Nexon is readying its MMORPG Mabinogi for its first closed beta testing phase in Japan. The game's visuals are created by a technique called cartoon-rendering, and its world is themed after Celtic mythology. The devCAT-developed game was released for the PC platform in South Korea last year and currently has 2.1 million registered users. Last December, it was awarded the Excellence Award for the best game released in South Korea. In Japan, Mabinogi's closed beta testing phase will commence on January 31st. It will be followed by an open beta test, which is scheduled to begin in mid-March.

• Official Mabinogi Website