ArbiterTheIconoclast

This is going to be kind of an introspective response, since I've played this game off and on since the very beginning in 2008. I've quit, returned, competed, burnt out, and vanished more times than I can recall at this point.

I'm sure there's many reasons for that, but at the end of the day this is one of my favorite games and a unique and timeless experience. I've had some very harsh words for Nexon and devCat in the past, but having witnessed the game grow, most of my major complaints with how the cash shop, in-game mechanics, and game balancing were concerned have been addressed over time. Nexon has become unrecognizably generous with their events and monetization IMO (compared to 2012-2015) and the constant QOL updates, catch-up mechanics, and regularly updated resources make the game extremely accessible now, which was an initial fear about coming back.

I used to be extremely competitive before I deleted my old account, and of course Mabinogi becomes somewhat exploitative and dangerous when you get into Whaling waters, but the simple reality of the matter is that is not necessary to play the game or enjoy almost all of its content anymore. Eventually the extra damage becomes cosmetic, because AFAIK no content requires you to deal the maximum amount of damage you're mathematically capable of, so the end game competition becomes Battle Fashionogi ultimately. The "power creep" that bothered me while I was current with the game has now become convenient, and having access to more options earlier makes the game feel way less rigid, stressful, and linear.

I'm (still) a huge fan of "number go up" in my RPGs and fell victim to reforging my bank account, but Nexon has become WAY more generous with its event rewards and attendance/loyalty gifts which have made my current experience very comfortable before even spending a dollar. Having gone to play other MMOs made me appreciate Mabinogi more. At worst, I don't really NEED anything in the cash shop to enjoy the game. At best, there's actually useful items and attractive cosmetics that I want to spend money on. I spent 5,000 hours playing Tree of Savior, a game whose economy explicitly revolves around the cash shop due to dev design decisions removing in-game currency making opportunities, and is explicitly sanctioned RMT with in-game currency, instance passes (that make you money and are tradable), and fully crafted gear being included in large package deals every other week. Mabinogi might not have tons of ways to hard-grind money quickly, but you can still make money in-game ultimately it's on the players to arbitrarily inflate the market prices for NX/premium/raid items.

As far as the community goes, I've seen my fair share of good and bad over 12 years, not really sure what it's like currently, just vibing on some grinding with old friends. For the good: There have been people I've known since 2010 I've been in regular contact with the entire time BECAUSE of Mabinogi. These have been some of the most reliable, kind, friendly, entertaining, kindred people I've met on or offline, and in some instances both. I still have friends who play too, or who have also returned after long hiatuses.

For the bad: the internet, particularly online games, are a great way to compound mental illness or make a negative outlook worse and Mabinogi is no exception. If it has been that harmful you can leave and come back later, or change your in-game social environments to be around more positive/friendly/entertaining people. There's really no shame in separating yourself from something that been harmful, on the contrary it is expected. Distance from the game has made me realize time and time again what a gem it is, despite some of Nexon's efforts.