Nexon has released a new game called PopTag. It has been in development for about a year now and it seems like Nintendo has something to say… (Well, not really, but this game does seem like Bomberman.)

You know the very similar retro game back in the late 1990’s? Clueless? Well, don’t worry I’ll fill you in. Bomerman is a game that allows the user/player to play as a character in a map. The character on the screen has an objective: to kill the opponent. No matter how hard/tactical/ugly the monster is, the person must fight it. The character has bombs which are used to destroy the enemy.

In PopTag, it seems like the same exact thing. Except we aren’t using bombs, but something much safer: water balloons. The objective of the game is to try to get as many points as possible and to defeat the boss before you feel like a fool standing there with monsters “draining” your life. You are allowed to work in teams.

So let me ask you, (Yes, I mean you…the person staring at the screen) do these look familiar? Compare them and see for yourself.

What do you think? Share your opinions below.

Youtube- (Bomerman Video)

Wikipedia- Bomberman Info

Nexon’s Official PopTag Website

Nexon, are you ready?

Due to the recent reports about GMS (MapleStory Global), using a new set of codes to launch the game via their website. Nexon might not have noticed… we use Window computers to play MapleStory, not Macs (Apple Computers)!

What do I mean?

Hypothetically speaking, launching Maplestory using a website launcher is like managing your banking/SSN (Social Security Number) without thinking about spy-ware entering your computer, and stealing your data.

Playing MapleStory on the official website is a BIG risk. Nexon really has to step up their protection. The new Hackshield program currently in use wouldn’t do squat to protect us from website-based attacks especially account fraud and keyloggers. Keyloggers are extremely deadly. They can see what you type on your computer and where you go.

Spyware is also a concern. There are tons of websites out there pretending to be official MapleStory websites offering to give you free NX for your account information. In early 2008 there were at least 100,000 accounts hacked due to their owners entering their information on a fake official site. (According to the Maplestory Website Notice in Early 2008)

Nexon and everyone else in the MapleStory community should STOP and think about how this change can affect the safety of accounts. Security must be improved if the web client is to be a success. Just be careful and mindful of URL’s and links and you should be fine. Make sure that when you log in to the MapleStory homepage to launch MapleStory you aren’t on maplestory.nexonn.net.

Is Nexon ready for this big leap? OR am I just insane to bring this up…I don’t know…but tell us what you think.

Sources: Basilmarket.com/google.com/maplestory.nexon.net/nexon.net

Yes! The fun started yesterday, but now already over 1500 beta-keys were obtained by Mabinogi fans in whole Europe.

Links:
Learn more about Mabinogi here
The official site can be found here
Beta-key give-away is here

Events:
Beta-key give-away!
All beta-keys gone!? Don’t worry, we will give away 3 beta-keys.
How to win? Mail to mrpudding@maple-news.com with the reason you want to win!
Winners will get their beta-key on December 1st, Mabinogi and verifying your beta-key can be done on the 2nd of December and later.

-rules can be changed at any time, we do not correspondent about the winners-

CB Event

Bye, and have fun!!

-MrPudding

I received an e-mail yesterday with a link to a YouTube video showing what a potential MapleStory iPhone app would look like using Photoshop. I honestly thought it was the real thing when I first saw the video!

The creator posted a short synopsis on the video page.

Have you ever wanted to play MapleStory from your iPhone or iPod Touch? Well, that feeling was very mutual so I bring to you iPhoneMS. A full fledged version of MapleStory with a redesigned UI to accommodate running on a much smaller screen.

Unfortunately, this is simply a mockup of how the UI might look, and how the game might play on an iPhone. I am not making an actual app. This was all made in Adobe After Effects and Adobe Photoshop.

Stay tuned for an interview with the creator.

Blockheads are the creepy guys running out of the NEXON logo. Nexon says they will be using them a lot in events such as the Blockhead Invasion!

Here is Nexon’s intro video in case you’ve forgotten since the last time you’ve played.

This means that Nexon will be changing their name to BlockParty! This, coupled with various new features, could perhaps bring about new-found interest in Nexon from onlookers hoping to play some new games.

www.blockparty.com is the URL!

If you click on the Blockheads at the top-middle of the screen, you’ll see what they will be doing with the site.

As nexon says:

What is going on at Nexon.net you ask?? The Blockheads (the feisty little green dudes with party hats) have come to share the BlockParty gospel in their…”unique” way. We don’t always understand their tactics, but they know how to have fun doing it, so what are you going to do?

So check out the BlockParty infotainment animatory thing. The Blockheads spent a lot of time on it, and we’re pretty sure you will see why.

So definately get ready for some new events coming up on nexon.net!

~Pudding

*thanks to Savage for updating*

Maple-News.com is proud to announce the release of it’s latest venture; the MapleStory Fail Blog. The MapleStory Fail Blog has been a work in progress for several months and we’re all very ecstatic to finally release it!

Want to learn more? Check out this excerpt from the post on FailBlog.Maple-News.com

Well, what is this ‘Fail Blog’ of which you speak?

The MapleStory Fail Blog is based on other popular blogs such as failblog.org and icanhascheezburger.com. Originally created by Savage and Iris, the Fail Blog made it’s debut on WordPress.com in December 2008 and was tested until February 2009. The Fail Blog received a great response from viewers and it was decided to begin working on a full release this summer.

What do you guys do?

We post comical fail moments from MapleStory that will keep you entertained for hours!

Can I submit a fail?

Yes! If you wish to submit a submission you can visit the Submit a Fail page and send your image or e-mail us at failblog@maple-news.com.

OMGWTFBBQ! I want to be a Fail Blog writer!

If you’re interested in becoming a writer for the MapleStory Fail Blog, send us an e-mail at apply@maple-news.com.

We can’t wait to get things going! Stay tuned for more updates and lots of fail pictures!

Stay tuned for some other great updates in the coming days and maybe some events. You never know!

Maple-News is currently looking for Fail Bloggers to post the most epic MapleStory fails! Send your application in to apply@maple-news.com !

Maple-News recently had the chance to interview Nexon America’s community manager, Daniel “NXNeutral” Chin. Check it out below!

1. How did Nexon America begin and what exactly is Wizet’s relationship to Nexon? What is Wizet’s current status?

Nexon America is Nexon Corporation’s North American publishing and game service arm. We started with the localization of MapleStory for North America, and have grown to support multiple game launches in North America. Wizet is the developer of MapleStory and also a subsidiary of Nexon Corporation. The Wizet team continues to develop and add content to MapleStory around the world.

2. What is Nexon doing to provide better service for its fans?

This year has seen incredible growth for the Nexon America team. We are constantly increasing our team in all areas, including game operations team, customer service team, community management team, and more. We are absolutely dedicated to improving the experience for our players both in and out of the game, and we hope our players can see the results of that effort.

3. Many players are asking for higher experience rates. The Japanese version of MapleStory has increased the experience rates by 1.25x because people are playing more during the night time. Does Nexon America intend to do the same?

In fact, we’ve permanently decreased the experience curve overall, which will result in a faster leveling experience for all players. You can read our original announcement details here: http://maplestory.nexon.net/WZ.ASPX?PART=/Event/View&boardNo=203&contentNo=005Ug&pageIndex=1. The changes that are listed have been made permanent for MapleStory Global, so grats to all our players!

4. Private servers are a hot topic within the Maple Story community. Why does Nexon take such a strong stance against private servers?

Private servers are extremely dangerous, both for players and for the company. Many private servers are fronts for keyloggers and other Trojan and virus programs. The risks of identity theft, credit card theft, and more are just incredibly high with private servers.

From Nexon’s side, there is an incredible amount of work invested in bringing a game like MapleStory to life. We’ve dedicated time, physical and creative efforts, and so much more to the creation and maintenance of our products and services. Private servers disregard that and impact Nexon America’s business, and our ability to support our players and employ our team.

What players should realize is that the Nexon team that deals with private servers is separate from the rest of our operations and support teams, and thus doing one does not take away from the other. Ultimately our strategy in dealing with private servers is twofold: deal with the offending parties directly, and ensure our service is the best MapleStory experience that we can provide through a safe and interactive environment that players can enjoy.

You can read more in-depth information in our Truth about Private Servers post.

5. How is Nexon America planning to improve its relationship with the community?

As mentioned above, we’ve had to grow and mature our service operations to meet the demand, and that is our number 1 priority for this year. Improving our global communications is a part of that, and improving our community communications is another part. We are increasing our forum interactivity and working on addressing issues and concerns as they arise. We want to be more involved with our community and two recent projects exemplify that effort. With the Maple Watch Leaf Brigade program we have rigorously selected volunteers to help us patrol MapleStory, previously Nexon-only task. We also have Volunteer Forum Moderators dedicated to assisting the official Moderators in promoting a positive and interactive forum community. These projects are just the beginning of community involvement.

We hope this interview is an example of the increased efforts. Also, you can follow MapleStory updates through our Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/MapleWorld. We’ve also opened a new contact email dedicated to fansites at fansites@nexon.net. There’s a lot of exciting things happening with MapleStory, and at Nexon America, and we hope our players will be along for the ride.

Thanks Maple News for giving us this opportunity, we hope to talk with you guys more in the future!

All translations from ‘Google Translate’ actual names may vary.

The new breed of maple characters will be released in KMS this July 9th!

Double Swing – Master Level:20

Final Take – Master Level:30

Final Take being used by a KMS Tester.

Combo Smash – Master Level: 20

There’s so much stuff Nexon and Wizet have in store for MapleStory, so stay tuned in with MNN cuz we’ll all any new info on Aran as soon as it gets out!

The newest update in the war against hackers is the addition of a new ally, HackShield. HackShield is a hacking prevention program for online games developed by AhnLab, a Korean security company. Established in 1995, AhnLab is a powerful competitor in the internet security solutions world with more than 65% of shares in just the Korean market. HackShield is used by gaming companies like SEGA, K2 Network, and E-Games as well as MMORPG’s Cabal Online, Combat Arms, and Shot Online.

In the most recent update, NEXON America removed GameGuard, published by nProtect developed by Inca Internet Co., has been with the MapleStory for years. The popularity and effectiveness of GameGuard has been brought into question as hackers have been allowed to run freely in NEXON games and reak havoc on the community. MapleGlobal, MapleEurope, and MapleSEA all use HackShield and it is rumored that MapleThailand will be making the switch very soon.

“HackShield delivers an easy to use, flexible set of API’s which allows you block hacking route right from client system level. HackShield combined with on-going update services in 3 editions: HackShield, HackShield+, HackShield Pro.”

It is likely (but not confirmed) that MapleGlobal (as well as MapelSEA and Europe) are all using HackShield Pro, the most expensive and most effective version, according to Wikipedia and many user reports. Many users were hesitant about the switch claiming that NEXON was, “Making budget cuts.” From the look of things, HackShield is pricier than you may think (there are no prices listed on the website) considering HackShield Pro is being used.

Comparisons below.

Features and Benefits
FEATURES	HackShield
	Basic	Plus+	Pro*
Memory Hacking Protection Prevents memory excess of game hacking
Speed Hack Protection Detects and blocks speed hack programs that tempers with system timer
Debugger Protection Blocks hacker’s debugging tools for auditing and analysis of code
Message Hook Protection Makes message hooking function of game hacking tools useless and obsolete
Auto-mouse Protection Blocks auto mouse operation, making it ineffective in games
File Change and Forgery Protection Detects and blocks changes or forgery of files
Hacking tools and blocking detection Detects hacking tools and terminates client game connection from server
Run-time Forgery Protection Prevents from forging runtime modules of HackShield
Executable File Packing Protects HackShield, hacking protection functions, itself from hacking
Network Packet Encryption Encrypts network packet in NIST Rijndael AES format
Data File Encryption Encrypts data files passed between client and server
Server-side Crack Protection Regularly checks for changes or forges of executable file at client
Executable File Encryption Encrypts game executables in real-time
Consistent and Continuous Update Updates with new hacking tool pattern files and protection modules
* Available in Jan. 2006

Credit: HackShield

Credit: nProtect

There have been complaints on either side as is expected. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Feel free to discuss below. If you wish to talk in more detail and share bugs, please click here.

NEXON America recently added a new chapter to their terms of use, Chapter 16, Liquidated Damages. There are many key points highlighted in this chapter that affect everyone who plays their games. Below is the Chapter 16 “Liquidated Damages” directly from the NEXON America Terms of Use.

16. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES.

You acknowledge and agree that you are not permitted for any reason or under any circumstances to hack, attempt file decryptions, crack encryptions, use cheats and/or memory altering scripts or codes or utilize unauthorized third-party manipulations programs, re-packer programs, game or client altering software or client re-interpretation methods or codes to alter the play experience or gain an unfair advantage in any of the Nexon games. You also are prohibited from doing the following: (1) use any type of hacks, bypass, decryptions (including but not limited to file decryption software/methods), cheats and/or memory altering scripts or codes to gain an unfair advantage over other users in any Nexon game; (2) manipulate and/or alter the game client and/or server memory in order to gain unearned and unjustified Nexon Cash, in-game currency and/or any other Items from any Nexon game ; and (3) elevate your ranking in any Nexon game fraudulently or by any wrongful or unauthorized means. In addition you agree not to create, design, disseminate, link, distribute, provide access to or use any third party programs, bots, scripts, codes, bypass, memory scanning software, hacks or cheats designed to alter the game play or to modify the code to play the game differently than it was intended by means of programs not permitted or authorized by Nexon, which include, but are not limited to: hacks, private servers, cheat engines, memory altering scripts or codes (including but not limited to disconnection hacks), auto clickers, any type of bots and/or game cheats. Any use, dissemination or design of such programs shall be deemed a material breach by you of these Terms of Service for which you will be liable to Nexon for any resulting damages. You agree that if you host or operate a private server of a Nexon game or host or operate a hack site that sells hacks to a Nexon game or if you distribute, disseminate, design, code, moderate and/or provide free or paid access to private forums that sell or distribute hacks, or assist in the design of any private servers or third party programs (such as hacks) that alter the game play of any Nexon game, you will have the unconditional obligation to pay Nexon America Inc. the sum of One Hundred Thousand ($100,000) Dollars for each such program (including patches) and versions thereof as liquidated damages. You also agree that if you use such a program to play any of the Nexon games, or engage in the use of a private server, you will have the unconditional obligation to pay Nexon America Inc. the sum of One Thousand ($1,000) Dollars as liquidated damages for each time you use such a program, which shall be due and payable immediately upon notification to you of said infraction

What this basically says in plain English is if you are caught using a hack or [playing] a private server, you owe NEXON America $1,000 per occurrence (per offense). If you are caught developing a private server or hack and/or operating a hack or private server site, you will owe NEXON America $100,000 per occurrence. This does not involve NEXON suing the person(s) to collect named damages, because it is already agreed upon in the Terms of Use between NEXON and the Player.

Many of you will think, “Oh this is fake.” I can confirm that this is legitimate (merely look on the NEXON website). It looks like NEXON has finally found a way to do away with hackers and private servers. The end isn’t near, the end is now.