You need the RPG Maker VX Ace RTP to play the game. If you don't have it already, you can get it here.

Do keep in mind that the two reviews reflect an earlier version of the game made in RPG Maker 2000, which has nothing to do with the current build of the game in RPG Maker VX Ace.

"It is the year 738 of the Common Time in the Kingdom of Engea. A darkness has fallen over the land; demons, brought to the mortal plane by unknown forces, are causing fear and destruction wherever they appear."

Relas: Chaos of the Realms is a traditional RPG that is heavily inspired by games such as the original Fallout games, Arcanum, Morrowind, Wizardry 8 and the Might and Magic series. Although this may seem like a fairly diverse list of RPGs, it is not my goal to emulate any one game. I'm attempting to cull some of my favorite elements from western RPGs and make a game that's distinctively my own. Relas: Chaos of the Realms was previously a game made with RPG Maker 2000, and was called The Chronicles of Engea; it is now being recreated and reimagined in RPG Maker VX Ace.

My aim for this project is to create a rich and atmospheric fantasy world that you travel through while being guided by the narrative, without being constricted to a linear path. I am also aiming for a well-told story line that branches based on the choices that you make, and a variety of side quests for you to complete along the way. There will be a significant amount of choice & consequence in the game as well; decisions that you make may have devastating, unforeseeable effects later on - or vice versa. You will be able to command a party of up to five characters who you can find throughout the game world, and choose from among ten classes to play as.

I'm also putting a large focus on characterization and making sure that each NPC in the world feels as though they belong there. Your companions will often provide commentary on things as you explore the world and will on occasion engage in conversation when you meet someone that they know. Aside from the flavor text, there will also be various side-plots related to your companions that you can choose to pursue. Characters and quests within the game world will form a metaphorical patchwork quilt of sorts with quests serving to strengthen and reinforce the lore of the world and the relationships between its characters and factions.

Relas: Chaos of the Realms will have a minimalistic storyline that unfolds gradually as you play the game. You will often have to think for yourself to solve problems and use logic and critical thinking to figure out what to do next. If you are used to being held by the hand when you play RPGs, this game might not be for you. On the other hand, if you don't mind figuring out things for yourself and exploring a bit, Relas: Chaos of the Realms should be your kind of game.

Combat is intended to be tactical and challenging, but it is not necessarily the main focus of the game. Experience points are not given for combat, but rather for completing objectives; this makes the game easier for me to balance and will make the level curve much smoother, as well help to discourage or even outright eliminate grinding.

If you want to see how the old game will compare to the new one, feel free to download the (unfinished) RPG Maker 2000 version.