TRANSFER SAVE FILES TO SEQUEL GAMES

How to start a different game while keeping progression

  • Avee
  • 03/28/2012 08:18 PM
  • 13316 views
Transfer save files to sequel games
For RPG Maker 2000, 2003
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This simple tutorial allows a save file transfer between RPG Maker 2k or 2k3 games that are linked together, such as sequels or chapters released separately.

This system allows you to create different games where the players can keep their experience levels, items, equipment, money and other forms of progress achieved in previous games when starting another one.

Transferring save files is done by opening the game's folder and copy/pasting a Save.lsd file to another game's folder.
Note that the Save.lsd files also feature numbers, such as Save01.lsd.

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To code the save file transfer system you will need:
-One variable. Let's call it Game ID.
-A map where the player can save the game. Let's call it the Save Map.

Other requirements:
-This system only works if saving the game is initiated through an event, such as a save crystal the player steps on. It will not work when saving through the Menu.
-I would recommend that you fully complete a first game with this system included, copy/paste its folder in your RPG Maker Projects folder and edit the copy to make it your second game.
-Database settings should remain the same for all games in order for the system to work properly. For instance, all Items should be the same for all games.
-You should also use the same switches and variables for the story-related events of all games. That way it will be much easier to initialize them all when needed.

This might sound more complicated than it actually is. Don't worry.

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Tutorial:

Make a map and call it the Save Map.

In this map, make an event called Check data transfer.
This event will check if the save file the player loads had been transferred from another game to this one, and initialize all of the current game's story-related switches and variables so it can be started anew while keeping past progression.

In this event's Preconditions box, check Variable.
Select a variable and call it Game ID.
Since we are coding the first game, select Not Equal to and 1 right underneath.
This means that our first game's ID is 1.

Select the Parallel Process trigger condition.

In the Event Commands box to the right, you want to initialize all of the story-related switches and variables of the game. In the example below I set Variable 0001 to zero to initialize whatever story-related scene it is assigned to (in the sample game provided below, I set it to the number of times you speak to the kids).
You might want to initialize other things, such as current party members, etc.

When you're done initializing, add a Teleport to the current game's party starting position.



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We now have to code the event that allows the player to save the game.

In any map where the player is allowed to run this event (for instance a hallway hosting a save crystal before a boss fight), make an event called Save your game.

In the Event Commands box, set the variable called Game ID to 1 (since this is the first game).

Add a Memorize Location. Set a different variable for Map's ID, X location and Y location.

Add a Teleport to our previously-made Save Map.

Add an Open Save Menu.

Add a Recall to Location and select the variables for Map's ID, X location and Y location we just made.

Make sure you copy/paste this Save your game event in every map you want the player to be allowed to save the game.



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When coding another game, Game no.2 for instance, you need to edit the event called Check data transfer in our Save Map, and the events called Save your Game.

In the Check data transfer event, select Not Equal to and 2 underneath our variable checked box.
This means that the second game's ID is 2.

In the Save your game events, set the variable called Game ID to 2.

Repeat for additional games.

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Here is a downloadable sample project that includes this system.

Download link

To test it, play any of the two games for a while and step on the orb thing to save your game.
Exit the game and open its folder to copy/paste the Save.lsd file to the other game's folder.
Run the other game and load the transferred save file. You will start this other game anew while keeping character progression and possessions.

- Avee

Posts

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Could the same theory be applied to RMVX Ace? My project is 3 fairly short (4-5 hours each) games in a series called 'The Alchemist's Brother'. I'm making it in RMVX Ace and it would be awesome to have the characters start in the same place with the same items, levels, skills, etc.
author=Bassfire
it would be awesome to have the characters start in the same place with the same items, levels, skills, etc.


This is exactly what this system is made for :)
I believe it should work for any version of Rpg Maker. If you run into any kind of problem, let me know.
author=Avee
This is exactly what this system is made for :)
I believe it should work for any version of Rpg Maker. If you run into any kind of problem, let me know.


Alright. :) Thanks. I won't be able to let you know for a while lol but rest assured, someday I will let you know.
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