Nexon America has announced the launch of its new free-to-play MMO Mabinogi, with a closed beta service beginning January 30th. The game features 3D, cel-shaded, anime-style graphics and a fantasy world based in Celtic and Welsh mythology. In addition to traditional MMO features -- quests, battles and monsters -- Nexon says Mabinogi is differentiated by offering players a "life" experience, featuring jobs like cooking and farming. Players can also marry and share the daily duties.

There's also a UGC element here -- Mabinogi's music program allows users to write and share music in MIDI formatted files. The 3D visuals are a departure from Nexon's 2D MapleStory, and also unlike MapleStory, the fighting system's more traditional, based on a stats and abilities system, rather than MapleStory's sidescrolling action play.

Mabinogi’s time is standardized, and users get time-based bonus incentives the longer they play. Avatars also age on a weekly basis, growing taller as they grow to the age of 21, and gain in abilities up to the age of 25. Avatars' diets also affect their appearance.

President and CEO John H. Chi commented, "Playing Mabinogi is about more than just fighting and normal MMO fare. This is a chance for gamers to live a fantasy life in a place where communities build mutual beliefs of family, friendship and hard work.”