Nexon has introduced a brand-new ranking feature for MapleStory Europe. An online rankings database will now let users directly compare their progress against that of their rivals and friends, adding a competitive element to the game.

MapleStory has always ranked players according to their current level and experience total, but players will be able to see where they stand in reference to others when they search the online database of active players in the MapleStory database, by logging onto the Maple Story Europe homepage.

The rankings, which are updated on an hourly basis, are divided into Overall, World and Job categories, allowing players to compare their progress against all other players, those that play on the same channel, or those with the same in-game profession. In addition, the top three fastest movers in each category are singled out for special recognition on the website, giving high-flying players something extra special to strive for.

A fourth category compares players on the basis of Fame, MapleStory’s in-game popularity rating. From Level 15 players can, on a once a day basis, give (or take away) a fame point to any other player in the game. As players who rank highly on the Fame leaderboard are assured legendary status among other MapleStory fans, Nexon expects it to become an interesting and fiercely-fought category.

In addition to the new online ranking system, all posts and comments made on the www.mapleeurope.com forum are now tagged with the player’s in-game avatar, to encourage community involvement and reinforce character customization.

To celebrate the system launch, and to prepare for the upcoming in-game Oktoberfest, MapleStory Europe will run a special "Monster Invasion" event on September 10th, during which players will get to gain extra experience defending Victoria island from swarms of monsters.