RAVE'S PROFILE

I've decided to make my own RPG Maker from scratch and I'd like to get some design tips. Not in terms of features, as I know what I want to implement, but in terms of designing both editor and engine (especially how to handle map file formats, how to make drawing tiles work, etc.).

So this thread is mainly for Cherry and Wolfcoder as both worked either on editor (Cherry's RM Ultimate) or engine (both). And perhaps for the authors of EasyRPG/TURBU if they're around.

Any tips where I should start?

One thing I can say for sure about this maker: Both engine and editor will be open-sourced, though I will get money out of that (my business model features some ideas that will help me get the money).

Well, I prefer "Library approach". Basically every (or most) towns/cities have a library where you can read interesting things about game's world, including types of monster and what they can do to player. If player cares to read it, then he/she probably will know how to prepare. If they don't - well their loss.

When I was on XP, I preferred AMS by Dubealex. It's wonderful script that also adds such things like Faceset support and nameboxes.

Well, if it's dungeon, I usually use dungeon generator till I get basic shape that is good enough for me. Then I just add stuff to this dungeon and do this till it's done. But it only really works in case of dungeons, not towns or forests, so this is very specific tip. But pregenerating dungeon, then customizing it to your needs is less work than making one from scratch.

I'm using Nokia 6151 and will use it till it break, as cellphone is for SMS and calling, not stupid farting apps.