Free-To-Play 2D Side-Scrolling MMORPG WonderKing Is Coming Back! Should You Be Excited?

WonderKing is officially making a comeback, and pre-registration has already opened. For anyone who missed it the first time around, WonderKing was a free-to-play 2D side-scrolling MMORPG that first launched in 2010. It was short-lived, closing down only a year later. Despite that brief lifespan, the game left behind a small but loyal community that still remembers its charm. Now in 2025, WonderKing is returning with a modernized look and a second chance to carve out a place in the MMO world.

The game was originally developed by Ryu&Soft and published in North America by Ignited Games. It was very clear at the time that WonderKing hoped to ride the wave of MapleStory’s massive popularity. Players started out playing as one of four base classes: Swordsman, Mage, Thief, or Scout. From there, advanced class options opened up as players leveled and progressed. The gameplay loop was familiar but cozy. WonderKing offered quests, guilds, platforming-style jump puzzles, and even PvP battles. It also had a cash shop filled with mounts, costumes, and other extras.

Unfortunately, the game could not keep up with the competition. A mix of legal disputes, hacking issues, and a lack of support from its publisher caused WonderKing to shut down by late 2011. The Item Mall also played a role. Like many early 2010s free-to-play games, it leaned heavily on selling stat boosts, pets, and pay-to-win conveniences. That approach may have worked then, but it aged poorly as players grew tired of unfair cash systems.

Fast forward to today. WonderKing’s return is apparently not just a nostalgic revival. The developers have shown off a new trailer featuring remastered visuals, smoother animations, and a polished user interface that supports modern resolutions. Reports also point toward meaningful gameplay improvements. Early leveling has been rebalanced to feel smoother, combat has been adjusted to make fights less stiff and more dynamic, and progression systems have been updated to reduce unnecessary grind.

The monetization model is also receiving a major rework. Instead of focusing on power boosts, the 2025 version is promising a cosmetic-first approach, with optional convenience items. On top of that, the developers are planning community events and launch rewards aimed directly at North American players.

WonderKing’s style puts it in the same conversation as other side-scrolling MMORPGs (besides MapleStory) like LaTale, Dragon Saga, FlyFF, Grand Chase, Elsword, and Trickster Online. What separated WonderKing from its peers, however, was its more approachable design. While many of those games leaned heavily on endless grinding, WonderKing focused on quest-driven progression and simpler systems. That made it a comfortable entry point for casual players who did not want to sink endless hours into leveling. Its cheerful art, straightforward gameplay, and platforming mechanics gave it a unique appeal.

So, should you be excited about WonderKing’s return? If you played the game during its original run, this is a rare chance to revisit a title you probably thought was gone forever. The nostalgia factor is undeniable, and the promise of more polish and stability should make the experience even better than before. If you are a fan of MapleStory or similar games like LaTale, Dragon Saga, FlyFF, Grand Chase, Elsword, or Trickster Online, WonderKing could serve as a fun side experience. And if you are brand new to the genre, WonderKing could be an excellent entry point.

Still, for WonderKing to survive this time, the developers will need to commit to consistent updates, maintain clear communication with the community, and ensure that the monetization model does not drift back into pay-to-win territory. If they can do that, the game might have a real shot at building a sustainable audience.

WonderKing could become a nostalgic curiosity that burns out again, or it could grow into a niche favorite with a stable player base. Its fate will depend on how well it balances modern polish with the quirky, approachable charm that made players remember it in the first place.

Whether you come for nostalgia, curiosity, or the joy of discovering a free-to-play MMORPG you never tried before, WonderKing’s revival is worth keeping on your radar when it launches.