MapleStory

Windows

Teaches: logic, reading, economics

CTR Rating: 84%

CTR Review

This Korean massive multiplayer online game (MMOG) shows off some nice animated graphics and state-of-the-art game sharing technology, with free-chat abilities. It was first released in 2006 and appeals primarily to middle and high school age players. (Note that you first need to download and install a small file to play the game. It would not work on our Macintosh.) While the game has no cost to start playing, some of the game items cost real money, presenting a type of velvet rope approach.The game puts you on journeys that require cooperation with other players. Your job is to protect Maple World by fighting monsters (there are plenty of battles) and eventually build your own house in a quiet rural village. There's a variety of settings to explore -- an island, a town and back alleys of a city. You can choose one of four roles: Warrior, Bowman, Thief, or Magician. The more you play, the more skills you earn.Jon says, "This is a fun way to spend a boring Saturday. Whether you are a serious adventurer looking for a challenge, or you just want to walk around fighting monsters, MapleStory is fun. You start as a beginner with no particular skills. The controls are easy to learn and there's a lot to explore."MapleStory is free to play, but some items can be purchased with real money online. There is also a MapleStory trading card game which includes cards with codes that can be entered into the game to earn special items. With cute characters, fun music and loads of character customization, MapleStory is worth the download, providing you have a Windows computer.