Nexon America has announced the commercial launch of Mabinogi, their latest free to play MMORPG.

March 24, 2008 – LOS ANGELES – Nexon America Inc., the U.S. division of Asia’s leading online gaming company Nexon Group, presents the commercial launch for Mabinogi, its latest free-to-play, massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) on March 27. This follows its popular open beta and offers the first of many expansions to the Mabinogi world, including the first chapter of its epic storyline, known as Generation One: The Advent of Morrigan.

The commercial launch offers new items, fresh skills, and the chance for players to further enhance their gameplay experience. Players can initiate their own personal fantasy life by signing up for free at http://mabinogi.nexon.net.

“There is nothing out there quite like Mabinogi and the commercial launch is just the advent of what’s to come,” Nexon America President and CEO John H. Chi said. “Mabinogi dispels the negative connotations free-to-play games have had with North American players. From its unique combat system, to its rich gameplay variety and the way players can mature and develop an avatar in the game, there’s no question Mabinogi is the first game of its kind to pay such close attention to detail.”

With more than seven million players in Asia alone, gamers have been highly anticipating the North American launch. Finally, casual and core gamers alike have the opportunity to discover the world of Mabinogi. Without spending a dime, adventurers will find more dungeons with dangerous monsters. Players can equip avatars with innovative items, like kite shields and crossbows. Those who don’t want to fight will appreciate learning the latest skills – either through new skill books or practice. And if a player wants to take it easy but doesn’t have a nearby body of water, they can go fishing in Mabinogi.

With the commercial launch, users will have the option to purchase upgrades in the Nexon Cash Shop to enhance their world. Although these upgrades are by no means a necessity to improve or enjoy the game, they allow fans who choose, to customize their experience. One of the most popular features of the upgrade packages is the mainstream storyline, which advances through each generation of the game. Players must select one of three exclusive monthly services to participate in the storyline.

Other options at the Cash Shop include enhanced character creation features, and a Character card. This card allows players to rebirth a character and carry over skills. Avatars can even be reborn at a younger level, which will reset an avatar’s level and make it easier to gain ability points. The Character card also allows players to create a new character or change a character’s appearance. The premium character card gives players more customization features than the basic options.

These elements just augment the full experience Mabinogi offers gamers of all levels. The game’s well-respected combat system, incentive-driven time element and age component are paired with traditional MMO options to create a truly unique affair. In addition to these unique features, the social emphasis present in all Nexon Games position Mabinogi at a unique crossroads in the MMO landscape.

Read more about Mabinogi here.

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Pffft, no euros allowed.

Run and run hard, this game is a grind-fest cash-shop required game that tries to push itself as neither. The game is too realistic in some respects and comes off more like a Virtual Poverty Simulator more than an actual game. The severs are also loaded with Pedo's and jerks who wanna watch 10-year old avatars run around in their undies.

Nicely put the game stinks..don't even bother.

Max is just upset because he can't figure out the battle system.

if you want to avoid the grind, do a dungeon. With a leader who has party quests. If you do it with a leader that doesn't have party quests, you'll take twice as long to get rich and lots of experience. Party quests are largely ignored by the majority of players, because they don't know how useful they are. They seriously remove the grind.

If you are looking for something fresh, try the Mabinogi. Its battle system is really cool.

Originally posted by veterino

If you are looking for something fresh, try the Mabinogi. Its battle system is really cool.

Pftt...I'm not mad at the battle system..the whole game sucks.

My favorite game so far! 

I can see how some gamers wouldn't like this game because it is very different from most MMO's (which are all Wow clones, it seems). It's for a different type of gamer. Also Mabinogi is animeish with poorer graphics than the norm. 

Mabinogi is for artsy people and female gamers like myself who weren't satisfied with Wow and the rest. If you like creating things, Zelda-ish puzzles, Final Fantasyish story / music / community, and don't mind poorer graphics, Mabinogi is DEFINITELY worth a try. It combines the crafting of World of Warcraft with NPC reputation of Oblivion with a one-of-a-kind combat system that will become very addictive once you've figured it out. The dungeons change every time, like in Diablo, and the inventory is Diabloish, also. You can write your own theme music, and there are really good musicians with interesting, fresh tunes to surprise you. The community is mostly nice. Lots of group quests and grouping for dungeons. I've played it since closed beta and haven't gotten bored yet.

"Seven million play Mabinogi in Asia alone," the article said. According to wowinsider.com (1/22/08), only 5.5 million play World of Warcraft in Asia. THAT is saying something.

I am poor and don't plan to put any money into this game in the near future. But that isn't necessary for the fun. Mabinogi rules in my book. Of course, I'm a girl, so my book might be very different from yours.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I only get $4.40 a week, and I cant get working papers yet in the state I live in! How'm I supposed to do anything cool? UURRRRHHHHGGGGG

Once you get the battle system down it is quite cool. Can be a grinfest if you don't know what you are doing. The only thing that pisses me off is my item's durability. God you have to constantly re-buff and replace equipment and this keeps you perpetually poor.

Alas, it's still North-America only.