

This takes a considerably larger amount of time and effort, however, and most players concentrate on a more traditional build. Similar to the original game, all characters are capable of maxing out all skills available to them, effectively building a limited sort of hybrid character. Each one will branch into one of two or three paths, depending on which skills are emphasized. Some skill customization is possible, but primarily regarding weapons and armor, with a few exceptions.


There is almost none of the Wide-Open Sandbox quality that dominated the original game, and most of the side missions are in some way related to the main storyline, typically providing more detail, character development, or a different perspective.

Also differing from Mabinogi, Vindictus is far more story-driven, and at least half of the missions advance the main story. The gameplay is like a mix of Dynasty Warriors and Monster Hunter, with just a pinch of Demon's Souls. Although it maintains some of the original's skill-based system and titles, gameplay is far more combat-oriented - it is being promoted as an "Action RPG" - and the game mechanics are simplified. While set in the same world, this is a darker and bloodier version, using Valve's Source engine. The land that the Vindictus storyline takes place in what becomes the dark, hostile "Another World" of the original game. The storyline takes place during the period of Mabinogi's history referred to in-game as the " Fomor Wars", which forms the backdrop for most of the original game's storyline quests. Vindictus, known as Mabinogi: Heroes in the original Korean version, is the Prequel to Mabinogi produced by DevCat Studios and distributed by Nexon USA.
