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WHERE TO EVEN BEGIN WITH RPG MAKER
Posts
Xerek
0
Xerek
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CloseOkay, I've been playing these kinds of RPGs for a long time now, dating back even to some of the Ultimas, Questrons, Legend of Blacksilver, etc. on the C64, through the NES, SNES, PSX, PS2. etc., including Final Fantasy, Lunar, and Chrono Trigger among my favorites. I miss playing these kinds of games, and also think I could make a good one or two.
So, I found about about the RPG Maker, but am at a loss as to a starting point. I'm literally overloaded. First, there is RPG Maker VX, which is the latest, but I see a lot of people use RPG Maker XP. Why? What advantages do one have over the other? Is there an instruction manual for either? I see tutorials for specific things, including scripting, but nothing from a complete newbie's POV.
I realize this is disjointed, but I'm really just looking for advise as to how to start. I don't mind fiddling, experimenting, and bug hunting, but I do need to know how to get going in the first place.
In addition, I miss a good 16-bit JRPG. Any suggestions on a good game or two for the RPG Maker series to cut my teeth on?
Thanks in advance,
-Xerek
So, I found about about the RPG Maker, but am at a loss as to a starting point. I'm literally overloaded. First, there is RPG Maker VX, which is the latest, but I see a lot of people use RPG Maker XP. Why? What advantages do one have over the other? Is there an instruction manual for either? I see tutorials for specific things, including scripting, but nothing from a complete newbie's POV.
I realize this is disjointed, but I'm really just looking for advise as to how to start. I don't mind fiddling, experimenting, and bug hunting, but I do need to know how to get going in the first place.
In addition, I miss a good 16-bit JRPG. Any suggestions on a good game or two for the RPG Maker series to cut my teeth on?
Thanks in advance,
-Xerek
http://rpgmaker.net/articles/261/ should help.
Personally, I'd suggest searching up Dhux's Scar, Hellion, Alter A.I.L.A. Genesis, and Mystery Man Zero.
Personally, I'd suggest searching up Dhux's Scar, Hellion, Alter A.I.L.A. Genesis, and Mystery Man Zero.
I would DEFINITELY recommend you to start with RPGMaker 2003. Simply because it's much easier to use.
But even before that, it should be a good idea if you played some RPGMaker games before starting your own, just so you can know what to expect.
After that, just open your rpgmaker and play with it for a little. If it's 2003, I suggest you just take a look at every item from the database, and then take a look at every event command. It's not too much, actually.
Then start making a game, but don't make it a big project. Make it a very, very small one.
After you finish your project, play some more RPGMaker games.
Now, do whatever you want. At this point you should be feeling comfortable and confident enough to do anything.
That's what I think you should do. :)
But even before that, it should be a good idea if you played some RPGMaker games before starting your own, just so you can know what to expect.
After that, just open your rpgmaker and play with it for a little. If it's 2003, I suggest you just take a look at every item from the database, and then take a look at every event command. It's not too much, actually.
Then start making a game, but don't make it a big project. Make it a very, very small one.
After you finish your project, play some more RPGMaker games.
Now, do whatever you want. At this point you should be feeling comfortable and confident enough to do anything.
That's what I think you should do. :)
I would definitely suggest you start with a legal maker. Whether you use XP, VX, or even other, more powerful makers like ika and Sphere depends wholly on what you want to make.
Lennon
88
It depends. Do you want to make a newer styled game, or a "classic" 16/8-bit-ish game? If you want to make a classic type, I'd recommend 2k3 because it's a lot easier to make that kind of game in it. If you want to do the newer type, then VX/XP is your maker.
Or if you're experienced with coding, use a code based engine like Ika, Sphere, or something.
Or if you're experienced with coding, use a code based engine like Ika, Sphere, or something.
Gamewise I recommend Hero's Realm.
Engine wise I recommend RPG Maker VX; in recommending 2k3, calunio is confusing ease of use with lack of advanced features. 2k3 is less convenient and less powerful than VX. Don't get me wrong, 2k3 is my second favorite iteration of the RPG Maker series. It is a strong choice especially if you want something for "free" (stolen) which is PERFECTLY understandable.
I am also strongly against RPG Maker XP, I think it combines a lot of the worst features of all the makers. The choice between it and VX may depend intensely on your graphical preferences, however.
Engine wise I recommend RPG Maker VX; in recommending 2k3, calunio is confusing ease of use with lack of advanced features. 2k3 is less convenient and less powerful than VX. Don't get me wrong, 2k3 is my second favorite iteration of the RPG Maker series. It is a strong choice especially if you want something for "free" (stolen) which is PERFECTLY understandable.
I am also strongly against RPG Maker XP, I think it combines a lot of the worst features of all the makers. The choice between it and VX may depend intensely on your graphical preferences, however.
Take it from someone more unbiased than a large portion of the memberbase (as I hardly use any version of rpgmaker at all really). There's really no reason at all to use something like RM2k3 that's over a decade old as RMVX and XP can do everything it can do, and more. You can even use the same "classic" graphics in them, you'd just have to stretch them and arrange the graphics in the format for the new ones. When you become more familiar with making games in the programs and start doing more advanced stuff, you'll also save a lot of time with the scripting features of VX and XP.
I don't know all that much about the advantages VX and XP have over each other, but you're certainly better off using a newer, legal program.
Also, Hero's Realm.
Edit: Additionally, to avoid tedious copying and pasting in the far off future, never use an engine that you can not use arrays in. That is all.
I don't know all that much about the advantages VX and XP have over each other, but you're certainly better off using a newer, legal program.
Also, Hero's Realm.
Edit: Additionally, to avoid tedious copying and pasting in the far off future, never use an engine that you can not use arrays in. That is all.
In regard to which game making engine to choose I'd suggest doing some research, of course, before choosing.
I chose XP instead of VX because I'd heard VX had a limit on how large a tileset file could be where as XP didn't. Also XP has 3 layers as opposed to the 2 of VX. There were some other issues that made me go to XP(can't remember them all but largely technical ones) but I've heard good things about VX as well. It seems to have a more user friendly interface and was generally easier to make games with if you had no experience. (This is all stuff I'd read so I don't have any actual experience with VX , it may actually be quite different).
Anyway, my point is to spend some time on the web checking out all the alternatives out there. Not sure how updated this list is(as XP and VX aren't even on it) but it does have some alternative engines to check out.
http://rmlist.rpgsource.net/
I chose XP instead of VX because I'd heard VX had a limit on how large a tileset file could be where as XP didn't. Also XP has 3 layers as opposed to the 2 of VX. There were some other issues that made me go to XP(can't remember them all but largely technical ones) but I've heard good things about VX as well. It seems to have a more user friendly interface and was generally easier to make games with if you had no experience. (This is all stuff I'd read so I don't have any actual experience with VX , it may actually be quite different).
Anyway, my point is to spend some time on the web checking out all the alternatives out there. Not sure how updated this list is(as XP and VX aren't even on it) but it does have some alternative engines to check out.
http://rmlist.rpgsource.net/
I get the vibe that XP isn't really recommended by some of those that have been here much longer, is there any particular reason why? I haven't really had many problems with it yet.
Ya and that list is old as shit, couldn't seem to find a newer one and a majority of the links led to actual legit websites so I figured what the hey.
Ya and that list is old as shit, couldn't seem to find a newer one and a majority of the links led to actual legit websites so I figured what the hey.
As a general rule, if you are just starting out I recommend RMVX, since it is the latest, is pretty much as easy to use as RM2k3 and has more potential in the long run.
Xerek
0
Thank you all. I do plan on playing an RPG Maker game or two first, though I expect them to be similar to the SNES JRPGs I loved in the past. I also know you can go well well beyond, adding action RPG elements, mini-games and the like.
I am not afraid of scripting. I actually am close to a Associates in Computer Science, and have actually made my own text-based games (think Zork-like) on the Commodore 64 back in the day. I realize there will be work involved in getting off the ground, but I'd prefer to put that extra effort into one of the newer ones (XP/VX). Part of me wants to go VX, but the unlimited tile sets available in XP are tempting. Part of what I loved about the old JRPGs was the thrill and wonder of reaching a new area, and having it 'feel' new. The final dungeons of FF IV and Lunar: Eternal Blue Complete are great examples. Again, that's not a deal-breaker.
What I get will be legit. I've made it a point in recent years to change my ways and only keep legal, paid copies on my system. Nothing against others, just my personal feelings on the matter (I have a friend who is a computer programmer). Both have full demos to play with, so I feel certain I can test what I need to before dropping money on it.
Oh, as for OS compatibility, I had a beast of a time getting RPG Maker XP to run on Server 2008 R2 (Server version of Win 7), but I found the issue out (might help others). There is a Windows feature, DEP (Data Execution Prevention). It's a security feature meant to block malicious scripting from launching, but there are some older, legit programs it does not play nice with. Half-Life 1 being one, RPG Maker XP being another. The solution is to disable DEP outright, or add EVERY executable (for RPG Maker XP, and for each game) to the DEP exception list. VX does not suffer from this. Short form, I can use both without compatibility issues.
At the moment, I am leaning more toward VX, but certainly continue to value input. ChaosProductions, that link was very helpful in pointing out a vast array of differences. Thank you for it. And thank you everyone for your thoughts so far. Makes things considerably less intimidating.
-Xerek
I am not afraid of scripting. I actually am close to a Associates in Computer Science, and have actually made my own text-based games (think Zork-like) on the Commodore 64 back in the day. I realize there will be work involved in getting off the ground, but I'd prefer to put that extra effort into one of the newer ones (XP/VX). Part of me wants to go VX, but the unlimited tile sets available in XP are tempting. Part of what I loved about the old JRPGs was the thrill and wonder of reaching a new area, and having it 'feel' new. The final dungeons of FF IV and Lunar: Eternal Blue Complete are great examples. Again, that's not a deal-breaker.
What I get will be legit. I've made it a point in recent years to change my ways and only keep legal, paid copies on my system. Nothing against others, just my personal feelings on the matter (I have a friend who is a computer programmer). Both have full demos to play with, so I feel certain I can test what I need to before dropping money on it.
Oh, as for OS compatibility, I had a beast of a time getting RPG Maker XP to run on Server 2008 R2 (Server version of Win 7), but I found the issue out (might help others). There is a Windows feature, DEP (Data Execution Prevention). It's a security feature meant to block malicious scripting from launching, but there are some older, legit programs it does not play nice with. Half-Life 1 being one, RPG Maker XP being another. The solution is to disable DEP outright, or add EVERY executable (for RPG Maker XP, and for each game) to the DEP exception list. VX does not suffer from this. Short form, I can use both without compatibility issues.
At the moment, I am leaning more toward VX, but certainly continue to value input. ChaosProductions, that link was very helpful in pointing out a vast array of differences. Thank you for it. And thank you everyone for your thoughts so far. Makes things considerably less intimidating.
-Xerek
I had a Commodore 64 when I was a kid! Well, my older brother did. Of course, I was like 5 at the time and then a few years later I got a Nintendo and never looked back (or forward!).
Xerek
Oh, as for OS compatibility, I had a beast of a time getting RPG Maker XP to run on Server 2008 R2 (Server version of Win 7), but I found the issue out (might help others). There is a Windows feature, DEP (Data Execution Prevention). It's a security feature meant to block malicious scripting from launching, but there are some older, legit programs it does not play nice with. Half-Life 1 being one, RPG Maker XP being another. The solution is to disable DEP outright, or add EVERY executable (for RPG Maker XP, and for each game) to the DEP exception list.
!!!
I've had issues with RMXP simply not running but without giving any meaningful error and I do have DEP enabled for all applications by defualt. I'm going to try this (adding XP games to the DEP OptOut list), having RMXP games work on my main computer would be extremely handy!
Well adding RMXP to the DEP OptOut list didn't fix it from killing itself whenever it boots but now I can play RMXP games! Ya~ay, thanks!
Xerek
0
Glad I could help. Are you sure you added the right .exe file for RMXP to the list? I was able to get it working fine on mine (along with the RPXP games). If I recall, RMXP had a few .exes in there. You might want to try adding all of them to the list. Or, disable DEP outright briefly, and seeing if RMXP runs. If it does, then you know you just didn't add the right .exe to the optout list. Re-enable DEP, and just experiment with adding different .exes to the list.
Good luck!
-Xerek
Good luck!
-Xerek
I recommend rm2k or rm2k3. They're easy to use, and quite flexible. At least give them a try for your first creation. I couldn't imagine making anything even decent in RMXP for my first try. The interface is just kinda... I guess catered towards those with extensive backgrounds in using previous versions. I remember using it for the first time and thinking, if I had not used rm2k or rm2k3 I would have had no clue what the hell I was doing.
A lot of people go with the newer tools just because of graphics. But I'll tell you why rm2k and rm2k3 are the best in this way, the sheer amount of resources available on the internet. There are just a hell of a lot more for the older makers because they have been around so long and built up a large collection over time. And like many others, I find VX to be pretty blocky.
I've been fiddling with rm2k for over 10 years, and I still love it now. If you see potential to sell your game, obviously one of the newer tools is the only way you can do it. But if it's just for fun, there are a lot of people (who haven't been voicing their opinions on here yet) who prefer these older tools to the new ones.
And in terms of game recommendations, THE WAY episodes 1-6 by Lun are great examples of what can be achieved in rm2k3 (even though I was never all that partial to the custom battle system that was used).
A lot of people go with the newer tools just because of graphics. But I'll tell you why rm2k and rm2k3 are the best in this way, the sheer amount of resources available on the internet. There are just a hell of a lot more for the older makers because they have been around so long and built up a large collection over time. And like many others, I find VX to be pretty blocky.
I've been fiddling with rm2k for over 10 years, and I still love it now. If you see potential to sell your game, obviously one of the newer tools is the only way you can do it. But if it's just for fun, there are a lot of people (who haven't been voicing their opinions on here yet) who prefer these older tools to the new ones.
And in terms of game recommendations, THE WAY episodes 1-6 by Lun are great examples of what can be achieved in rm2k3 (even though I was never all that partial to the custom battle system that was used).
I recommend rm2k or rm2k3. They're easy to use, and quite flexible. At least give them a try for your first creation. I couldn't imagine making anything even decent in RMXP for my first try. The interface is just kinda... I guess catered towards those with extensive backgrounds in using previous versions. I remember using it for the first time and thinking, if I had not used rm2k or rm2k3 I would have had no clue what the hell I was doing.
A lot of people go with the newer tools just because of graphics. But I'll tell you why rm2k and rm2k3 are the best in this way, the sheer amount of resources available on the internet. There are just a hell of a lot more for the older makers because they have been around so long and built up a large collection over time. And like many others, I find VX to be pretty blocky.
/me looks at sbester's post.
/me takes a deep breath.
/me declines to say anything.
