Maplestory's interface is pretty stable. I didn't have any issues getting tossed out of the server or having the client hang on me, which is a bit surprising considering the massive userbase. It's a bit slow loading, though, especially at logon -- still, only a minor issue.

The gameplay is somewhat limited. The primary element is definitely fighting monsters to gain stat boosts, what gamers call level-grinding, and the battle system is very simple; simplicity's a good thing, but this means your experience is essentially walking left to right tapping the Ctrl key to attack. On the other hand, though, the bright, colorful 2D sidescrolling environment with its adorably animated and unique overall look is a pleasant bit of nostalgia, putting one in mind of the sort of niche platformer titles that began to crop up everywhere during the 16-bit console gaming era. It feels, then, a lot like playing an old videogame, and that can be fun.

A lot like an old game -- except, of course, for the multiplayer element. You get a real sense of crowd in MapleStory, but not in a way that detracts -- it's fun to be one of so many users working for the same goals. But goal-focused the users are; to chat and combat at the same time isn't really practical, so you might be in a hunting area full of dozens of other players, none of whom speak at all. Chat in the town areas primarily revolves around in-game issues, and is succinct, generally. Socialization being relatively simplistic, it's fairly safe to surmise that most of MapleStory's players are young folks, tween-aged, perhaps -- though it's certainly occupying enough for older players to enjoy.

The most appealing thing about the MapleStory world is just how huge it feels. On the other side of that, though, the heavy emphasis on the stats and leveling system feels a little bit limiting, because you generally must meet certain requirements to expand your exploration, or be, at the very least, of adequate strength to take on a new area's stronger monsters. The barrier to entry, then, might be a bit daunting for the impatient -- new users can expect to spend at least a couple of hours leveling up on Maple Island, the beginner's area where all newbies start off, before they can choose their character's job and start branching out.

There's plenty, though, for the old-fashioned roleplaying gamer to sink teeth into -- each job class is distinctly different, and users can allocate their own ability points and customize which sub-branch of a job they choose to pursue.

The community of MapleStory, which has forums at the various MapleStory sites, seems very vocal and tight-knit. Kids rate one another's avatars, ask for in-world fashion advice, and even post personal ads ("IM LOOKIN FOR A GF"). They tend to discuss out-of-world issues too, from jokes and riddles to more serious requests for advice on how to talk to girls, or how to know whether a boy likes you. So while MapleStory may lack the complexity of more adult-looking MMOs, it's clearly a strong community for a broad age range of young people to play together.