New Island Zone is Coming to MapleStory on April 6

This... is... Chryse! Nexon has announced that a new island zone for players level 55-75 will be added to MapleStory on April 6. Players will be able to visit the island's Greek-inspired city and reconnect with the giants of Chryse, which will lead them to "battle Xerxes’ army of destruction and ultimately restore the giants’ power and peace throughout the island."

We've added some new Chryse screenshots to our gallery. Check them out to see what's in store for MapleStory this week.

Aftershock Update Will Introduce New Class

MapleStory was drastically changed by the recent Big Bang update, and it's time for the world to be hit by the Aftershock! The latest update, which is scheduled to launch this month, will introduce the Ultimate Explorer class. Players with a Cygnus Knight character that have reached the maximum level of 120 will have the chance to create a new Ultimate Explorer character.

In addition, Aftershock introduced a newly revamped guild system and the Castle of Von Leon adventure for level 120+ players. Characters that are level 70+ can also join a raid to fight Ani, Von Leon's right hand monster.

Get Your Game Made Through the Nexon Initiative!

Have an idea for a game but don't know what to do with it? Nexon has announced The Nexon Initiative, a program deisgned to promote the development of great game ideas. Anyone interested can submit their game and receive up to $1,000,000 in development funds, and land a publishing deal with Nexon.

Just head on over to the Nexon site for more details on how to enter. Currently the company is looking for online PC games that are widely accessible, have broad, universal appeal and encourage community interaction. As such, we are looking for online games on the PC (web or client) that have potential of being (or is designed to be) cross-platform.

The submission deadline is April 30, 2011. So get your idea out there today for your chance at $1,000,000!

Mechanic Class Coming to MapleStory on Jan. 19

MapleStory's Big Bang update will finally be complete on Jan. 19 with the release of the new Mechanic class. It joins the previously released Wild Hunter and Battle Mage classes in the fight against the Black Wings cult. Most Mechanic skills must be performed while mounted on a Mech, which can be upgraded into the ultimate fighting machine. For more details on the new class, check out Nexon's Mechanic guide.

The Big Bang update kicked off on Dec. 7 to completely revamp MapleStory with improved graphics, a simpler user interface, redesigned and rebalanced skills and an easier EXP curve.  The second phase of the update came two weeks later with the introduction of the Wild Hunter and Battle Mage classes, as well as the quiet mining village of Edelstein.

MapleStory Shatters Concurrent Player Record

It looks like the Big Bang update has brought old and new players back to the world of MapleStory. According to Nexon America, more than 136,000 people played the game at the same time on Wednesday, nearly doubling the previous concurrency record in North America, set in July 2009.

Earlier this month, the first part of the Big Bang update completely changed the world of MapleStory with improved graphics, an easier EXP curve and more. On Monday, the second part of the update went live and introduced the Battle Mage and Wild Hunter classes, as well as the quiet mining village of Edelstein. The third phase will launch in early 2011 and introduce yet another character class to the game.

Join the Resistance in MapleStory's Newest Update

Two weeks ago, Nexon launched the first part of the Big Bang update to completely change the world of MapleStory with improved graphics, an easier EXP curve and more. Today marks the launch of the second phase of the Big Bang, and it introduces two new classes and a new zone to the free-to-play game.

Players are invited to join the Resistance as a Battle Mage or a Wild Hunter to fight the minions of the Black Mage that have taken over the quiet mining village of Edelstein. The maintenance is currently scheduled to end at 10 a.m. PST, so get ready to become a part of the Resistance and take on the Black Wings!

Big Bang Update Launches to Revamp MapleStory

The Big Bang has begun in MapleStory! The first part of this multi-phase update is officially live, and it completely reshapes the game. The Big Bang introduces improved graphics, a simpler user interface, redesigned and rebalanced skills, an easier EXP curve, and two new worlds, one of which is the first world to be hosted on the East Coast.

If you'd like more details, be sure to check out Nexon's Big Bang launch guide. It includes an introduction to the new leveling curve and an interview with the development team. Will you be trying out the revamped version of this free-to-play MMO?

MapleStory's Big Bang Will Occur on Dec. 7

Many MMO players have Dec. 7 marked on their calendars as the launch day for World of Warcraft's Cataclysm expansion, which will revamp the game. Well, it looks like Dec. 7 is also the day that the Big Bang will completely reshape MapleStory.

The Big Bang update will introduce an updated user interface, higher resolution, better graphics, new character classes, a higher EXP curve, updated maps and more. To put it simply, everything will change. For more details, head over to the Big Bang teaser site and check out the trailer after the jump.

MapleStory Big Bang Teaser Site Unveiled

The upcoming Big Bang update will completely revamp MapleStory beginning in December, and Nexon is starting the preparations with the launch of a new teaser site. The site provides details on the update, which will introduce an updated user interface, higher resolution, better graphics, new character classes, a higher EXP curve, updated maps and more.

In celebration of the Big Bang, Nexon is asking players to share their MapleStory memories through Nov. 30. The grand prize winner of the contest will win a customized iPod Touch.

Big Bang Update Will Revamp MapleStory

"This winter, everything will change." So says the new MapleStory trailer Nexon America recently released in anticipation of the Big Bang update, which will completely revamp the free-to-play MMO. The first phase of Big Bang is set to go live in December, followed by two other phases that will introduce new and different aspects to the game.

So what's changing? Big Bang will introduce an updated user interface, higher resolution, better graphics, new character classes, a higher EXP curve, updated maps and more. Check out the trailer after the jump and prepare for the Big Bang!