I think I might get the battle system going here just so that it's implemented and branches all three sections of what makes RPG Maker 2003. Making the 20th deadline won't be quite as frantic either. As far as the menu goes, Equipment and Skills remain. I think it's more important to add the ability to use items outside of battle over the remaining menu options.

Formation, Order, and ATB are really really easy commands to implement, I've already done those archetypes in games before. What really is in my way are the remaining script commands and battles. The last grand challenge that I face in finishing this once and for all is the Battle Events. Those are easy to mess up if I am not careful. I'm allowed to have a few things here and there missing, but Battle Events must absolutely be in the beta for it to BE a beta and not an alpha.

Going to release the next Alpha as well here soon. From now on, the supported commands will be listed in detail inside an Open Spreadsheet Document right next to the instruction booklet.

This engine is currently very usable. It almost plays Rubi already too.