trading Card Game, the cards in which (for the most part) were compatible with the Nintendo e-Reader. Nintendo discontinued its production of e-Reader compatible cards with the release of EX FireRed & LeafGreen.
In 1998, Nintendo released a Game Boy Color version of the trading card game in Japan. It was also released in the US and Europe in 2000. This game included digital versions cards from the original set of cards and the first two expansions (Jungle and Fossil), but also included several cards exclusive to the game. A sequel to this game exists, but was not released outside of Japan.
Manga
Main article: Pokémon (manga)
There are various Pokémon manga series, four of which were released in English by Viz Communications, and seven of them released in English by Chuang Yi. The Manga is very much different than the Video Games and Cartoons in that the trainers though frowned upon were able to kill the opponent's Pokemon.
Manga released in English
The Electric Tale of Pikachu (a.k.a Dengeki Pikachu), a shōnen manga created by Toshihiro Ono. It was divided into four tankōbon, each given a separate title in the North American and English Singapore versions: The Electric Tale of Pikachu, Pikachu Shocks Back, Electric Pikachu Boogaloo, and Surf’s Up, Pikachu. The series is based loosely on the anime.
Pokémon Adventures, a shōnen manga based on the video games.
Magical Pokémon Journey (a.k.a. Pocket Monsters PiPiPi ★ Adventures), a shōjo manga
Pikachu Meets the Press (newspaper style comics, not released by Chuang Yi)
Ash & Pikachu (a.k.a. Satoshi to Pikachu, not released by Viz)
Pokémon Gold & Silver (not released by Viz)
Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire and Pokémon Pocket Monsters (not released by Viz)
Pokémon: Jirachi Wishmaker (not released by Viz)
Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys (not released by Viz)
Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (The third movie-to-comic adaptation.)
Manga not released in English
Pokémon Card ni Natta Wake (How I Became a Pokémon Card) by Kagemaru Himeno, an artist for the TCG. There are six volumes and each includes a special promotional card. The stories tell the tales of the art behind some of Himeno’s cards.
Pokémon Get aa ze! by Asada Miho
Pocket Monsters Chamo-Chamo ★ Pretty ♪ by Yumi Tsukirino, who also made Magical Pokémon Journey.
Pokémon Card Master
Pocket Monsters Emerald Chōsen!! Battle Frontier by Ihara Shigekatsu
Pocket Monsters Zensho by Satomi Nakamura
Criticism
Racism
The original black-skinned Jynx design and source of the controversy.
This original design of the Pokémon Jynx (seen to the right) bore a striking, but probably coincidental, resemblance to entertainers in blackface. A strong case can be made for Jynx being a parody of or homage to the Japanese Ganguro and Yamanba fashion trends, which were extremely popular when Pokémon was first released. Blackface-influenced characters have appeared elsewhere in anime and manga—examples can be found near the beginning of Osamu Tezuka's early graphic novel, Metropolis and also can be found with Dragon Ball Z's Mr. Popo.
As Pokémon became more popular in the United States, this perceived similarity to a racist image from the United States' past offended some. In particular, it offended children's book author Carole Boston Weatherford, who accused Jynx of being a racist stereotype in an article titled "Politically Incorrect Pokémon" in the magazine Black World Today, shortly after the anime episode Holiday Hi-Jynx aired.[citation needed] As a result, later episodes of the anime which feature Jynx were either banned or edited in the United States.
In 2002, in response to this controversy, Nintendo changed Jynx's face from black to purple and its hands from blue to purple in the video game series, a change which would be reflected in the anime three years later.[15]
Religion
Pokémon has been criticized by members of both the Christian and Jewish religions.
After the US release of Pokémon Yellow, a sudden widespread criticism of it passed through Christian congregations primarily by word-of-mouth. Some Christian groups in the United States believe Pokémon to be Satanic in origin. Claimed parallels between Pokémon and Satanism include the capturing and invoking of Pokémon to perform tasks, similar to demons; the concept of Pokémon "evolution," which denies some forms of biblical interpretation; and certain abilities of Pokémon, such as psychic or elemental powers, not stated to derive from God.[16]
In 2001, Saudi Arabia banned Pokémon games and cards, alleging that the franchise promoted Zionism.[17]
Health
Main article: Banned episodes of Pokémon
One frame of the scene that caused the seizures.
On December 16, 1997, more than 635 Japanese children were admitted to hospitals with convulsive epileptic seizures. It was determined that the seizures were caused by watching an episode of Pokémon, "Dennō Senshi Porygon," (most commonly translated "Electric Soldier Porygon", season 1, episode 38); as a result, this episode has not been aired since. In this particular episode, there were bright explosions with rapidly-alternating blue and red color patterns.[18] It was determined in subsequent research that these strobing light effects cause some individuals to have epileptic seizures, even if the person had no previous history of epilepsy. As a consequence, many publishers (including Nintendo) added warning labels to their video game products (or made pre-existing labels more prominent), warning that exposure to video games may trigger seizures in individuals vulnerable to photosensitive epilepsy.
This incident is the most common focus of Pokémon-related parodies in other media, and was lampooned by The Simpsons episode "Thirty Minutes over Tokyo"[19] and the South Park episode "Chinpokomon," among others.
Cultural influence
All Nippon Airways Boeing 747-400 in Pokemon livery.
A live action show called Pokémon Live! toured the United States in late 2000. It was based on the popular Pokémon anime, but had some continuity errors relating to it. In late 2002, it was scheduled to tour Europe, but was canceled for unknown reasons, possibly due to lack of interest. These problems may have occurred because Europe did not fully partake in the spreading culture of the Pokémon's influences, thus rendering Pokémon Live not as much of a "hit" as planned.
Pokémon, being a popular franchise, has undoubtedly left its mark on pop-culture. The Pokémon characters themselves have become pop-culture icons; examples include not one, but two different Pikachu balloons in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a Pokémon-styled Boeing 747-400, thousands of merchandise items, and a theme park in Nagoya, Japan in 2005 and Taipei in 2006. Pokémon also appeared on the cover of Time Magazine in 1999. The Comedy Central show Drawn Together has a character named Ling-Ling which is a direct parody of Pikachu. Several other shows such as ReBoot, The Simpsons, South Park and All Grown Up! have made references and spoofs of Pokémon, among other series. Pokémon was also featured on Vh1's I Love the '90s.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Duel masters guan xian loves it
Duel Masters (デュエルマスターズ Dyueru Masutāzu) is a franchise based on a manga, anime and a trading card game. The English-language version of the series made a three-episode preview premiere on Cartoon Network's Toonami block on February 27, 2004 (although it was somewhat edited for time.) The episodes then made their "official" premiere on April 13, 2004 on CN's Toonami spinoff block, the Saturday Video Entertainment System (also known as SVES or Saturday - the block is now canceled) with fewer edits as well as episodes 4 & 5. Toonami then moved to Saturdays and premiered the rest of the series from then on. "Season 2" premiered on March 26, 2005. Season 3 began production in September 2005. Duel Masters 2. 28th in America. Duel Masters often jokes about typical anime conventions, such as split-screens and a missing father-figure. Frequent references are made throughout the show to pop culture phenomenon, often at random. As such, they even recur as running gags during the course of the show. Another common form of humor found in the show is its breaking of the fourth wall. The characters will constantly say things like, "Looks like it's time for a fade-out,", "I hope the writers do better next week."," Why is the camera too close on my face?" or "You know, I like it when they use this scene." While the storyline is technically dramatic, most episodes are punctuated by a comedic storyline mixed in with the serious storyline. There are also various musical references: For example, when the main character, Shobu, attacks with a creature called Rocksaurer , he says "It's time to Rock'n Roll ." It also makes references to pop culture, such as when one of the characters, Kyoshiro Kokujo, says "I am dark...I am the night...I am Bat-oh wait, wrong show." Duel Masters also has promotional gimmicks which depart greatly from the traditional fantasy embraced in Magic: The Gathering.
The card game is made by Wizards of the Coast. (When importing the game from Japan, Wizards of the Coast bought the rights to the name Duel Masters from Reality Simulations, Inc. RSI ran a play-by-mail gladiator game called Duelmasters, now known as Duel II.)
The Duel Masters manga is written by Shigenobu Matsumoto, and is published by Shogakukan in CoroCoro Comic. It has not been licensed for the U.S. (although there has been an American created comic book by Dreamwave Productions. The first season and Japanese second season are loosely based on the manga.) And even Tokyopop has released a Cine-Manga Adaptation of the Duel Masters Anime. Since that, the manga published in Japan by Shogakukan will not be released in America by Viz (like with the Pokemon, Beyblade, and Megaman-NT Warrior Mangas), but it will be released by Tokyopop instead like the Cine-Manga. It will be the first of Shogakukan's manga, ever to not be released in America by Viz Media, but by Tokyopop instead (like with the new Digimon Next Manga originally published in Japan by Shueisha, which will be released in America by Tokyopop ever since that the original Digimon manga were published in America by Tokyopop, since that Tokyopop is the manga license and sponsers of Disney, and Digimon is a property of Disney in America, the Digimon Next manga will be licensed in America as "Disney's Digimon Next.")
Current English expansions are Base Set DM-01, Evo-Crushinators of Doom DM-02, Rampage of the Super Warriors DM-03, Shadowclash of Blinding might DM-04, Survivors of the Megapocalypse DM-05, Stomp-A-Trons of Invincible Wrath DM-06, Thundercharge of Ultra Destruction DM-07, Epic Dragons of Hyperchaos DM-08, Fatal Brood of Infinite Ruin DM-09, Shockwaves of The Shattered Rainbow DM-10, Blastoplosion of Gigantic Rage DM-11, and HybridCreatures of MegaChaos's release in December of 2006.
Contents[hide]
1 Plotline
2 Season Overview
3 Characters
4 Civilizations
5 Duel Masters Facts
6 Differences Between Japanese and U.S. Versions
7 See also
8 External links
//
[edit] Plotline
The anime is about a boy named Shobu Kirifuda who plays a game called "Duel Masters" (in the early manga, he plays Magic: The Gathering). In Shobu's world, the players can bring the monsters to life using a fictional martial art called "Kaijudo." Shobu aims to become a "Kaijudo Master" like his father, Shori Kirifuda.
[edit] Season Overview
The first season was produced by Plastic Cow Productions with a non-union voice cast.
The second season was done by Elastic Media Corporation. In the previous season, talking scenes could be shortened and lengthened in order to fit jokes, but for this season the jokes were forced to fit in with the mouth-flaps.
The third season (which Cartoon Network titled "2.0" in their schedule pages [1]) is done by Howling Cat Productions. It also became a union operation with this season, requiring a lot of re-casting.
[edit] Characters
Shobu Kirifuda (切札勝舞 Kirifuda Shōbu) - The show's protagonist. He aspires to become a great duelist like his father. Shobu keeps a positive attitude throughout the series, insisting on dueling for fun as opposed to simply winning. He's brave, strong, and true. He uses a Fire Civilization deck.
Shori Kirifuda (切札勝利 Kirifuda Shōri) - Shobu's father. He put the burning mojo of duelling in Shobu's blood.
Mai Kirifuda (切札舞 Kirifuda Mai) - Shobu's mother and Shori's wife.
Knight (ナイト; Naito) - Shobu's mysterious and soft-spoken mentor. His inner monologue is a source of much of the show's mature and subtle humor. Despite being Shobu's mentor, he is usually unable to assist his student in times of need due to either Shobu's stubborn attitude or Knight being unable to show up at the scene. Knight does not appear in the manga.
Rekuta Kadoka (角古れく太; Kadoka Rekuta) - One of Shobu's close friends. Even though he is an expert at the rules of "Duel Masters," he's a terrible duelist, often going without a single win during a tournament. He's often seen with his portable laptop to keep track of important duels. As a running joke, he is often accidentally knocked far into the air--in one (dub only) instance, he was sent flying into space (against a live-action backdrop) and crashed into a space station. He has almost every card ever released (since his father owns a card shop) but cannot correctly use the cards.
Sayuki Manaka - Another one of Shobu's close friends, she does not duel, but is always present to see Shobu's matches.
Mimi Tasogare (黄昏ミミ; Tasogare Mimi) - Another member of Shobu's posse. She appeared at first to be an inept duelist but was later revealed as the second of the Four Temple Guardian at the Junior Duelist Center and an expert player. Mimi is also an expert at martial arts and is incredibly smart and strong. She uses mostly a Nature Civilization deck.
Hakuoh (白凰 Hakuō) - As a child, he was a cheerful duelist like Shobu. Since then, Hakuoh has become a cold-hearted villain. Later in the series, he is defeated by Shobu and befriends him. He uses a Light Civilization deck.
White Soldiers - Hakuoh's dueling team. It's suppose to be the strongest in the world. They were shown on season 1.
Mikuni (later Johnny Coolburns) - The first of the Four Temple Guardians. He uses a Fire deck, and during his fight with Shobu he purposely copied everything he did in order to throw him off. He lost to Robby Rotten in season three, where his name mysteriously changed to Johnny Coolburns. It was later explained that this (and all other plotholes in the show) are due to alternate dimensions.
Gyujiroh / Benny Haha - The third of the Four Temple Guardians and Mimi's "twin brother" although in the Japanese version he's no relation to Mimi whatsoever and is known as Gyujiroh. He uses lies and cheating in his duels. He returns in Season 3 claiming he has changed, but he is still evil. He ends up dueling Hakuoh before their match in Duel Masters Battle Arena. Afterwards, he injured Hakuoh so he would be unable to duel him the next morning. He ended up dueling Shobu again and losing. He is also working with Yumama and were possibly going out. After he lost to Shobu, Yumama trapped him in a room with Boy George. They both escaped in the same episode. He uses a Water Civilization deck.
Aizen - The fourth of the Four Temple Guardians. He was defeated by Kyoshiro Kokujo before he can fight Shobu. He also lost to Hakuoh in Duel Masters Battle Arena.
Kintaro Nanba (難波金太郎; Nanba Kintarō) - Former gatekeeper of the Junior Duelist Center. He was fired from his job after losing to Shobu and became one of his friends. Nobody knows how old he is. He carries around a man-purse and an abacus. He lost to squishy Bucket Man in the finals.
Kyoshiro Kokujo (黒城凶死郎 Kokujō Kyōshirō) - A self-proclaimed "evil genius" throughout the series. Other characters make fun of his outlandishly styled long hair and all-black leather outfit. He defeated Mimi in the finals but lost to yumama before their official match. He uses a Darkness Civilization Deck. He became evil because people say he can not be a kaijudo master.
Master (マスター; Masutā) - Little is known about the leader of the evil temple (in the form of the Junior Duelist Center) except that he's always seen in a hooded robe and most of his face is never seen. He is the main antagonist of season one until Hakuoh was defeated.
Boy George (called simply "George", or "Jōji" (ジョージ) in Japan) - Boy George is a midget in a bear suit and is always seen sucking a pacifier. He rides around in a motor baby carriage and uses a Water Civilization deck. His English dub name is an obvious reference to Culture Club lead singer Boy George (one of the dub episodes is called "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me") in Season 3 he uses a Darkness, Water deck, he also withdraw's from the tournament after losing to Yumama.
Dr. Root (Dr. ルート; Dokutā Rūto) - Boy George's boss, mad scientist, and expert duelist. He has a deck of Survivor monsters.
P.L.O.O.P. - An evil organization that plot to use monsters from the Civilizations of the Creature World to take over Earth. This organization is seen only in the "second season" that was created for America.
Black Soldiers - A group of duelists that are the opposite form of Hakuoh's White Soldiers led by Robby Rotten.
Yumama - A mysterious girl who can duel and read a book at the same time. She has the ability to stand on the ceiling and is commonly seen reading her teen heart drop book, filled with 400 pages of pictures of "sassy" cute boys. She defeated Boy George and Yuki right before they were suppose to duel making her win instantly. Known as Yu Fua in the Japanese manga.
Extreme Bucketman - A short duelist who wears a bucket on his head. No one knows if Bucketman is male or female. Rekuta believes that the Bucketman is annoying. Bucketman defeated Kokujo before their official match. He lost to Yumama by surrendering.
[edit] Civilizations
Fire
The Fire Civilization is located in a volcanic and battle-torn land ruled by those with the most firepower. Dragonoid warriors fight for honor and glory. Armored dragons roam the skies. A race of intelligent robots called Armorloids roll, crawl and blast about seeking strategic advantage. Noble human soldiers suit up in massive weapons systems and take on all comers.
Races: Armored Dragons, Armored Wyverns, Armorloids, Dragonoids, Dune Geckos, Fire Birds, Humans, Machine Eaters, Melt Warriors, Rock Beasts, Volcano Dragons, and XenoParts.
Allies: Darkness, Nature
Enemies: Light, Water
Water
The Water Civilization hails from a network of sunken cyber cities. Massive leviathans patrol the depths engaging enemies at the flip of a fin. Chip-jacked liquid soldiers stand ready to pounce while their overlords use techno-guile and cunning to trap and manipulate their opponents.
Races: Cyber Clusters, Cyber Lords, Cyber Moons, Cyber Virii, Earth Eaters, Fish, Gel Fish, Leviathans, Liquid People, Merfolk, and Sea Hackers.
Allies: Darkness, Light
Enemies: Fire, Nature
Nature
The Nature Civilization is covered in a dense jungle.
Races: Balloon Mushrooms, Beast Folk, Colony Beetles, Earth Dragons, Giants, Giant Insects, Horned Beasts, Mystery Totems, Snow Faeries, Tree Folks, and Wild Veggies.
Allies: Fire, Light
Enemies: Darkness, Water
Light
The Light Civilization floats amongst the clouds in celestial citadels. The highly evolved citizens deploy an array of ultra tech guardians. Some of these look like spacecraft others appear to be angels of technology. All are enigmatic and powerful.
Races: Angel Commands, Berserkers, Gladiators, Guardians, Initiates, Light Bringers, Mecha del Sols, Mecha Thunders, Rainbow Phantoms, Soltroopers, and Starlight Trees.
Allies: Nature, Water
Enemies: Darkness, Fire
Darkness
The Darkness Civilization sprawls across a foul and poisoned landscape. Magic wielding demons command creepy, masked, undead minions. Nightmare creatures steal about with malicious designs and monstrous worms and slimes pursue unsuspecting quarry.
Races: Brain jackers, Chimeras, Dark Lords, Death Puppets, Demon Commands, Devil Masks, Ghosts, Hedrians, Living Deads, Mercenaries, Pandora's Boxes, Parasite Worms, and Zombie Dragons.
Also, there are monsters that belong to two or more civilizations.
[edit] Duel Masters Facts
This article contains a trivia section.The article could be improved by integrating relevant items into the main text and removing inappropriate items.This article has been tagged since July 2007.
"Kaijudo" originates from the word "kaijū", meaning monster, and "dō", or "the way." Therefore, "kaijūdō" means "the way of the monster."
The term "Kaijudo" is specific to North America. It is not used in Japan.
The name "Duel Masters" is often believed to be a pun on "Duel Monsters" (the name used in the second series anime and English manga for a card game (also known as Magic & Wizards - that name is a pun off of "Magic: The Gathering") in the Yu-Gi-Oh! manga and anime series.) It actually takes its name from Magic: The Gathering, which had Duel Masters as its codename early in development. Yu-Gi-Oh! is even briefly referred to, when Shobu speaks of "that one show with the Egyptian guy with spiky hair".
In the United Kingdom, Future Publishing publishes the Official Duel Masters Magazine.
The first English-language season of the TV series was produced by Plastic Cow Productions. The second season that was created for the American market was produced by Elastic Media Corp. The third season is being produced by Howling Cat Productions (featuring some of the former Saban Entertainment VA's, such as Brian Beacock, Philece Sampler, and Wendee Lee). In the UK, Duel Masters airs on Toonami and used to air on five. In the US, it airs on Cartoon Network.
The titles of the TCG expansion sets are named in parody of other TCGs with obtuse titles.
[edit] Differences Between Japanese and U.S. Versions
The "Sacred Lands"/"P.L.O.O.P." storyline is not based on the manga and was created specifically for the American market. The Japanese version has a separate second season entitled "Duel Masters Charge", which is based on more of the manga and features characters that do not appear in the American second season, including a character named "Great Baketsuman." It is unknown when or if the Japanese second season will air in America. If the Japanese second season were to be broadcast in America, it would have to be changed to accommodate the American second season. It is also unknown why a separate second season was created for America in the first place.
As a whole, the Japanese version is more serious than the American version, though it is quite silly itself. While the Japanese version seems to rely more on visual and situational humor, the American version tends to use much more verbal humor. Also, while the Japanese version is mostly a traditional card-game show with much humor, the American version is a flat-out parody of the genre. The American version has different music and sound effects than that of the original Japanese version.
[edit]
The card game is made by Wizards of the Coast. (When importing the game from Japan, Wizards of the Coast bought the rights to the name Duel Masters from Reality Simulations, Inc. RSI ran a play-by-mail gladiator game called Duelmasters, now known as Duel II.)
The Duel Masters manga is written by Shigenobu Matsumoto, and is published by Shogakukan in CoroCoro Comic. It has not been licensed for the U.S. (although there has been an American created comic book by Dreamwave Productions. The first season and Japanese second season are loosely based on the manga.) And even Tokyopop has released a Cine-Manga Adaptation of the Duel Masters Anime. Since that, the manga published in Japan by Shogakukan will not be released in America by Viz (like with the Pokemon, Beyblade, and Megaman-NT Warrior Mangas), but it will be released by Tokyopop instead like the Cine-Manga. It will be the first of Shogakukan's manga, ever to not be released in America by Viz Media, but by Tokyopop instead (like with the new Digimon Next Manga originally published in Japan by Shueisha, which will be released in America by Tokyopop ever since that the original Digimon manga were published in America by Tokyopop, since that Tokyopop is the manga license and sponsers of Disney, and Digimon is a property of Disney in America, the Digimon Next manga will be licensed in America as "Disney's Digimon Next.")
Current English expansions are Base Set DM-01, Evo-Crushinators of Doom DM-02, Rampage of the Super Warriors DM-03, Shadowclash of Blinding might DM-04, Survivors of the Megapocalypse DM-05, Stomp-A-Trons of Invincible Wrath DM-06, Thundercharge of Ultra Destruction DM-07, Epic Dragons of Hyperchaos DM-08, Fatal Brood of Infinite Ruin DM-09, Shockwaves of The Shattered Rainbow DM-10, Blastoplosion of Gigantic Rage DM-11, and HybridCreatures of MegaChaos's release in December of 2006.
Contents[hide]
1 Plotline
2 Season Overview
3 Characters
4 Civilizations
5 Duel Masters Facts
6 Differences Between Japanese and U.S. Versions
7 See also
8 External links
//
[edit] Plotline
The anime is about a boy named Shobu Kirifuda who plays a game called "Duel Masters" (in the early manga, he plays Magic: The Gathering). In Shobu's world, the players can bring the monsters to life using a fictional martial art called "Kaijudo." Shobu aims to become a "Kaijudo Master" like his father, Shori Kirifuda.
[edit] Season Overview
The first season was produced by Plastic Cow Productions with a non-union voice cast.
The second season was done by Elastic Media Corporation. In the previous season, talking scenes could be shortened and lengthened in order to fit jokes, but for this season the jokes were forced to fit in with the mouth-flaps.
The third season (which Cartoon Network titled "2.0" in their schedule pages [1]) is done by Howling Cat Productions. It also became a union operation with this season, requiring a lot of re-casting.
[edit] Characters
Shobu Kirifuda (切札勝舞 Kirifuda Shōbu) - The show's protagonist. He aspires to become a great duelist like his father. Shobu keeps a positive attitude throughout the series, insisting on dueling for fun as opposed to simply winning. He's brave, strong, and true. He uses a Fire Civilization deck.
Shori Kirifuda (切札勝利 Kirifuda Shōri) - Shobu's father. He put the burning mojo of duelling in Shobu's blood.
Mai Kirifuda (切札舞 Kirifuda Mai) - Shobu's mother and Shori's wife.
Knight (ナイト; Naito) - Shobu's mysterious and soft-spoken mentor. His inner monologue is a source of much of the show's mature and subtle humor. Despite being Shobu's mentor, he is usually unable to assist his student in times of need due to either Shobu's stubborn attitude or Knight being unable to show up at the scene. Knight does not appear in the manga.
Rekuta Kadoka (角古れく太; Kadoka Rekuta) - One of Shobu's close friends. Even though he is an expert at the rules of "Duel Masters," he's a terrible duelist, often going without a single win during a tournament. He's often seen with his portable laptop to keep track of important duels. As a running joke, he is often accidentally knocked far into the air--in one (dub only) instance, he was sent flying into space (against a live-action backdrop) and crashed into a space station. He has almost every card ever released (since his father owns a card shop) but cannot correctly use the cards.
Sayuki Manaka - Another one of Shobu's close friends, she does not duel, but is always present to see Shobu's matches.
Mimi Tasogare (黄昏ミミ; Tasogare Mimi) - Another member of Shobu's posse. She appeared at first to be an inept duelist but was later revealed as the second of the Four Temple Guardian at the Junior Duelist Center and an expert player. Mimi is also an expert at martial arts and is incredibly smart and strong. She uses mostly a Nature Civilization deck.
Hakuoh (白凰 Hakuō) - As a child, he was a cheerful duelist like Shobu. Since then, Hakuoh has become a cold-hearted villain. Later in the series, he is defeated by Shobu and befriends him. He uses a Light Civilization deck.
White Soldiers - Hakuoh's dueling team. It's suppose to be the strongest in the world. They were shown on season 1.
Mikuni (later Johnny Coolburns) - The first of the Four Temple Guardians. He uses a Fire deck, and during his fight with Shobu he purposely copied everything he did in order to throw him off. He lost to Robby Rotten in season three, where his name mysteriously changed to Johnny Coolburns. It was later explained that this (and all other plotholes in the show) are due to alternate dimensions.
Gyujiroh / Benny Haha - The third of the Four Temple Guardians and Mimi's "twin brother" although in the Japanese version he's no relation to Mimi whatsoever and is known as Gyujiroh. He uses lies and cheating in his duels. He returns in Season 3 claiming he has changed, but he is still evil. He ends up dueling Hakuoh before their match in Duel Masters Battle Arena. Afterwards, he injured Hakuoh so he would be unable to duel him the next morning. He ended up dueling Shobu again and losing. He is also working with Yumama and were possibly going out. After he lost to Shobu, Yumama trapped him in a room with Boy George. They both escaped in the same episode. He uses a Water Civilization deck.
Aizen - The fourth of the Four Temple Guardians. He was defeated by Kyoshiro Kokujo before he can fight Shobu. He also lost to Hakuoh in Duel Masters Battle Arena.
Kintaro Nanba (難波金太郎; Nanba Kintarō) - Former gatekeeper of the Junior Duelist Center. He was fired from his job after losing to Shobu and became one of his friends. Nobody knows how old he is. He carries around a man-purse and an abacus. He lost to squishy Bucket Man in the finals.
Kyoshiro Kokujo (黒城凶死郎 Kokujō Kyōshirō) - A self-proclaimed "evil genius" throughout the series. Other characters make fun of his outlandishly styled long hair and all-black leather outfit. He defeated Mimi in the finals but lost to yumama before their official match. He uses a Darkness Civilization Deck. He became evil because people say he can not be a kaijudo master.
Master (マスター; Masutā) - Little is known about the leader of the evil temple (in the form of the Junior Duelist Center) except that he's always seen in a hooded robe and most of his face is never seen. He is the main antagonist of season one until Hakuoh was defeated.
Boy George (called simply "George", or "Jōji" (ジョージ) in Japan) - Boy George is a midget in a bear suit and is always seen sucking a pacifier. He rides around in a motor baby carriage and uses a Water Civilization deck. His English dub name is an obvious reference to Culture Club lead singer Boy George (one of the dub episodes is called "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me") in Season 3 he uses a Darkness, Water deck, he also withdraw's from the tournament after losing to Yumama.
Dr. Root (Dr. ルート; Dokutā Rūto) - Boy George's boss, mad scientist, and expert duelist. He has a deck of Survivor monsters.
P.L.O.O.P. - An evil organization that plot to use monsters from the Civilizations of the Creature World to take over Earth. This organization is seen only in the "second season" that was created for America.
Black Soldiers - A group of duelists that are the opposite form of Hakuoh's White Soldiers led by Robby Rotten.
Yumama - A mysterious girl who can duel and read a book at the same time. She has the ability to stand on the ceiling and is commonly seen reading her teen heart drop book, filled with 400 pages of pictures of "sassy" cute boys. She defeated Boy George and Yuki right before they were suppose to duel making her win instantly. Known as Yu Fua in the Japanese manga.
Extreme Bucketman - A short duelist who wears a bucket on his head. No one knows if Bucketman is male or female. Rekuta believes that the Bucketman is annoying. Bucketman defeated Kokujo before their official match. He lost to Yumama by surrendering.
[edit] Civilizations
Fire
The Fire Civilization is located in a volcanic and battle-torn land ruled by those with the most firepower. Dragonoid warriors fight for honor and glory. Armored dragons roam the skies. A race of intelligent robots called Armorloids roll, crawl and blast about seeking strategic advantage. Noble human soldiers suit up in massive weapons systems and take on all comers.
Races: Armored Dragons, Armored Wyverns, Armorloids, Dragonoids, Dune Geckos, Fire Birds, Humans, Machine Eaters, Melt Warriors, Rock Beasts, Volcano Dragons, and XenoParts.
Allies: Darkness, Nature
Enemies: Light, Water
Water
The Water Civilization hails from a network of sunken cyber cities. Massive leviathans patrol the depths engaging enemies at the flip of a fin. Chip-jacked liquid soldiers stand ready to pounce while their overlords use techno-guile and cunning to trap and manipulate their opponents.
Races: Cyber Clusters, Cyber Lords, Cyber Moons, Cyber Virii, Earth Eaters, Fish, Gel Fish, Leviathans, Liquid People, Merfolk, and Sea Hackers.
Allies: Darkness, Light
Enemies: Fire, Nature
Nature
The Nature Civilization is covered in a dense jungle.
Races: Balloon Mushrooms, Beast Folk, Colony Beetles, Earth Dragons, Giants, Giant Insects, Horned Beasts, Mystery Totems, Snow Faeries, Tree Folks, and Wild Veggies.
Allies: Fire, Light
Enemies: Darkness, Water
Light
The Light Civilization floats amongst the clouds in celestial citadels. The highly evolved citizens deploy an array of ultra tech guardians. Some of these look like spacecraft others appear to be angels of technology. All are enigmatic and powerful.
Races: Angel Commands, Berserkers, Gladiators, Guardians, Initiates, Light Bringers, Mecha del Sols, Mecha Thunders, Rainbow Phantoms, Soltroopers, and Starlight Trees.
Allies: Nature, Water
Enemies: Darkness, Fire
Darkness
The Darkness Civilization sprawls across a foul and poisoned landscape. Magic wielding demons command creepy, masked, undead minions. Nightmare creatures steal about with malicious designs and monstrous worms and slimes pursue unsuspecting quarry.
Races: Brain jackers, Chimeras, Dark Lords, Death Puppets, Demon Commands, Devil Masks, Ghosts, Hedrians, Living Deads, Mercenaries, Pandora's Boxes, Parasite Worms, and Zombie Dragons.
Also, there are monsters that belong to two or more civilizations.
[edit] Duel Masters Facts
This article contains a trivia section.The article could be improved by integrating relevant items into the main text and removing inappropriate items.This article has been tagged since July 2007.
"Kaijudo" originates from the word "kaijū", meaning monster, and "dō", or "the way." Therefore, "kaijūdō" means "the way of the monster."
The term "Kaijudo" is specific to North America. It is not used in Japan.
The name "Duel Masters" is often believed to be a pun on "Duel Monsters" (the name used in the second series anime and English manga for a card game (also known as Magic & Wizards - that name is a pun off of "Magic: The Gathering") in the Yu-Gi-Oh! manga and anime series.) It actually takes its name from Magic: The Gathering, which had Duel Masters as its codename early in development. Yu-Gi-Oh! is even briefly referred to, when Shobu speaks of "that one show with the Egyptian guy with spiky hair".
In the United Kingdom, Future Publishing publishes the Official Duel Masters Magazine.
The first English-language season of the TV series was produced by Plastic Cow Productions. The second season that was created for the American market was produced by Elastic Media Corp. The third season is being produced by Howling Cat Productions (featuring some of the former Saban Entertainment VA's, such as Brian Beacock, Philece Sampler, and Wendee Lee). In the UK, Duel Masters airs on Toonami and used to air on five. In the US, it airs on Cartoon Network.
The titles of the TCG expansion sets are named in parody of other TCGs with obtuse titles.
[edit] Differences Between Japanese and U.S. Versions
The "Sacred Lands"/"P.L.O.O.P." storyline is not based on the manga and was created specifically for the American market. The Japanese version has a separate second season entitled "Duel Masters Charge", which is based on more of the manga and features characters that do not appear in the American second season, including a character named "Great Baketsuman." It is unknown when or if the Japanese second season will air in America. If the Japanese second season were to be broadcast in America, it would have to be changed to accommodate the American second season. It is also unknown why a separate second season was created for America in the first place.
As a whole, the Japanese version is more serious than the American version, though it is quite silly itself. While the Japanese version seems to rely more on visual and situational humor, the American version tends to use much more verbal humor. Also, while the Japanese version is mostly a traditional card-game show with much humor, the American version is a flat-out parody of the genre. The American version has different music and sound effects than that of the original Japanese version.
[edit]
MAPLESTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gameplay
A player engaging in the fighting element of the game.
Like most MMORPGs, gameplay centers on venturing into dungeons and combating monsters in real-time. The players combat monsters and complete quests, in the process acquiring in-game currency, called "Mesos", experience points (EXP), and various items. Players can kill monsters alone, or they can form a party with up to 5 other characters. Loot is shared based on relative damage and level of characters in the party, more awarded to higher-level members.
Characters advance in level by gaining a preset amount of EXP for each level. The current level limit is 200 and the maximum EXP is 2,121,276,323.[3]. Upon leveling up, players receive Ability Points (AP) and Skill Points (SP) to distribute among their abilities and skills. The increase in EXP needed for each level increases greatly over the course of the game.
MapleStory's 2D scrolling viewpoint more closely resembles a platformer rather than the typical 3D or top-down view of other games (such as Guild Wars or Mu Online). The controls for the game are executed using the computer keyboard and mouse. The keyboard is used for many game functions, and much of it can be re-arranged to suit users' needs. The mouse is mainly used to trigger NPCs, or Non-player characters, and manipulating items.
MapleStory characters exist in "worlds" or "servers". Players are allowed to create multiple characters in each world, although that number differs between versions. Each world, similar in content between each other in the same version, is split into at most twenty channels (nineteen for Global MS for bandwidth efficiency and a performance boost), among which characters are allowed to freely switch.[4] However, characters and their items cannot be transferred between worlds,[5] although there is limited functionality in transferring items between characters of the same world.
Character progression
Job Progression
First JobLevel 10
Second JobLevel 30
Third JobLevel 70
Fourth JobLevel 120
Beginner
Swordman
Fighter
Crusader
Hero
Page
White Knight
Paladin
Spearman
Dragon Knight
Dark Knight
Magician(Level 8)
Wizard (Fire/Poison)
Mage (Fire/Poison)
Arch Mage (Fire/Poison)
Wizard (Ice/Lightning)
Mage (Ice/Lightning)
Arch Mage (Ice/Lightning)
Cleric
Priest
Bishop
Archer
Hunter
Ranger
Bow Master
Crossbow Man
Sniper
Crossbow Master
Rogue
Assassin
Hermit
Night Lord
Bandit
Chief Bandit
Shadower
StrategyWiki has more information about MapleStory Jobs
New players are sent to Maple Island, a floating island specifically designed to be beginner-friendly. Unlike many other MMORPGs, players in MapleStory cannot choose a character class or job when they create the character. Rather, every character starts with the job Beginner until they meet the requirements to complete the first job advancement.
When a player creates a character, he or she is able to allocate ability points amongst four different abilities. In addition, the player is able to choose from a limited variety of faces, hairstyles, hair colors, skin colors, and initial equipment for their character. After the character's creation, the cosmetic aspects of these can be modified only through the quest "Beauty and the Beast" (MapleGlobal only) or purchase of special coupons from the Cash Shop.[6]
The character creation screen.
At either level eight or ten, depending on the desired class, the player can willingly choose to complete the first job advancement and acquire a new class as a "Swordman", "Magician", "Archer", or "Rogue".
Once a player reaches level 30, they are able to complete the second job advancement according to their current job. As with the first job advancement, the player is able to choose from two or three secondary professions based on their initial class choice. At level 70 and 120, characters can once again change their jobs. Unlike previous job advancements, the player is only able to progress in their current job to a new-named one(not for maple global yet). Each job advancement grants access to an increasingly powerful set of skills.
Dying
Dead characters are visually differentiated from living characters.
When a character's hit points reach zero, the character dies. This is depicted by a tombstone falling from the top of the screen, and the character transmuting into a floating, ghost-like body. The character is incapable of moving, but they retain the ability to speak and use facial expressions. Death will normally cost a character a percentage of EXP, depending on how much luck they have, but the EXP percentage cannot fall below zero percent. The beginner class players cannot lose EXP. Items such as the one-use Safety Charm (available from the Cash Shop) and the limited item from the Valentine's and Easter's quest can prevent EXP loss when the character dies. However, a safety charm only works once and disappears from the user's inventory after use. Players are notified upon death with a message box that contains an "OK" button and upon pressing, they are sent to the nearest town. Even if the button is not pressed after a period of time, the character will be automatically revived anyway. Upon returning to the nearest town, characters are revived with 50 HP, as well as the same amount of MP they possessed upon death.
Abilities
The character stats window, which allows allocation of Ability Points.
There are four types of abilities and two sub-types of abilities, with varying degrees of value, depending on character class. General effects of each stat do not depend on a character's class; however, damage will vary based on job, level, and the equipped weapon. Characters generally raise one main stat to increase their damage output, as well as one minor stat to meet the requirements to equip weapons and armor and/or increase the specialties that come with some of the abilities. These are raised using Ability Points (AP).[7]
Skills
Assassin's passive skill "Critical Throw" and supportive skills "Haste" and "Claw Booster".
Every character class has various skills in which to invest Skill Points (SP). As is typical with RPG skills and powers, a skill becomes increasingly powerful or helpful depending on the amount of SP invested in the skill. Each skill can be mapped to a specific button to simplify activation. As characters gain levels, more skills are unlocked. Some skills can only be unlocked when a certain prerequisite is met. Some high level skills also require items such as Magic Rock or Summoning Rock in order to activate the skill.
Guilds
Players can form Guilds[8] with other players. The purpose of a guild is to be able to find and chat with each other more easily, to bond with other players, and to make it easier when trying to complete a quest. Members have their guild's name listed under their character name along with the guild's emblem, if applicable.
Guilds can be created at Orbis for large amounts of Mesos. Additional upgrades to the guild such as a guild emblem and expanding the maximum amount of guild members will carry an additional fee. For each expansion, the cost is more.A guild emblem is an icon representing the guild.
Guilds have a customizable hierarchy of five ranks. The "Guild Master", who initially created the guild, has complete control over the guild. "Jr. Masters", appointed by the Guild Master, have limited control over the guild. Each guild member's rank, level, and job is displayed in the guild window. A special guild only quest called "Sharenian" is available. It is much like a party quest, but more difficult.
There are now guild forums known as the BBS in the Global and Taiwan versions.
Monsters
StrategyWiki has more information about MapleStory Monsters
The mid-level enemy Curse Eye
Killing monsters gives a player experience, mesos, items, or nothing at all. Any experience gained is automatically added to the player’s total experience, whereas the mesos and items are dropped at the location of the monsters' death; in order to obtain the mesos and items, the player is required to pick it up.
Like human-controlled characters, monsters have defense ratings against attacks. In addition, some monsters have elemental strengths and weaknesses making them more or less susceptible to specific elemental attacks. Nearly all monsters can damage the player simply through contact. Some monsters can use skills similar to the player's.
There are several boss monsters which can be found throughout the MapleStory world. Each boss is located at their respective map and do not appear at other maps beyond their bounds. Most boss monsters have special privileges such as high attack and HP, summoning abilities, and dispelling abilities. Spoils from bosses are also typically dominant over other similar items in the boss' level group. Bosses spawn less frequently than normal monsters. Monsters and boss monsters can also be summoned by monster bags which some monsters drop or by certain quests.
Quests
StrategyWiki has more information about MapleStory Quests
Quests are varying tasks that players may perform for NPCs in return for experience and possible rewards. There are over a hundred available quests,[9] each with varying prerequisites; most quests may require the player to have attained a certain level or to have completed another certain quest.[9] Most available quests require the player to retrieve a certain amount of spoils attained from monsters or to traverse an obstacle course. Some quests can be repeated, although the reward(s) and given EXP may be different from those attained during their first completion.
Accompaniments/Party Quests
Players attempting to find the correct barrel combination in the Kerning City accompaniment.
Although not listed as a quest, accompaniments are a special type of quest where a party of players must work together to complete several challenges. Although officially called "Accompaniments", they are commonly referred to as "Party Quests" or "PQs" interchangeably. Most of the seven PQs have their own level limits that every character in the party must be within to enter the quest.
Guild Quests
This is very similiar to party quests. It involves several more parties, all must be within the same guild. This quest requires jumping skills, party skills, solving puzzles, and teamwork.
Jump quests
Jump quests are a unique type of quest in which a character starts at one area of a map and uses timed jumps to get from one to another specific platform. The player attempts to avoid enemies and obstacles that can knock them off the platform. Enemies in the special jump quest areas are invincible (level 200) and often have different attacking power than the normal versions of these monsters. Jump quests typically require precise timing, and the reaped rewards are re-attainable. Mobility skills are disabled in Jump Quests, as are speed and jump boosts.
World
Map of Maple World
StrategyWiki has more information about MapleStory Towns
There are three main continents (Maple Island, Victoria Island, and Ossyria) common to all versions in the MapleStory world.
Maple Island is where every new player begins the game, and has short, tutorial quests. When a player leaves the island, they are unable to return to it (except in ChinaMS). A "world map", which displays all of the towns, is available for the island.
Victoria Island has six towns: Lith Harbor, Henesys, Ellinia, Perion, Kerning City, and Sleepywood. From Lith Harbor, one can travel to Florina Beach. From Henesys, you can access the town of Amoria. From Ellinia, one may take a flying ship to Ossyria. Victoria Island has a world map.
Ossyria also has six regions: El Nath Mts., Ludus Lake, Aqua Road, Minar Forest, Mu Lung Garden, and Nihal Desert, with eleven towns: Orbis, El Nath, Aquarium, Ludibrium, Omega Sector, Korean Folk Town, Leafre, Mu Lung, Herb Town, Ariant, and Magatia. Players first arrive in Ossyria at Orbis in the El Nath Mts. region. From Orbis, players can reach El Nath and the Aqua Road region by descending the Orbis Tower. A flying train from Orbis station can transport players to the Ludus Lake region (which is apparently separated from mainland Ossyria). From Ludibrium, Omega Sector can be reached by descending Eos Tower on the town's west side. Korean Folk Town can be reached by descending Helios Tower on Ludibrium's east side, or by traveling to the eastern end of Aqua Road. Orbis station also provides rides from a giant blue bird transporting players to the Minar Forest region, A giant crane transporting players from Orbis station to the Mu Lung Garden region. Mu Lung Garden can also be reached via a Dolphin Taxi NPC in Aquarium that transports players to Herb Town. A giant genie can also transport players from Orbis station to the Nihal Desert region.
World Tour regions can be reached by talking to Spinel the World Tour Guide NPC, located in almost every town in Victoria and Ossyria. The world tour consists of additional continents that are based off of real life countries. There are currently four world tour continents: Zipangu, China, Formosa, Siam[10]. with ten towns: Mushroom Shrine, Showa Town, Kaede Castle, Shanghai Wai-Tan, Yuyuan Garden, Ximending, Night Market, Taipei 101, Floating Market, and Peace Temple. There are currently no regional maps for any of the world tour continents. It is hinted that one new World Tour area will be coming soon: Singapore[11], which will be exclusive to MapleSEA.
Masteria is a new continent currently only available in GlobalMS. It is believed to be off the coast of Victoria Island[12], though there are currently no world maps or regional maps to show this. Currently there is only one town located on this continent: New Leaf City[13]
There are also two marriage areas called Peach Blossom Island and Amoria, each available in various versions. Happyville and Shalom Temple are event towns, and have limited availability, only accessible during a certain period. Premium Road is accessible only if the player is connected to the game from an Internet Cafe that has contracts with its local MapleStory version. Coke Town is a town with a Coca-Cola theme, only available in KoreaMS. These continents are not shown in any official MapleStory maps.
Items
Items can be acquired from monster drops, purchased from other characters or shops, or as rewards for completing a quest. In some versions of the game, items can be obtained through cash with the Gachapon system. Players buy gachapon tickets with cash and each of these tickets can be exchanged for a random item. Unnecessary items can be dropped (where they can be picked up by any other character), sold to any shop for a sum of meso, or sold/traded to other characters. Generally the stronger the monsters are the better the items they drop. Due to the time required to sell valuable items to other players as well as the quantity of items received, many players create a mule account to store excess items and act as a dedicated trading account. MapleStory has a virtual tax system.
Inventory
There are five different item categories in the game: Equipment (clothes, accessories, and weapons); Use (potions, scrolls and other consumables); Set-up (decorations); Etc. (monster drops, ores, and quest items); and Cash (items bought from the cash shop). In the inventory window, each category has its own section, each of which is only able to contain a limited amount of items; however, extra inventory space can be purchased in the Cash Shop. Extra inventory space is also awarded after certain job advancements.
Equipment can be upgraded by using item upgrade scrolls that give stat bonuses to equipment. Using a scroll on an item can only be attempted a limited number of times irrespective of the scroll's success or failure. The number of attempts varying with the item type. Scrolls have a certain percentage of success, and the lower the success percentage, the higher the stat gains provided by the scrolls. Scrolls can only be used when you have equipped the item that you wish to upgrade, but in KoreanMS, MapleSEA, and JapanMS, there is a new beginner skill that allows you to scroll an item without the need of equipping it.
Cash Shop
Since MapleStory is free, the developers of MapleStory introduced the Cash Shop to generate revenue. This is a virtual shop where players can buy items using real money, so called microtransactions[14]. The items sold in the Cash Shop include clothing items, appearance-changing coupons, pets, and usable items that provide special bonuses, such as a bonus in experience gain.[15] Most Cash Shop items expire after a certain period of time.
Players are able to try out the cash item before purchasing.
Pets, modeled after animals such as monkeys, dogs, cats, bunnies, pandas, and pigs, follow the owner around and can be equipped to pick up spoils dropped by enemies.[16]
In MapleSEA, in addition to credit card payment (through PayPal), it has also released Prepaid cards.[17] As for GlobalMS, Prepaid cash-value cards, or "Nexon Cards", are now released.[18]
The Nexon prepaid cash cards are currently available in all U.S.A. Target stores. They are in the Music Card Section.[19] In the patch before their release, an event quest named "Spot On" was added to introduce the partnership. Completing the quest involves talking to two NPCs who give information about the sale of cash cards. This quest has since been discontinued.
Some users are trading mesos for cash shop items. This is against the terms and conditions. Those who were caught doing so were given suspension to their accounts.
Free Market
The Free Market is a place set aside for people who wish to sell their items amongst other players. Miniature shops can be set up in this area in which people can browse their stock. Shop permits, required to set up a shop, are only available through the Cash Shop. There are two types of store permits: a standard store, which requires the presence of the player, and the mushroom house which does not require the presence of the player but requires additional cash shop money to use this feature. The mushroom house store is only available in time periods of 24 hours or one week. Conversely, the standard store lasts ninety days but only works with the presence of the user. One can meet with players located in other towns, provided the town contains a Free Market entrance. However, one cannot use the free market to travel between towns. There are entrances to the Free Market in many of the various towns, but not all. In MapleStory Global, a storage keeper named Scrooge was available in Free Market Entrance, making it much more convenient for players to access their mesos and items, but after the release of Maple T.V., Game Developers chose to put it where Scrooge was previously standing.
Unique gameplay features
Although a purely two-dimensional game lacking certain features found in other MMORPGs, MapleStory has features that distinguish it from other online games. For example, by pressing certain keys, a player can have their character temporarily display various emotions viewable by other players; some emotions showcase a confused expression, while another conveys happiness. Additional expressions can be purchased in the Cash Shop.
Fame
Fame is the designation for one of the statistics on a character's character sheet. Although publicized by the game's creators, fame serves little practical purpose besides fulfilling quest and some level 40 and above equip requirements. Once characters are at the minimum requirement of level 15, they are able to raise or lower the fame of any character once per day. A character cannot raise or lower the same character's fame more than once every thirty days. Some quests may award a player fame points and some may take them away too.
Minigames
StrategyWiki has more information about MapleStory Minigames
There are various minigames that one can play, both solo and multi-player: Omok, Match Cards, Pachinko, Gachapon, Rock Paper Scissors, and Fishing System.
Omok is the Korean cognate of the Japanese game "Gomoku". Omok is akin to tic-tac-toe. To win, a player needs to place 5 of their pieces in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line.
Match Cards is also known as "Concentration". Match Card games can be opened in grids of 3x4, 4x5, and 5x6 cards. The facedown side of the cards contains images of various monsters, which players take turns matching.
Players having a Maple Minigame (Match Cards 5x6).
Pachinko is a mini-game exclusive to JapanMS. Pachinko balls may be purchased in the Cash Shop and are required in order to play. The player must be in a Pachinko House to play the game. In order to win, one needs to get the Pachinko balls in a mushroom hole below a slot. Once it is in, the slot will start. If the player obtains a certain amount of balls, he or she may win in-game prizes.
Gachapon is a slots minigame, in which the player inserts a ticket and a random prize comes out. To play Gachapon, one must first purchase a Gachapon Ticket from the Cash Shop. The Gachapon machines are located in various towns.
Rock Paper Scissors is a one-player minigame based off the actual game, in which one plays against an NPC.
Fishing King currently available in TaiwanMS[20] and ThailandMS[21]. The player can complete a quest to obtain a diving suit before being send to a map that resembles an Aqua Road map to catch fish. Once a player has acquired a diving suit, the player may enter back to catch fish as many times as they want to.
Fishing System currently available in all versions except KoreaMS, GlobalMS and EuropeMS. You can buy cash shop items (fishing rod, fishing chair, etc.) and talk to a NPC in various towns to go fishing.
Marriage
Wedding photo of a married couple from MapleStory Global
Players may participate in in game marriages. Weddings occur at one of two special areas, based on the version played. Guests may be invited to the wedding, and the marrying couple will receive wedding rings.
The traditional Chinese marriage system that takes place at Peach Blossom Island is only available in ChinaMS, TaiwanMS, and MapleSEA. In order for the couple to enter the ceremony hall, players will need to don Western- or Chinese-style wedding outfits and a special ring purchased from the Cash Shop. After the ceremony, both players will receive a Diamond Ring as proof of the marriage.
Amoria is a town where marriage based activities occur. A marriage system based on western culture, is available in ThailandMS[22] and GlobalMS. It requires the completion of various quests, including receiving an engagement ring and the blessing of the parents (Cathedral weddings require blessings). Unlike other versions, players may attempt to make a variety of rings. Each of these rings carries various bonuses. If you buy a premium wedding ticket from the Cash Shop, you will be able to have a party after the ceremony. In Amoria Dungeon, players can fight exclusive monsters. Currently, the monsters found there include the Orange Mushroom, Blue Snail, Slime, and exclusive to these maps, the Sakura Cellion, Crystal Boar (GMS), and Indigo Eye (GMS).
Events
Players gathering in Lith Harbor waiting for a GM event to start.
On certain days, the Game Masters (also known as GMs) host special events in which any player is capable of participating, given their character is at a given map during the event time. All participants receive a trophy, and winners receive a random prize.
Users are notified of an upcoming event by a scrolling box at the top of the game screen. Events are known to bring an influx of players to the event's respective locations, which generally causes massive connection lag and sometimes even disconnections.[23]
Special events include Christmas tree events, wedding events, drawing events, and quest events; for example, players might be required to find an item and return it to the event quest NPC or GM.
Occasionally, certain versions of the game hold events that celebrate a certain event in real-life or an event specific to that version, such as a holiday or new server release.[24] During these events, certain aspects of the game are modified in celebration; for example, the experience rate or drop rate may be increased, or special items may be released.
Rankings
Ranking feature is available in certain versions of MapleStory. It keeps track of players that are performing well in the these divided categories: total ranking, job ranking, world ranking and fame ranking.
Ranking feature is available in the KoreaMS, Korean test serverMS, JapanMS, SeaMS and GlobalMS.
A player engaging in the fighting element of the game.
Like most MMORPGs, gameplay centers on venturing into dungeons and combating monsters in real-time. The players combat monsters and complete quests, in the process acquiring in-game currency, called "Mesos", experience points (EXP), and various items. Players can kill monsters alone, or they can form a party with up to 5 other characters. Loot is shared based on relative damage and level of characters in the party, more awarded to higher-level members.
Characters advance in level by gaining a preset amount of EXP for each level. The current level limit is 200 and the maximum EXP is 2,121,276,323.[3]. Upon leveling up, players receive Ability Points (AP) and Skill Points (SP) to distribute among their abilities and skills. The increase in EXP needed for each level increases greatly over the course of the game.
MapleStory's 2D scrolling viewpoint more closely resembles a platformer rather than the typical 3D or top-down view of other games (such as Guild Wars or Mu Online). The controls for the game are executed using the computer keyboard and mouse. The keyboard is used for many game functions, and much of it can be re-arranged to suit users' needs. The mouse is mainly used to trigger NPCs, or Non-player characters, and manipulating items.
MapleStory characters exist in "worlds" or "servers". Players are allowed to create multiple characters in each world, although that number differs between versions. Each world, similar in content between each other in the same version, is split into at most twenty channels (nineteen for Global MS for bandwidth efficiency and a performance boost), among which characters are allowed to freely switch.[4] However, characters and their items cannot be transferred between worlds,[5] although there is limited functionality in transferring items between characters of the same world.
Character progression
Job Progression
First JobLevel 10
Second JobLevel 30
Third JobLevel 70
Fourth JobLevel 120
Beginner
Swordman
Fighter
Crusader
Hero
Page
White Knight
Paladin
Spearman
Dragon Knight
Dark Knight
Magician(Level 8)
Wizard (Fire/Poison)
Mage (Fire/Poison)
Arch Mage (Fire/Poison)
Wizard (Ice/Lightning)
Mage (Ice/Lightning)
Arch Mage (Ice/Lightning)
Cleric
Priest
Bishop
Archer
Hunter
Ranger
Bow Master
Crossbow Man
Sniper
Crossbow Master
Rogue
Assassin
Hermit
Night Lord
Bandit
Chief Bandit
Shadower
StrategyWiki has more information about MapleStory Jobs
New players are sent to Maple Island, a floating island specifically designed to be beginner-friendly. Unlike many other MMORPGs, players in MapleStory cannot choose a character class or job when they create the character. Rather, every character starts with the job Beginner until they meet the requirements to complete the first job advancement.
When a player creates a character, he or she is able to allocate ability points amongst four different abilities. In addition, the player is able to choose from a limited variety of faces, hairstyles, hair colors, skin colors, and initial equipment for their character. After the character's creation, the cosmetic aspects of these can be modified only through the quest "Beauty and the Beast" (MapleGlobal only) or purchase of special coupons from the Cash Shop.[6]
The character creation screen.
At either level eight or ten, depending on the desired class, the player can willingly choose to complete the first job advancement and acquire a new class as a "Swordman", "Magician", "Archer", or "Rogue".
Once a player reaches level 30, they are able to complete the second job advancement according to their current job. As with the first job advancement, the player is able to choose from two or three secondary professions based on their initial class choice. At level 70 and 120, characters can once again change their jobs. Unlike previous job advancements, the player is only able to progress in their current job to a new-named one(not for maple global yet). Each job advancement grants access to an increasingly powerful set of skills.
Dying
Dead characters are visually differentiated from living characters.
When a character's hit points reach zero, the character dies. This is depicted by a tombstone falling from the top of the screen, and the character transmuting into a floating, ghost-like body. The character is incapable of moving, but they retain the ability to speak and use facial expressions. Death will normally cost a character a percentage of EXP, depending on how much luck they have, but the EXP percentage cannot fall below zero percent. The beginner class players cannot lose EXP. Items such as the one-use Safety Charm (available from the Cash Shop) and the limited item from the Valentine's and Easter's quest can prevent EXP loss when the character dies. However, a safety charm only works once and disappears from the user's inventory after use. Players are notified upon death with a message box that contains an "OK" button and upon pressing, they are sent to the nearest town. Even if the button is not pressed after a period of time, the character will be automatically revived anyway. Upon returning to the nearest town, characters are revived with 50 HP, as well as the same amount of MP they possessed upon death.
Abilities
The character stats window, which allows allocation of Ability Points.
There are four types of abilities and two sub-types of abilities, with varying degrees of value, depending on character class. General effects of each stat do not depend on a character's class; however, damage will vary based on job, level, and the equipped weapon. Characters generally raise one main stat to increase their damage output, as well as one minor stat to meet the requirements to equip weapons and armor and/or increase the specialties that come with some of the abilities. These are raised using Ability Points (AP).[7]
Skills
Assassin's passive skill "Critical Throw" and supportive skills "Haste" and "Claw Booster".
Every character class has various skills in which to invest Skill Points (SP). As is typical with RPG skills and powers, a skill becomes increasingly powerful or helpful depending on the amount of SP invested in the skill. Each skill can be mapped to a specific button to simplify activation. As characters gain levels, more skills are unlocked. Some skills can only be unlocked when a certain prerequisite is met. Some high level skills also require items such as Magic Rock or Summoning Rock in order to activate the skill.
Guilds
Players can form Guilds[8] with other players. The purpose of a guild is to be able to find and chat with each other more easily, to bond with other players, and to make it easier when trying to complete a quest. Members have their guild's name listed under their character name along with the guild's emblem, if applicable.
Guilds can be created at Orbis for large amounts of Mesos. Additional upgrades to the guild such as a guild emblem and expanding the maximum amount of guild members will carry an additional fee. For each expansion, the cost is more.A guild emblem is an icon representing the guild.
Guilds have a customizable hierarchy of five ranks. The "Guild Master", who initially created the guild, has complete control over the guild. "Jr. Masters", appointed by the Guild Master, have limited control over the guild. Each guild member's rank, level, and job is displayed in the guild window. A special guild only quest called "Sharenian" is available. It is much like a party quest, but more difficult.
There are now guild forums known as the BBS in the Global and Taiwan versions.
Monsters
StrategyWiki has more information about MapleStory Monsters
The mid-level enemy Curse Eye
Killing monsters gives a player experience, mesos, items, or nothing at all. Any experience gained is automatically added to the player’s total experience, whereas the mesos and items are dropped at the location of the monsters' death; in order to obtain the mesos and items, the player is required to pick it up.
Like human-controlled characters, monsters have defense ratings against attacks. In addition, some monsters have elemental strengths and weaknesses making them more or less susceptible to specific elemental attacks. Nearly all monsters can damage the player simply through contact. Some monsters can use skills similar to the player's.
There are several boss monsters which can be found throughout the MapleStory world. Each boss is located at their respective map and do not appear at other maps beyond their bounds. Most boss monsters have special privileges such as high attack and HP, summoning abilities, and dispelling abilities. Spoils from bosses are also typically dominant over other similar items in the boss' level group. Bosses spawn less frequently than normal monsters. Monsters and boss monsters can also be summoned by monster bags which some monsters drop or by certain quests.
Quests
StrategyWiki has more information about MapleStory Quests
Quests are varying tasks that players may perform for NPCs in return for experience and possible rewards. There are over a hundred available quests,[9] each with varying prerequisites; most quests may require the player to have attained a certain level or to have completed another certain quest.[9] Most available quests require the player to retrieve a certain amount of spoils attained from monsters or to traverse an obstacle course. Some quests can be repeated, although the reward(s) and given EXP may be different from those attained during their first completion.
Accompaniments/Party Quests
Players attempting to find the correct barrel combination in the Kerning City accompaniment.
Although not listed as a quest, accompaniments are a special type of quest where a party of players must work together to complete several challenges. Although officially called "Accompaniments", they are commonly referred to as "Party Quests" or "PQs" interchangeably. Most of the seven PQs have their own level limits that every character in the party must be within to enter the quest.
Guild Quests
This is very similiar to party quests. It involves several more parties, all must be within the same guild. This quest requires jumping skills, party skills, solving puzzles, and teamwork.
Jump quests
Jump quests are a unique type of quest in which a character starts at one area of a map and uses timed jumps to get from one to another specific platform. The player attempts to avoid enemies and obstacles that can knock them off the platform. Enemies in the special jump quest areas are invincible (level 200) and often have different attacking power than the normal versions of these monsters. Jump quests typically require precise timing, and the reaped rewards are re-attainable. Mobility skills are disabled in Jump Quests, as are speed and jump boosts.
World
Map of Maple World
StrategyWiki has more information about MapleStory Towns
There are three main continents (Maple Island, Victoria Island, and Ossyria) common to all versions in the MapleStory world.
Maple Island is where every new player begins the game, and has short, tutorial quests. When a player leaves the island, they are unable to return to it (except in ChinaMS). A "world map", which displays all of the towns, is available for the island.
Victoria Island has six towns: Lith Harbor, Henesys, Ellinia, Perion, Kerning City, and Sleepywood. From Lith Harbor, one can travel to Florina Beach. From Henesys, you can access the town of Amoria. From Ellinia, one may take a flying ship to Ossyria. Victoria Island has a world map.
Ossyria also has six regions: El Nath Mts., Ludus Lake, Aqua Road, Minar Forest, Mu Lung Garden, and Nihal Desert, with eleven towns: Orbis, El Nath, Aquarium, Ludibrium, Omega Sector, Korean Folk Town, Leafre, Mu Lung, Herb Town, Ariant, and Magatia. Players first arrive in Ossyria at Orbis in the El Nath Mts. region. From Orbis, players can reach El Nath and the Aqua Road region by descending the Orbis Tower. A flying train from Orbis station can transport players to the Ludus Lake region (which is apparently separated from mainland Ossyria). From Ludibrium, Omega Sector can be reached by descending Eos Tower on the town's west side. Korean Folk Town can be reached by descending Helios Tower on Ludibrium's east side, or by traveling to the eastern end of Aqua Road. Orbis station also provides rides from a giant blue bird transporting players to the Minar Forest region, A giant crane transporting players from Orbis station to the Mu Lung Garden region. Mu Lung Garden can also be reached via a Dolphin Taxi NPC in Aquarium that transports players to Herb Town. A giant genie can also transport players from Orbis station to the Nihal Desert region.
World Tour regions can be reached by talking to Spinel the World Tour Guide NPC, located in almost every town in Victoria and Ossyria. The world tour consists of additional continents that are based off of real life countries. There are currently four world tour continents: Zipangu, China, Formosa, Siam[10]. with ten towns: Mushroom Shrine, Showa Town, Kaede Castle, Shanghai Wai-Tan, Yuyuan Garden, Ximending, Night Market, Taipei 101, Floating Market, and Peace Temple. There are currently no regional maps for any of the world tour continents. It is hinted that one new World Tour area will be coming soon: Singapore[11], which will be exclusive to MapleSEA.
Masteria is a new continent currently only available in GlobalMS. It is believed to be off the coast of Victoria Island[12], though there are currently no world maps or regional maps to show this. Currently there is only one town located on this continent: New Leaf City[13]
There are also two marriage areas called Peach Blossom Island and Amoria, each available in various versions. Happyville and Shalom Temple are event towns, and have limited availability, only accessible during a certain period. Premium Road is accessible only if the player is connected to the game from an Internet Cafe that has contracts with its local MapleStory version. Coke Town is a town with a Coca-Cola theme, only available in KoreaMS. These continents are not shown in any official MapleStory maps.
Items
Items can be acquired from monster drops, purchased from other characters or shops, or as rewards for completing a quest. In some versions of the game, items can be obtained through cash with the Gachapon system. Players buy gachapon tickets with cash and each of these tickets can be exchanged for a random item. Unnecessary items can be dropped (where they can be picked up by any other character), sold to any shop for a sum of meso, or sold/traded to other characters. Generally the stronger the monsters are the better the items they drop. Due to the time required to sell valuable items to other players as well as the quantity of items received, many players create a mule account to store excess items and act as a dedicated trading account. MapleStory has a virtual tax system.
Inventory
There are five different item categories in the game: Equipment (clothes, accessories, and weapons); Use (potions, scrolls and other consumables); Set-up (decorations); Etc. (monster drops, ores, and quest items); and Cash (items bought from the cash shop). In the inventory window, each category has its own section, each of which is only able to contain a limited amount of items; however, extra inventory space can be purchased in the Cash Shop. Extra inventory space is also awarded after certain job advancements.
Equipment can be upgraded by using item upgrade scrolls that give stat bonuses to equipment. Using a scroll on an item can only be attempted a limited number of times irrespective of the scroll's success or failure. The number of attempts varying with the item type. Scrolls have a certain percentage of success, and the lower the success percentage, the higher the stat gains provided by the scrolls. Scrolls can only be used when you have equipped the item that you wish to upgrade, but in KoreanMS, MapleSEA, and JapanMS, there is a new beginner skill that allows you to scroll an item without the need of equipping it.
Cash Shop
Since MapleStory is free, the developers of MapleStory introduced the Cash Shop to generate revenue. This is a virtual shop where players can buy items using real money, so called microtransactions[14]. The items sold in the Cash Shop include clothing items, appearance-changing coupons, pets, and usable items that provide special bonuses, such as a bonus in experience gain.[15] Most Cash Shop items expire after a certain period of time.
Players are able to try out the cash item before purchasing.
Pets, modeled after animals such as monkeys, dogs, cats, bunnies, pandas, and pigs, follow the owner around and can be equipped to pick up spoils dropped by enemies.[16]
In MapleSEA, in addition to credit card payment (through PayPal), it has also released Prepaid cards.[17] As for GlobalMS, Prepaid cash-value cards, or "Nexon Cards", are now released.[18]
The Nexon prepaid cash cards are currently available in all U.S.A. Target stores. They are in the Music Card Section.[19] In the patch before their release, an event quest named "Spot On" was added to introduce the partnership. Completing the quest involves talking to two NPCs who give information about the sale of cash cards. This quest has since been discontinued.
Some users are trading mesos for cash shop items. This is against the terms and conditions. Those who were caught doing so were given suspension to their accounts.
Free Market
The Free Market is a place set aside for people who wish to sell their items amongst other players. Miniature shops can be set up in this area in which people can browse their stock. Shop permits, required to set up a shop, are only available through the Cash Shop. There are two types of store permits: a standard store, which requires the presence of the player, and the mushroom house which does not require the presence of the player but requires additional cash shop money to use this feature. The mushroom house store is only available in time periods of 24 hours or one week. Conversely, the standard store lasts ninety days but only works with the presence of the user. One can meet with players located in other towns, provided the town contains a Free Market entrance. However, one cannot use the free market to travel between towns. There are entrances to the Free Market in many of the various towns, but not all. In MapleStory Global, a storage keeper named Scrooge was available in Free Market Entrance, making it much more convenient for players to access their mesos and items, but after the release of Maple T.V., Game Developers chose to put it where Scrooge was previously standing.
Unique gameplay features
Although a purely two-dimensional game lacking certain features found in other MMORPGs, MapleStory has features that distinguish it from other online games. For example, by pressing certain keys, a player can have their character temporarily display various emotions viewable by other players; some emotions showcase a confused expression, while another conveys happiness. Additional expressions can be purchased in the Cash Shop.
Fame
Fame is the designation for one of the statistics on a character's character sheet. Although publicized by the game's creators, fame serves little practical purpose besides fulfilling quest and some level 40 and above equip requirements. Once characters are at the minimum requirement of level 15, they are able to raise or lower the fame of any character once per day. A character cannot raise or lower the same character's fame more than once every thirty days. Some quests may award a player fame points and some may take them away too.
Minigames
StrategyWiki has more information about MapleStory Minigames
There are various minigames that one can play, both solo and multi-player: Omok, Match Cards, Pachinko, Gachapon, Rock Paper Scissors, and Fishing System.
Omok is the Korean cognate of the Japanese game "Gomoku". Omok is akin to tic-tac-toe. To win, a player needs to place 5 of their pieces in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line.
Match Cards is also known as "Concentration". Match Card games can be opened in grids of 3x4, 4x5, and 5x6 cards. The facedown side of the cards contains images of various monsters, which players take turns matching.
Players having a Maple Minigame (Match Cards 5x6).
Pachinko is a mini-game exclusive to JapanMS. Pachinko balls may be purchased in the Cash Shop and are required in order to play. The player must be in a Pachinko House to play the game. In order to win, one needs to get the Pachinko balls in a mushroom hole below a slot. Once it is in, the slot will start. If the player obtains a certain amount of balls, he or she may win in-game prizes.
Gachapon is a slots minigame, in which the player inserts a ticket and a random prize comes out. To play Gachapon, one must first purchase a Gachapon Ticket from the Cash Shop. The Gachapon machines are located in various towns.
Rock Paper Scissors is a one-player minigame based off the actual game, in which one plays against an NPC.
Fishing King currently available in TaiwanMS[20] and ThailandMS[21]. The player can complete a quest to obtain a diving suit before being send to a map that resembles an Aqua Road map to catch fish. Once a player has acquired a diving suit, the player may enter back to catch fish as many times as they want to.
Fishing System currently available in all versions except KoreaMS, GlobalMS and EuropeMS. You can buy cash shop items (fishing rod, fishing chair, etc.) and talk to a NPC in various towns to go fishing.
Marriage
Wedding photo of a married couple from MapleStory Global
Players may participate in in game marriages. Weddings occur at one of two special areas, based on the version played. Guests may be invited to the wedding, and the marrying couple will receive wedding rings.
The traditional Chinese marriage system that takes place at Peach Blossom Island is only available in ChinaMS, TaiwanMS, and MapleSEA. In order for the couple to enter the ceremony hall, players will need to don Western- or Chinese-style wedding outfits and a special ring purchased from the Cash Shop. After the ceremony, both players will receive a Diamond Ring as proof of the marriage.
Amoria is a town where marriage based activities occur. A marriage system based on western culture, is available in ThailandMS[22] and GlobalMS. It requires the completion of various quests, including receiving an engagement ring and the blessing of the parents (Cathedral weddings require blessings). Unlike other versions, players may attempt to make a variety of rings. Each of these rings carries various bonuses. If you buy a premium wedding ticket from the Cash Shop, you will be able to have a party after the ceremony. In Amoria Dungeon, players can fight exclusive monsters. Currently, the monsters found there include the Orange Mushroom, Blue Snail, Slime, and exclusive to these maps, the Sakura Cellion, Crystal Boar (GMS), and Indigo Eye (GMS).
Events
Players gathering in Lith Harbor waiting for a GM event to start.
On certain days, the Game Masters (also known as GMs) host special events in which any player is capable of participating, given their character is at a given map during the event time. All participants receive a trophy, and winners receive a random prize.
Users are notified of an upcoming event by a scrolling box at the top of the game screen. Events are known to bring an influx of players to the event's respective locations, which generally causes massive connection lag and sometimes even disconnections.[23]
Special events include Christmas tree events, wedding events, drawing events, and quest events; for example, players might be required to find an item and return it to the event quest NPC or GM.
Occasionally, certain versions of the game hold events that celebrate a certain event in real-life or an event specific to that version, such as a holiday or new server release.[24] During these events, certain aspects of the game are modified in celebration; for example, the experience rate or drop rate may be increased, or special items may be released.
Rankings
Ranking feature is available in certain versions of MapleStory. It keeps track of players that are performing well in the these divided categories: total ranking, job ranking, world ranking and fame ranking.
Ranking feature is available in the KoreaMS, Korean test serverMS, JapanMS, SeaMS and GlobalMS.
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