Maple Story & Nintendo DSi Korean Combo

Nintendo and Nexon have confirmed that Maple Story is to launch alongside the DSi system in South Korea. Following on from the massive success of the Nintendo DS Lite, with over three million systems sold in three years, easily making it the most successful non-PC gaming platform on the market, Nintendo has decided to finally roll out the DSi on 15th April. Rather than make it a muted launch, though, considering what many would call the 'big guns' (Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver) already hit Korea late last year, Nintendo has reminded everyone about its deal with Nexon Corporation for the DS-exclusive edition of immensely popular MMORPG Maple Story, as well as launching it with a special, limited edition red version of the DSi that has small versions of the game's characters emblazoned around the external camera eye.

Whilst not online like its PC big brother, nor multiplayer, Maple Story DS will still link up with the PC edition via special codes that unlock virtual items in the PC game. For those interested mainly in this new DS version, though, here is what can be expected: an action RPG featuring based on the online edition of Maple Story that has been co-developed with Nintendo and requires players to work through a mysterious story with four types of hero - archers, thieves, warriors and wizards, each of which use different types of weapon and storyline, meaning there are four ways to play through the entire game. Nintendo and Nexon have tried to not only make this a long-lasting experience, but one that can also be easily accessible to all demographics.

What do you think about MMOs on the console? Do you think that that's every going to be a reality for Nexon? Only a couple of companies have tried to do it, and it's been okay for them.

Daniel Kim: ...Actually, for Nintendo, Maple Story DS is I think launching some time this spring, but that's a Korean version only, so we'll see. There's some projects that are in the R&D space for us right now, but for us here in the U.S. in North America, our focus is definitely on expanding our business in the PC space.

No plans to release MapleStory DS in the U.S. yet?

Daniel Kim: Not yet. Not yet.

Spending actual money and launching an actual DS game in Korea is a very risky venture financially.

Daniel Kim: Yeah. Actually, it's a joint venture with Nintendo. They really wanted to have a premiere title for the Korean market, and Maple Story, our IP, is one of the strongest. That's why they wanted to partner with us.

Is it disappointing that Maple Story DS not only is not online, but does not even feature any multiplayer content? Are gamers eager to see this released outside of Korea or has the wait been too long?