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THINGS I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE MAKING MY FIRST RPG
Posts
Jcox2820
0
Jcox2820
View playlists
CloseFirst of all - hello!
I've done some research, writing, thinking, soul searching, hot-pocket eating, and considering and have finally decided to commit myself to making a game using one of the RPG makers. I made this decision a couple of weeks ago when I learned that an RPG maker player was released for Android and was prompted to get off my ass and look into this thing .
It took some time, but after I realized I could actually make a traditional RPG myself I was so excited I could hardly sleep. Still, I figured I should be sure that the RPG Maker was not beyond my capabilities. The more I read about it the more it seems something I can grasp if I stick to it.
Thus I began the process of creating a story. And might I say, it IS a STORY. A hell of a story - compelling characters, events that extend beyond the comprehension of the player at the time they happen, unexpected plot twists (and some expected ones), epic plot, and a device by which the player feels the characters emotions.
But that was the easy part for me. I am a writer by semi-profession after all. I have never designed a game before, nor have I any experience in coding, etc. In fact, I'm such a goober that I don't even know HTML!
So here I am, realising I need some questions answered before I dive deep. Here are the ones floating in my head right now, but when you answer please keep in mind that I know I will need to do a lot more learning (tuts, etc.) before I really get moving. But before going further I need to know this stuff:
1) I wont do too well writing music, and I am not sure if I can do well creating sprites, tiles, etc. Is it likely that I can get someone to help me out with these areas in which I am seriously lacking?
2) Is this one of those places were newbish questions are disregarded or treated with disdain?
3) Which RPG Maker should I use?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!
4) Do I need to do something special to make my game compatible with the Android player?
5) Is it possible to create a game in such a way that it is downloaded from the android market as a seperate file from the player but used by it?
6) How hard is it going to be for me to piece together a working knowledge of this system from the tuts etc. that are laying around at this site?
Thanks!
I've done some research, writing, thinking, soul searching, hot-pocket eating, and considering and have finally decided to commit myself to making a game using one of the RPG makers. I made this decision a couple of weeks ago when I learned that an RPG maker player was released for Android and was prompted to get off my ass and look into this thing .
It took some time, but after I realized I could actually make a traditional RPG myself I was so excited I could hardly sleep. Still, I figured I should be sure that the RPG Maker was not beyond my capabilities. The more I read about it the more it seems something I can grasp if I stick to it.
Thus I began the process of creating a story. And might I say, it IS a STORY. A hell of a story - compelling characters, events that extend beyond the comprehension of the player at the time they happen, unexpected plot twists (and some expected ones), epic plot, and a device by which the player feels the characters emotions.
But that was the easy part for me. I am a writer by semi-profession after all. I have never designed a game before, nor have I any experience in coding, etc. In fact, I'm such a goober that I don't even know HTML!
So here I am, realising I need some questions answered before I dive deep. Here are the ones floating in my head right now, but when you answer please keep in mind that I know I will need to do a lot more learning (tuts, etc.) before I really get moving. But before going further I need to know this stuff:
1) I wont do too well writing music, and I am not sure if I can do well creating sprites, tiles, etc. Is it likely that I can get someone to help me out with these areas in which I am seriously lacking?
2) Is this one of those places were newbish questions are disregarded or treated with disdain?
3) Which RPG Maker should I use?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!
4) Do I need to do something special to make my game compatible with the Android player?
5) Is it possible to create a game in such a way that it is downloaded from the android market as a seperate file from the player but used by it?
6) How hard is it going to be for me to piece together a working knowledge of this system from the tuts etc. that are laying around at this site?
Thanks!
MKID232
435
You might want to go to the introduction forum if you haven't done so already. Anyway, as for your questions.
1) Any RPG Maker comes with a selection of music and sprites to help you get started, but I'm sure there are people who'll help you out.
2) Only if the question hasn't been asked before and isn't in the help log of the RPG Maker you use.
3) Depends on your preference. 2K or 2K3 for hardcore, XP for amateurs, and VX beginners for when you are just starting out. But eventually, they all become easy enough to understand.
EDIT: Though personally, I'd go with RMXP.
4-5 I don't have an answer for.
6) Even if you use the easy to use VX, it'll take some time to get used to everything in a maker. And yes, it will be hard. But perseverance is all it takes to get used to anything.
1) Any RPG Maker comes with a selection of music and sprites to help you get started, but I'm sure there are people who'll help you out.
2) Only if the question hasn't been asked before and isn't in the help log of the RPG Maker you use.
3) Depends on your preference. 2K or 2K3 for hardcore, XP for amateurs, and VX beginners for when you are just starting out. But eventually, they all become easy enough to understand.
EDIT: Though personally, I'd go with RMXP.
4-5 I don't have an answer for.
6) Even if you use the easy to use VX, it'll take some time to get used to everything in a maker. And yes, it will be hard. But perseverance is all it takes to get used to anything.
Aten
1570
1) Music, Spriting, Is it likely that I can get someone to help me out with these areas in which I am seriously lacking?
I wouldn't hold my breath.
2) Is this one of those places were newbish questions are disregarded or treated with disdain?
Yes and no. If your "noob questions" refer to things like "what is a switch" or "what is a variable" then yes. You will be treated with much disdain. Some things you are just expected to KNOW before you even think of making a game, even if its simple as rpgmaker. Luckily I have tutorials on that subject on the tutorials section. I will, however, PRAISE you if you come in with genuinely hard questions that get even the best makers here to put their thinking caps on.
3) Which RPG Maker should I use?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!
RM2K3 if you're going for the old school look and charm . RMXP if you're all about graphics and want to add your own RUBY scripts to your game. RMVX if you..... wait, scratch that, screw RMVX.
4) Do I need to do something special to make my game compatible with the Android player?
Yes. Learn to program in C++/JAVA, grab a android devkit and go program your game for android.
5) Is it possible to create a game in such a way that it is downloaded from the android market as a seperate file from the player but used by it?
see above.
6) How hard is it going to be for me to piece together a working knowledge of this system from the tuts etc. that are laying around at this site?
This, is dependent on YOU. If you're a simpleton then it won't be easy. If you have common sense, then it won't be long before you are a pro.
I wouldn't hold my breath.
2) Is this one of those places were newbish questions are disregarded or treated with disdain?
Yes and no. If your "noob questions" refer to things like "what is a switch" or "what is a variable" then yes. You will be treated with much disdain. Some things you are just expected to KNOW before you even think of making a game, even if its simple as rpgmaker. Luckily I have tutorials on that subject on the tutorials section. I will, however, PRAISE you if you come in with genuinely hard questions that get even the best makers here to put their thinking caps on.
3) Which RPG Maker should I use?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!
RM2K3 if you're going for the old school look and charm . RMXP if you're all about graphics and want to add your own RUBY scripts to your game. RMVX if you..... wait, scratch that, screw RMVX.
4) Do I need to do something special to make my game compatible with the Android player?
Yes. Learn to program in C++/JAVA, grab a android devkit and go program your game for android.
5) Is it possible to create a game in such a way that it is downloaded from the android market as a seperate file from the player but used by it?
see above.
6) How hard is it going to be for me to piece together a working knowledge of this system from the tuts etc. that are laying around at this site?
This, is dependent on YOU. If you're a simpleton then it won't be easy. If you have common sense, then it won't be long before you are a pro.
Darken
3952
I'm assuming you have not touched the programs at all... But I'd advise you to just google one of the RM trials (XP or VX) and get your feet wet. Mess around, make mistakes, learn from other RM games, and idk just have fun.
Don't start a game project that requires skills you don't have to complete. Many projects fail because people assume they will be able to fill in the blanks later by getting help, and then never get help or get unreliable help. The only good chance a 'team' game has of succeeding is if the project director has the motivation and all the necessary skills to complete it himself if everything else falls through.
So for example: If you can't sprite and your game needs sprites, use rips, royalty-free graphics, or learn to sprite. Don't start working on the game thinking 'I will be able to find someone to make the sprites." You need to be 100% sure about where those sprites will be coming from beforehand!
Use RM2K3, you can do a lot with it without needing to mess with scripts or graphics converters. Or, if you for some reason really need an expanded color palette, chipset size, and the ability to add features like pixel-based movement, try out RMXP.
So for example: If you can't sprite and your game needs sprites, use rips, royalty-free graphics, or learn to sprite. Don't start working on the game thinking 'I will be able to find someone to make the sprites." You need to be 100% sure about where those sprites will be coming from beforehand!
Use RM2K3, you can do a lot with it without needing to mess with scripts or graphics converters. Or, if you for some reason really need an expanded color palette, chipset size, and the ability to add features like pixel-based movement, try out RMXP.
post=202529
Make a small game first, for experience. Then start working on your super plot. Trust me on that.
This. Oh how I wish I could re-start Carlsev Saga today, despite all its generally good feedback. I had started that project on a more newcomer-oriented site, and it shows.
LockeZ
I'd really like to get rid of LockeZ. His play style is way too unpredictable. He's always like this too. If he ran a country, he'd just kill and imprison people at random until crime stopped.
5958
RPG Maker creates games for Windows. They will not run on other operating systems. This means they won't run on Mac, Linux, Unix, DOS, Android, Blackberry, Amiga, Super Nintendo, Playstation 3, your toaster oven (unless it's Windows based), or anything else.
The nice thing about graphics and sound is that you don't have to create them if you're willing to use resources ripped from commercial games. There are tons of ripped resources available on various RPG Maker sites. If you're planning on selling your game, though, that obviously won't cut it. I've had a few discussions with amateur musicians who wanted to get into games, and I don't think it'd be too hard to find music if you had to, but good effin' luck with the graphics.
The nice thing about graphics and sound is that you don't have to create them if you're willing to use resources ripped from commercial games. There are tons of ripped resources available on various RPG Maker sites. If you're planning on selling your game, though, that obviously won't cut it. I've had a few discussions with amateur musicians who wanted to get into games, and I don't think it'd be too hard to find music if you had to, but good effin' luck with the graphics.
Jcox2820
0
Thanks for the help.
From what I have been looking at the stuff I plan to be doing with the maker is considered simple stuff, so I am not too concerned. That's not to say I think it'll be easy, just not too worried.
Regarding Android:
I was confused by the way an app called "IRM Player" billed itself on the market. It sounded like it used the rpg maker system we have been talking about but in reality it is it's own unique tool, which is disapointing.
From what I have been looking at the stuff I plan to be doing with the maker is considered simple stuff, so I am not too concerned. That's not to say I think it'll be easy, just not too worried.
Regarding Android:
I was confused by the way an app called "IRM Player" billed itself on the market. It sounded like it used the rpg maker system we have been talking about but in reality it is it's own unique tool, which is disapointing.
sunshinesan
534
One thing you need to keep in mind is...
Keep track and keep your variables/switches in a orderly fashion!
My project haunts me whenever I open it because I did not heed to this warning that I am giving just now.
Keep track and keep your variables/switches in a orderly fashion!
My project haunts me whenever I open it because I did not heed to this warning that I am giving just now.
WolfCoder
3554
post=202483
...
3) Which RPG Maker should I use?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!
...
None of them. They all suck. Even mine. Just pick up GameMaker or XNA or something and make a game not so crazy.
post=202529
Make a small game first, for experience. Then start working on your super plot. Trust me on that.
This
and
post=202496
Don't start a game project that requires skills you don't have to complete. Many projects fail because people assume they will be able to fill in the blanks later by getting help, and then never get help or get unreliable help. The only good chance a 'team' game has of succeeding is if the project director has the motivation and all the necessary skills to complete it himself if everything else falls through.
So for example: If you can't sprite and your game needs sprites, use rips, royalty-free graphics, or learn to sprite. Don't start working on the game thinking 'I will be able to find someone to make the sprites." You need to be 100% sure about where those sprites will be coming from beforehand!
Use RM2K3, you can do a lot with it without needing to mess with scripts or graphics converters. Or, if you for some reason really need an expanded color palette, chipset size, and the ability to add features like pixel-based movement, try out RMXP.
This. Though I don't really recommend RMXP that much (it's not that bad but...the default scripts) RMVX is easier to customize though.
post=202782
None of them. They all suck. Even mine. Just pick up GameMaker or XNA or something and make a game not so crazy.
gonna parrot this too, you have the opportunity to use something a bit more flexible and you should take it!
...unless you feel daunted by the learning curve! But if you feel motivated enough to make a game, might as well grab XNA and start cracking!
But just download them all, try them out and pick the one best suited for you and your goals.
But just download them all, try them out and pick the one best suited for you and your goals.
MKID232
435
post=202900Could you clarify what is wrong with the default scripts?
Though I don't really recommend RMXP that much (it's not that bad but...the default scripts)
Billwilliams
1159
Oh and don't start a retarded joke game starring your old FF1 characters, come up with a massive sweeping epic plot and then try to mash the two together.
LockeZ
I'd really like to get rid of LockeZ. His play style is way too unpredictable. He's always like this too. If he ran a country, he'd just kill and imprison people at random until crime stopped.
5958
Guys, in case you didn't actually read the OP before you started responding to each-other, he said
I'm no mind reader so there's always a chance I'm wrong, but I think that means he is almost certainly not interested in more powerful but harder to grasp design tools.
RPG Maker 2003 is probably the easiest but has some serious limitations (and a few bugs). But it's not bad, by any stretch of the imagination, especially since it's basically designed to create your first game. And it has the most graphics resources available, which helps immensely.
XP and VX are somewhat more complex. I've heard it said that VX is easier for beginners than XP, for whatever reason. They seem pretty identical to me, to be honest, but wikipedia says VX was critically praised for being easier to get started with. So there you go.
I have never designed a game before, nor have I any experience in coding, etc. In fact, I'm such a goober that I don't even know HTML!
I'm no mind reader so there's always a chance I'm wrong, but I think that means he is almost certainly not interested in more powerful but harder to grasp design tools.
RPG Maker 2003 is probably the easiest but has some serious limitations (and a few bugs). But it's not bad, by any stretch of the imagination, especially since it's basically designed to create your first game. And it has the most graphics resources available, which helps immensely.
XP and VX are somewhat more complex. I've heard it said that VX is easier for beginners than XP, for whatever reason. They seem pretty identical to me, to be honest, but wikipedia says VX was critically praised for being easier to get started with. So there you go.
WolfCoder
3554
I'm no mind reader so there's always a chance I'm wrong, but I think that means he is almost certainly not interested in more powerful but harder to grasp design tools.
GameMaker, then.
