http://mabifiles.nexon.net/movies/openbeta/embed_movie/embed_video_4.swf

http://mabifiles.nexon.net/movies/openbeta/embed_movie/embed_video_3.swf

Don’t worry, I have them all. I just checked everyone. The comments got spread out through 2 posts so yeah…

Opening of game.

GRAPHICS

The beautiful grass lushly extends before your eyes as you take your first step into the wonderful world of Erinn, the name of the world the whole game takes place in, taking note of the pristine water as you observe your own reflection. You marvel at how huge this world in which you are now considered a resident of. It took four years, but the Nexon team has graced us with the gift of a polished jewel, localized straight from Korea.

Mabinogi begins with an incarnation of your character, completely customized by you. Although there are limitations of the way you can customize yourself at first, as you get more involved with the events and activities in Erinn, you are on your way to becoming an individual that stands out from most crowds. With the vast selections of clothing, the colors they come in, and accessories, you can feel assured that no two individuals look alike.

For those who love to watch anime, they are in for a treat; most of the graphics, disregarding the beautiful landscape, the wondrous effects of mystical magic spells, and the wondrous realistic weather, are anime-based. Non-player characters (NPC for short) come to life with detailed portraits, as if you were actually face to face with them.

GAMEPLAY

Mabinogi fulfills what it promises in the title: a Fantasy Life. It skillfully avoids the trap of being repetitive, one of the biggest flaws plaguing most Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPG for short) today.

For those familiar with Korean-made MMORPGs, at first glance, they may feel as if Mabinogi is “just another clone” of all the current games that are out, such as Flyff, Ragnarok Online, and an honorable mention, despite it not being of Korean origin, the browser-based game, Runescape.

These aforementioned games fell into the trap Mabinogi avoided. Instead of providing the player with a weapon and telling them: “Ok, you’re on your own. Kill stuff, get stronger, and get rich,” Mabinogi does something different. The problem/trap here is most free-to-play online games have a little thing called repetition.

The majority of most games involves combat in order to get stronger and develop your character properly. The experience received from combat is commonly referred to as experience points. And getting enough experience points will allow your character to grow stronger. This is usually measured by “level”.

An easy way to view this is to imagine a cup. Now imagine that water is being poured into the cup. The water is the experience points flowing into the cup. You are not allowed to drink the cup until it is full. When the cup is filled up, you empty the cup in whatever way you wish, preferably via drinking. Congratulations, you have simulated gaining a level in a role-playing game. Now you must use a slightly bigger cup and repeat the process. This cycle will continue on for a long while.

So basically, the stronger you are, the more experience points you need to gain a level.

While this system of getting stronger in a game is commonly used in MMORPGs, the true problem lies in the battle system of these MMORPGs. Most of these MMORPGs have a tendency to use the same exact battle system with a few minor adjustments to make it seem “unique”.

The battle system in most games usually relies on the player clicking on an appropriate target, and the character does most of the fighting for the player. The only interaction required in this system is pushing certain keys on the keyboard (we’ll refer to them as shortcuts) to speed up the process. The player may need to adjust their shortcuts for different targets, but they are basically still doing the same thing.

To simulate such a process, imagine that you are working in a restaurant. Your job is to wash the dishes left by the customers. You wash a dish with barely any leftovers, as the restaurant you are working for is reputed for its great food. Because of how great the food is, you keep washing the same types of dishes over and over. However, of the dishes may have a lot of leftovers. You would have to empty out the leftovers into the trash before you wash the dish, but you still repeat the process as soon as you empty the leftovers as if the plate came to you clean.

You have just simulated how repetitive the battle system can get in most MMORPGs; although there may be times where the battle system goes into an interesting twist, ultimately you are doing the same thing over and over.

Mabinogi brings us a battle system that rewards careful planning and strategy. Every one of your attacks and stances that you use while fighting matter a lot. Rushing into a battle expecting to win will only get you defeated due to your lack of experience, as indicated by the level 40 player near my character dying to a level 1 monster.

The strategy required in this system resembles a rock-paper-scissors game, only with many more things than just rocks, papers, and scissors. Study your opponent’s moves and act accordingly into their blind spots and triumph over them, or they will triumph over you first.

Needless to say, this battle system may overwhelm newcomers at first, and may get frustrating. They have no idea what they should be doing, and will be dying a lot. That is normal.

As they always say, practice makes perfect.

It took me about 4 weeks to get used to the battle system, and now I’m playing like one of the pros. There’s no pressure involved when you learn.

A common problem with online games is latency.

You’re playing an online shooter game like Counter-Strike and all of a sudden, your screen freezes while you are fighting someone. One second later you are suddenly dead because the other person wasn’t lagging like you are and had an advantage over you.

Similar things happen in Mabinogi. Your character is standing there for one moment and you think nothing bad is going to happen, but your game really just froze for a few seconds. And all of a sudden your character is dead because of the three second advantage your opponent had over you.

Regardless, lag will always happen in games.

For the ones that just can’t let go of the way they play in aforementioned MMORPGs, or are just new to these games in general, Mabinogi offers the option to simulate the dish-washing repetition offered in these MMORPGs with its automated combat system.

A short video of how the battle system works.

Another common trap MMORPGs fall into is the lack of things to do, to get anywhere. In most MMORPGs, the only way to progress in these games is to kill anything that moves. Because of how repetitive dish washing can get, only the truly diligent players can achieve greatness in these games.

Mabinogi avoids this trap as well. Rather than giving the player only one thing to do, it lets the player decide on what they should do. They can do simple part-jobs for money and experience points rather than just kill stuff. They may then use the money to invest in many things. They may become a farmer and supply others to make even more money; tailor clothes and become a salesman; create weapons and sell to adventurers, and so on.

With so many things to do, the gaming experience easily stays fresh. If you’re bored with doing one thing, try something else!

The one that stands out is playing music; players can use an outside program to produce songs in MML (Music Markup Language), the basis of how midi files work. This game is the perfect chance for those prospering musicians; they may create their own original song and have it evaluated by other players; their audience.

Mabinogi draws in many players with this premise of gameplay; even casual players. This game is easy to pick up, and easy to put down. There are many activities in Erinn do not require an extensive time investment; you could just log on, do one or two part-time jobs, and stop playing right there to go on to do other things. Congratulations! You’re accomplished something in a small time-frame!

Music system in action.

SOUND

The game seeks to immerse its player even further into its world with simple, yet satisfying to listen to sounds. When you receive your first reward from a part-time job or a quest, you feel as though you have accomplished something. When you hear the sound of a critical hit with your weapon landing on an opponent, you can feel the power at your hands. When you have successfully defended against an attack, the convincing sound of your shield taking the blow for you makes you feel as if you were in battle as well.

The soundtrack is very well-crafted. As you step into the town of Tir Chonaill (it is your character’s town of birth), the music welcomes you to its humble hospitality like a caring mother. As you transverse the deep reaches of a dungeon listening to the dark tempo accompanying it, you feel as though you are really in the dungeon.

With such variety in music, you can be assured that you won’t be sick of the music as you near your first ten-hour mark in playing this game, despite the few hit-and-miss tracks that can drive people crazy.

Every NPC has their own theme too, distinguishing them from the rest. From the upbeat tempo of the Bookstore lady’s song to the humble tone of the Blacksmith, you can really feel like you can know each NPC better.

STORY

Unlike most MMORPGs where every house, object, living being is simply there to help the player progress and get stronger, Mabinogi carefully fleshes out a back-story for just everything in the world of Erinn.

Yes, that Giant Spider that tries to eat you as you attempt to explore dungeons has a story behind it too.

For those seeking to learn more about the history of Erinn, a challenging but rewarding mainstream quest (basically, a set of missions to explore the story and learn more about the game’s setting) is out there for people to tackle. The deep story encourages players to overcome these challenges to sell if they can be called a true citizen of Erinn.

Despite the steep learning curve of the battle system, lackluster customer service, and somewhat rude community, this game is a jewel that deserves to be looked at.

I am currently approaching the two-hundred hour mark, and I haven’t even scratched the surface of what this game has to offer.

Did I mention that this game is completely free?

Go download it right now and try it for yourself.

This game takes a little while to get used to, but you will soon be able to call yourself a resident of Erinn, just like I am.

mabinogi.nexon.net <<< Go here to download it. Be warned, this version of the game is for North America only.

I’ve been out of it for the last few days.

I haven’t noticed the email saying that the discovery-draft needed to be paired together with the progress report though I probably should’ve done that anyways.

I can’t think anymore.

I’m not sure if I even did anything on this paper.

121-on6

121-on1

I have to say, this may be my best discovery draft yet. And that’s saying something. I used the critical review paper to aid me in writing the paper.
I anticipate many flaws though. Like I think I got carried away after the first paragraph and went into my informative tone again.

Thank you for pointing them out in advance.

Now, back to Mabinogi.

DADADADUNNN! You got: Mario’s Hat. It kind of smells inside.

Mario: HEY! GIVE ME THAT!

Mario snatched the hat from Link’s hands.

Kirby: That was a pretty fun fight. And we even got your hat back.

Mario: Thank you so much you guys. You’ve all been very helpful, unlike my useless brother of mines. He’s always there snuggling with that girlfriend with his and not paying attention to anything else.

Link felt mentally stabbed but nodded to Mario along with Kirby.

Link: Pleased to help.

Kirby: Ditto. Also, who is your brother?

Mario: His name is Luigi.

Kirby and Link jumped at that name.

Link: Luigi? You mean the man in green?

Kirby: I’ve heard great stories back in my homeplanet about him. I can’t believe you’re his brother!

Mario collapses to the ground in a similar fashion that people fall over in anime.

What?! Mario thought to himself. Luigi is more popular to them?

Kirby: Mario, are you OK?

Link: I bet the wind blew him over.

Kirby: Can’t be. He’s way too chubby for the wind.

Kirby and Link snicker at the comment.

Mario caught this and jumps up very high into the air towards Kirby.

Kirby and Link stare in disbelief.

Mario: HOW DARE YOU CALL ME FAT?!

Mario was approaching Kirby rather quickly. Kirby had a huge sweatdrop on his head as he tried to get away, but with no success.

CENSORS CENSORS CENSORS CENSORS

Too violent for all of you.

Just imagine a violent scene from Higurashi, only without the dying and blood, and you get the idea.

UNCENSOR UNCENSOR UNCENSOR UNCENSOR

Kirby is lying on the ground covered in bruises and bandages (don’t ever bother asking how they got there in the first place) with his mouth wide-open, as if Mario actually murdered him.

Link looked at Mario in amazement.

Link: Wow, I never knew you could pull a Chuck Norris.

Mario: Luigi tells me whenever I am angry, I magically gain the ability to channel my anger and do his copyrighted roundhouse kick and other such awesome copyrighted moves.

Link: Awesome!

Mario and Link walk out into the distance talking about how awesome Chuck Norris was and other random things, like pasta.

The scene pans out to reveal an almost-dead Kirby waking up from his daze and just realized that Mario and Link were gone from the area.

One of Kirby’s veins nearly popped out in anger.

Kirby: HEY, AREN’T YOU FORGETTING SOMEONE?!

He ran after the two.

—

End of part 17

Original chapter.

121on

Shall we go for a test run?

Mabinogi: Fantasy Life.

Although this game is already four years old, it has recently gotten a release in all of North America. Even though this game is not up to date with the foreign versions that have been out for years already, it is still a masterpiece, originally developed in Korea, now available to most of the world. This game breaks the common stereotypes of most Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG for short) and hopes to suck all gamers, casual and hardcore, into its world.

With its growing userbase, it is obvious that the game is very successful.

At first glance, the game looks like a typical Korean MMORPG.

Clicking the mouse to move to desired areas.

The repetitious killing of monsters to level up and get stronger with simple pointing and clicking.

It is free to play and download.

Special items are offered in-game in exchange for real world currency.

Chances are, you may be playing one of these games right now if you are one of those types looking for a free gaming fix to interact with other people online.

For the people that don’t play videogames but are looking for a game that isn’t too hard to get into for them, Mabinogi is a good start.

While Mabinogi seemingly meets the common stereotype of a Korean-developed MMORPG, it’s a good idea to take a very common but popular phrase in mind.

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

Just because the game looks boring or unappealing when you’re watching it, it is usually never the same feeling you feel when you are actually playing a game.

Watching something is one thing.

Experiencing it is another.

Don’t go get those two confused.

Let’s look at one of the aspects that make this game unique to others.

Customization.

In this game, you are allowed to make your own character. Although the options are limited, the user has the choice whether or not they would like to pay for extra services and have a wider variety of options to choose from. You may adjust the character’s skin color, hair color, gender, eye color, eye shape, and whatever else makes a person.

You’re in control. This character will represent you in the world of Mabinogi.

Did I also mention that there is a huge variety of clothes out there to adorn your character with? Headbands, skirts, armor, and so on. With the addition of dies, and different color variations of clothes, you can be sure that your character will stand out in the world of Mabinogi!

—

How is this so far?

I’m trying my best to appeal to all audiences this time.

Mario watched Linkand Kirby argue for just about an hour now. They finally agreed to call each other stupid for at least one week. Link and Kirby didn’t notice how many times they shoved the Goomba out of the way during their argument.

The Goomba was outraged at how many times he was shoved and showed a sign of calming down when Link and Kirby stared at him with Mario.

Link: Hey, why are you so angry?

Smart move. The Goomba got angry again.

Kirby: Oh right, let’s kill this dumb moron thing already.

The Goomba was too angry now to say anything and rushed the trio with all its might.

—

BATTLE ENGAGE — VIDEO GAME-TYPE NARRATION

—

BATTLE SOUNDTRACK – TALES OF DESTINY 2 – THEME OF BATTLE

—

Link evades the tackle by the Goomba! Goomba misses its tackle!

Mario is chanting a spell.

Kirby charges the recovering Goomba. He takes out his hidden cutter knife and slashes Goomba for 4 points of damage!

Goomba retiliates by attempting a tackle towards Kirby but is intercepted by a bullseye shot placed by Link and his bow! Critical hit! Goomba takes 8 points of damage!

Goomba goes into Berserk mode! He loses control over his actions but his offensive power is multiplied by twofold!

However, Goomba’s berserk mode is intercepted by Mario’s spell! Mario forms a fireball in his palm and throws it!

Mario: HADOK-

Mario’s attempt at copyright infringement fails! You know better than that!

The fireball hits the Goomba square in the forehead! Or whatever you call that middle part of its mushroomish head. The Goomba takes 12 points of damage!

Mario starts chanting another spell.

Goomba, in its enraged fury, charges Mario at full speed. Link jumps in front of Mario and deflects the charge with his shield, causing the Goomba to be momentarily stunned!

Kirby’s cutter weapon temporarily turns into a star shaped rod! Kirby runs behind the Goomba and lightly taps the Goomba on the head with the star rod! A small starry explosion forms and hurts the Goomba for 7 points of damage! The Goomba flys a bit into the air! — TECHNIQUE: STAR TAP.

Link, while the Goomba is still stunned in the air, does a fancy two-hit slash with his sword, in the shape of an X! The Goomba takes 15 points of damage from two clean hits and flies a bit more higher! — TECHNIQUE: CROSS-SLASH.

The well coordination of Link and Kirby’s techniques causes an extra 3 points of damage to the Goomba!

Mario casts a spell at just the right moment to coordinate with Link and Kirby’s techniques! A small fireball forms from the air and lands on the Goomba as it lands, causing the Goomba to fly a bit more longer for 20 points of damage! This well-placed spell causes an extra 5 points of damage to the Goomba, finishing it off and making it faint to drop Mario’s hat!

—

BATTLE END

—

VICTORY

—

EXP gained: 5.

ITEMS FOUND: Mario’s Hat.

—

End of part 16.

Original chapter.

The Goomba, in its rage, charges the group.

Link unshealthed his sword, while Mario put on his fighting gloves. They were mostly white. No, not that kind, you racist people.

However, the Goomba charged Kirby and jumped towards him at full speed.

Link: Kirby, watch out!

Mario started to charge up a fireball in his hand to throw but it was taking far too long to be able to help Kirby.

Kirby had a glint in his eye. He took out a blade hidden somewhere in his body and slashes the Goomba, knocking him out of the air and forcing him to land on the ground hard.

Mario and Link started at Kirby’s feat amazingly.

Link: Woah…Kirby. I never knew you had a knife hidden in you. How do you manage to hid it in that weird body of yours?

Kirby (speaking with a wink): Well Link, I am NOT from this planet, remember that. We have many secrets on how we work.

Mario: Wait, you’re from a different planet?

Kirby and Link facepalmed.

Link: Was the pink skin, round body, not a hint to you at all?

Kirby: Yeah, Mario, you’re almost as stupid as Link.

Link: HEY!

Kirby: Just kidding.

Link: Hmm…I wonder Kirby…

Mario: Err, the Goomba is charging us again.

Kirby: You wonder what?

Link: Why would you think I am stupid?

Kirby: Let’s see. How about all those times where you nearly impaled me with your sword?

Link: Not my fault you were standing where all my attacks are going.

Kirby: So you’re calling ME stupid?

Mario: Um…guys.

Link: Yeah. It’s common sense to not stand where I swing my sword.

Kirby: You swing your sword recklessly dude.

Link: But it’s for good reason!

Mario: Uhh, guys…

Kirby: Yes, the tree you cut down that fell on me. Yeah, good reason.

Link: THAT WAS AN ACCIDENT!

Mario: GUYS!

Goomba: DIE!!!

The Goomba charged both Link and Kirby but was met by a Link shoving the Goomba out of the way and knocking him into the ground while both Kirby and Link continued their argument.

Mario: *sigh* How did I meet such idiots in the first place? Well, at least they’re helping me inadvertedly.

Mario watches as Link smacks the Goomba again as it attempted to rush the bickering pair and just chuckles to himself.

—

END OF PART 15
Original, etc.