Nostalgia of Pre-BigBang Maplestory

I’m sure me being jaded with Maple plays some part in it, but I’m not getting the same vibes I used to get from my favorite continent: Victoria Island. Those extra maps added “flavor” to their corresponding towns. Outside of Lith Harbor, newbies were welcomed with maps slightly reminiscent of the original Maple Island, and they successfully gave the impression that there was going to be a lot to explore. The many tree dungeons outside of Ellinia successfully contributed to its mystical forest feel, and Ant Tunnel was deep enough to actually feel like a dungeon (and it gave a genuine sense of danger). The bigger maps, like The Forest North of Ellinia, The Forest South of Ellinia, the 3-Way Road-Split, and Dungeon: Deep Forest, were also thrill to pass by, even if they weren't ideal for grinding.

The slower level progression forced me to smell the roses along the way, and Victoria’s roses smelled great. Too bad they had to be clipped off to compliment the new, speedier gameplay.