EBJ5883'S PROFILE

So I've been here before in an attempt to get an overall opinion on what creation software I should use, given the intentions/desires I have in mind. It didn't quite work out then, but the difference now is that I'm willing to drop some money into this, depending on how close I can get to my goals.

Basically, my goal is to create a "Star Ocean - The second Story" (or any subsequent Star Ocean installation) type of format. By that I mean that I'd like to have the same general map exploration design that the older Final Fantasies have had, but when a battle occurs, I'd like for the fight zone to be an active zone which can be freely moved around in. I know that that's likely a tall order. It's just a first preference. A side view of encounters (like Final Fantasy 6 for example) is fine as well. That's my second preference.

Another thing that I'd like to add is a "secret zone" type of deal, where upon beating the story's final boss, a decision is made - one that ends the game, and another that opens a formerly blocked pathway where a secret dungeon is found. Like above, this isn't a big deal if it can't be done, but its just a preference.

In short, what I'm seeking is the closest I can get to:

1.) Star Ocean style encounters (side view encounters as a second preference)
2.) Endgame choice where the game can conclude, or go on to a secret dungeon


The creation software that can get me closest to this is what I'm after.