Is this Game made with the RPG Maker XP?

[Darrok]

Title^

[Shadowriver]

Escrito originalmente por Señor Scarybagels:

Using an Engine is not the same as using an overly simplified game maker tool.

Apparently you have never opened up the unity engine [unity3d.com] editor, If you want they have default assets and you can create a game in a couple hours with zero programming skill. Is it going to be a good game.. probably not. If you want to make a “good” one that it takes effort and custom scripting/programming, art, music, etcetera.

RPG maker is very similar, Sure you can create a game with the default tileset and music in a couple hours but is it going to be good? Again probably not.

I will say I know both the lead artist and the lead game designer for this game (skyborn) and I can tell you it took about a year of working over nights and weekends for this game to be completed.
The tileset is custom; the music is composed and performed by the lead designer; the character art is all custom (minus a couple monsters); the battle system, interface, crafting system and events have been customized which takes extensive scripting and programming; And all the story, world and characters have been written out in novel length.
I personally have play tested this game many times over to make sure players would be able to have a stable and bug free experience.

How is this not like making a game with an engine again?

[ΑΩ Iteration 01]

Escrito originalmente por Shadowriver:

Escrito originalmente por Señor Scarybagels:

Using an Engine is not the same as using an overly simplified game maker tool.

Apparently you have never opened up the unity engine [unity3d.com] editor, If you want they have default assets and you can create a game in a couple hours with zero programming skill. Is it going to be a good game.. probably not. If you want to make a “good” one that it takes effort and custom scripting/programming, art, music, etcetera.

RPG maker is very similar, Sure you can create a game with the default tileset and music in a couple hours but is it going to be good? Again probably not.

I will say I know both the lead artist and the lead game designer for this game (skyborn) and I can tell you it took about a year of working over nights and weekends for this game to be completed.
The tileset is custom; the music is composed and performed by the lead designer; the character art is all custom (minus a couple monsters); the battle system, interface, crafting system and events have been customized which takes extensive scripting and programming; And all the story, world and characters have been written out in novel length.
I personally have play tested this game many times over to make sure players would be able to have a stable and bug free experience.

How is this not like making a game with an engine again?

Like I said else where, I am in no way saying the game is bad, that was more my personal opinion on RPG Maker, is the game good? I do not know, I just do not think it is worth the price they are asking, but the way they answered in the thread they seemed like good guys and I am willing to ignore the use of RPG Maker if they have made a fun game.

I apologize if it seemed like I was harshing on this game in particular, I'm not, Infact I think the game should be on steam and should make money. This is purely my opinion on RPG Maker as a whole however.

[Brataccas (°o°)]

lol all these kids bickering, sad really, just play or not play the damn game. making deals out of nothing.

[The Coolest Cat]

So in other words, Scarybagel. 'LOLZ RPGMAKAR LOLZ' That's like saying 'LOLZ CUBASE LOLZ' because it makes songs without using real instruments.

[ΑΩ Iteration 01]

or as in an earlier comparison of RPG Maker = GO animate.

[SiriusWolf]

A lot of the people are missing the point, yes RPM doesn't do all the work for you, but if you listen to the music, it's from packs you can buy, some of that art can be found on the forums, and as for the story, whoopdy-doo they made a story. I started practicing with RPM before I became a game designer just to have some idea of what can be done with it. No matter what you do, it's still limiting. The resolitions, graphics, and even the sound engine are limiting. There are literally thousands of games free better than this one. ...That is the point I was trying to make. Comparing it to other engines is apples to oranges. It can not, nor will not ever create a game as good as unity, cryengine, or unreal. & Comparing it to game maker...I for one know someone who knows Dennis and it wasn't based on the stock engine, a LOT of changes were added in. (And personally I think the game stinks and is too low tech and wouldn't pay for it.)

[NatSpectrum]

Escrito originalmente por XWolf:

Comparing it to other engines is apples to oranges. It can not, nor will not ever create a game as good as unity, cryengine, or unreal.

You just compared RPG Maker, a program specifically designed to create SNES style 2D JRPGs, to two next-gen 3D engines that were designed first and foremost to create shooters.

What exactly do you expect RPG Maker to do, aside from make RPGs? I am seriously confused here. It's like saying "Mugen is so limiting, I can't make FPS games in it!". There is a difference between something being limiting, and something being specialised.

Also, RPG Maker has allowed you to alter every aspect of the engine through scripting since XP. If you don't like the way something works in RPG Maker XP or VX, rewrite the script (or find custom scripts by other people). You can create custom menus, custom battle systems, you can even improve the graphical capabilities by editing the script (such as increasing the resolution, creating particle systems, or including Mode07).

Here's a video showing the "Sapphire Action System IV" scripts made for RPG Maker VX Ace. Admittedly it would be much better with custom graphics, but already you can see that you're not limited to the bog-standard battle system and can actually use it to create something more in line with Secret of Mana.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GKpmKBsmwc

Here is a game callled "Reincarnation", also made in RPG Maker VX Ace. Just skip through parts of the video and you will see completely new menus, battle systems, and even message windows, all achieved through custom scripts and graphics. Again, all done in a supposedly "limiting" engine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOTh0eD2tGs

And here is a project made in the slightly older RPG Maker XP, using the "H-Mode7" scripts, allowing for the creation of simplistic 3D maps. It's not without it's issues (namely glitches at the edges of the screen), but still impressive for an engine that's apparently limiting "no matter what you do".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO_GZzrdE9Y

Furthermore, you don't even need a scripting interface to make something unique in RPG Maker. People were building their own custom menus and battle systems back in RPG Maker 2000 and 2003, neither of which came with scripting interfaces. It was all done using the bog-standard RPG Maker events and a bit of ingenuity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwRTxK3M0qY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC9eNa69TTM

Now let me get one thing straight; I have no idea if Skyborn is a good game or not. I haven't bought it nor have I played it. If you don't like Skyborn based on it's art, story, or execution, then that is fair enough.

But to hate on the game purely because it was made in RPG Maker is just ridiculous, especially when you have such a wildly inaccurate impression of it.

EDIT:

Just found another awesome video, showing that it's possible to completely get rid of RPG Maker VX's boxy look through the use of pre-drawn/rendered backgrounds (referred to as "parallax mapping" in the RPG Maker community). There's even dynamic shadows.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOlKh4PjLbg

[Darrok]

Hi everyone on here! :)
Came back from Work and i noticed that i have around 170 Comments on this Thread. I will reply to most comments on here. I been playing so many free RPG Games in the past 10 years and i don't have any Problem that the Dev is selling this Game on Steam. I own the RPG Maker XP since 2005 and i like to buy Games made with RPG maker XP. VX and VX Ace are acceptable and doesn't make a huge different for me. I like to support Developers from time to time.

Escrito originalmente por dirtywhirlwind:

RPG Maker VX, I believe.

Escrito originalmente por harmonic42:

Hello everyone!

Indeed, RPG Maker VX, the program used to make Skyborn, has a hard-coded base upon which we built the scripts. I'm not a computer science major (A musician, actually!) But we did invest resources in freelance programming and scripting, enough so that it is highly unlikely, barring hacking/stealing, that another RPG Maker game will function identically or similarly.

Thanks for playing everyone, hope you enjoy it!

Escrito originalmente por TheStoryteller01:

Escrito originalmente por Zigi:

Okay you are now on my confirmed troll list. Can't have a simple discussion without kindergarten level insults. Have fun with your crappy RPG maker games. *unsubscribed*

Finally.

Back to topic:

No, it's not made with XP, it's made with VX. I am no friend of crappy cookie-cutter made RPG Maker games on steam but this is indeed one of the better examples around and worth the 50% price.

I have played it, I work on my own RPG Maker games and I can confirm that Skyborn uses a lot of custom assets the developer had to either work very hard or to pay for.

Thanks @Dirtywhirlwind, @Storyteller01 and you @Haromic42 for answering my Question. ^__^

Escrito originalmente por dirtywhirlwind:

Cherry Tree High Comedy Club was made in RPG Maker, and that certainly doesn't look nor play like your average RPG Maker game.

Escrito originalmente por LogicCure:

Having played around with RPG Maker, if you only use the basic, bare bones assests that are handed to you, then yes you're going to get a basic, bare bones game.

From the trailer and screenshots though, this is clearly using custom assets/scripts/etc, so dismissing it as just an 'RPG Maker Game" is akin to burrying your head in the sand. The creator has clearly put more effort than simply arranging the blocks handed to them; instead they used an affordable, easily modified and customized engine as a foundation for their game. Dismissing To The Moon as an example of a good RPG Maker game on the grounds that it's not like most RPG Maker games is utterly ridiculous and just proves the point even further.

Do you have the same problem when you see the 10,000th game using the Unreal Engine? Or the Source Engine? Come on.

Besides, the things that stick with people for RPGs are original or interesting settings, stories, lore, charcters, etc. The "gameplay" portion hardly registers. Even in more action oriented RPGs (Mass Effect comes to mind) it's the characters, their interactions, and their growth that are memorable.

Point being, don't judge a game by it's engine. Critic the game on it's own merits, not those of it's engine.

Escrito originalmente por Chibi Moogle:

To the Moon is another game that was made through RPG maker and that was amazing! ^_^

I beleive if someone who used RPG maker using custom content and using their own original art/music etc, they are entitled to get their money back from working on this game, especially after putting so much work and love into it.

There's a difference between putting love into a game and just putting a game out using the software and its RTP content. (I think that's the term RPG makers use right? ^^;)

Anyways, I beleive Skyborn will keep people occupied for a bit. For me, I'm going to take my time with it though, don't want to rush the expirence. ^_^

Yes Cherry Tree High Comedy Club and To the Moon is made with the RPG Makert XP.

Escrito originalmente por nertlespeed:

So many negative opinions on a game that hasn't even been played by the posters. I totally understand if individuals dislike a particular genre, but bashing a game simply because it doesn't look like a AAA title is just odd to me. I have a ridiculous amount of games on Steam and only review a select few that are either inspiring or just generally offer time well spent. If you aren't a fan of classic RPG games, then this won't really make your day. If you like the genre than you'll be pleasantly surprised by the execution here.

Sorry i didn't had enough Money on my Steam Wallet to buy it as soon as it came out, but that wasn't the point of my Question. I play almost all free RPG Games made with RPG Maker 2002/(2003 since 10 years. The all use the RTP, but the have most of the times good Stories.

Escrito originalmente por Leezeebub:

lol I came to ask the same question and frankly im amazed that this made it onto steam... Im guessing this is Greenlights fault right?

Greenlights fault right? XD The Users here on Steam vote on Greenlight for the Games, so you can complain against the Steam User! :D

Escrito originalmente por Grenthiad:

People who hate on RPG Maker aren't really familiar with how flexibile the scripting in it is. If it's 2D, there isn't much it can't do. No I think most people see all the half-baked, half-finished RPGs using the stock tileset and figure it's not capable of anything spectacular, but I've seen some really cool projects come out of it. To make a proper RPG with custom spritework, drawings, music, etc, etc, takes a lot of time and effort. We're talking tens to hundreds of thousands of manpower hours. Is a game like Skyborn any good or worth $15? I don't know, I haven't played it, but a quick search on Google revealed a lot of good ratings for it so I might pick it up at some point.

The only limitations I disliked about RPG Maker VX Ace when I worked with it was the lack of higher resolutions and portability to mobile devices.

If you're just going to make a 2D RPG for the PC, then it seems like kind of a waste of money and time to create an engine and toolset from scratch when there is already something out there like this. Just my 2 cents.

Yeah that's what i'm always thinking. I use Scripts to even extend the functions instead of having only the basics. I wish the would had 640x480 build in to RPG Maker VX Ace, because it feels better and most of my HUD's, Menu's wouldd fit better on the Screen. The Events i use are made in RPG Maker XP.

Escrito originalmente por Zigi:

To the Moon isn't even an RPG, and that's the only example of a succesful game made in RPG maker people can obviously come up with.

1. It wasn't that succesful
2. It has no gaming mechanics, it's a point and click, so it doesn't say anything for the versatility of RPG maker as a game engine, rather the opposite

If you want to make a succesful game in RPG maker, use non of the battle mechanics. Great defense for RPG maker.

To the Moon is a RPG Game. RPG means Role Playing Game and yes you play the role of 2 Scientists that are helping a old man to make sure he fly to the Moon.

Escrito originalmente por Zigi:

No it's not. There are plenty of engines that allow you to create an actual game with not much more effort than RPG Maker and have a lot more freedom in how the game mechanics work. It's a fun program if you want to make your own RPG but not suitable for professional game development.

Escrito originalmente por WoOS Timeraider:

Escrito originalmente por godofsneak:

No...just no.You people are missing the point about Rpg maker whatever.Its complete ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ because theres no effort in making a game in that software.You cant call your self a game dev if your using RPG maker.No coding only good story and pretty pixels.You can add a soundtrack and some good art but thats all.Its a ♥♥♥♥ program for lazy ass people that cant actually put any effort like a real dev.

If you dont code within it.. yeah.. i can see why you think that then... if everyone was so lazy to only use the basic version of everything we would still be playing boardgames 24/7

RPG Maker XP,VX and VX Ace is suitable for professional game development. Using only the Ressources from the RTP will not help much. Adding self-made content like your own Artstyle change the Game from Beginner to Expert. Of course it will cost more time to make it. I prefer the Scripts from Moghunter. I use mainly Events because the are easy and powerful to customize as i want. ;)

Escrito originalmente por Nerd House:

Escrito originalmente por godofsneak:

And im not trying to offend anybody else who uses rpg maker except for this moron thestoryteller.Dev of this game, i hope you further your interest torwards making games and become more advanced instead of useing that program.There are much better engines you can use to make a more immersive world.

You dont need fancy stuff to make an enjoyable, immersive game.

So far my only complaint is the default screenshot key for Steam (F12) resets the game to the title screen xD

EVERYTHING ELSE is awesome. The details, the writing, Claret's personality xD

I hate this Problem with F12! XD Cant make Screenshots....

Escrito originalmente por Zigi:

Okay you are now on my confirmed troll list. Can't have a simple discussion without kindergarten level insults. Have fun with your crappy RPG maker games. *unsubscribed*

Okay? Well then Good Bye and stop discuss here? >_>

Escrito originalmente por TheStoryteller01:

Escrito originalmente por godofsneak:

if you know how to script then why are you useing such a ♥♥♥♥♥♥ engine such as rpg maker?You cant afford unity when its free?If so your a waste of time making games

I use RPG Maker as well as other engines because I am open-minded and don't have prejudices. Every engine has it strong and weak sides and a clever dev always chooses the best tool for the job. Like Source for shooters and RPG Maker for cute RPGs.

Welcome in my Club! :D

Escrito originalmente por Señor Scarybagels:

$15 for an RPG maker game is too expensive, and I am not talking about that it costs a huge amount of money, there is a difference between "Oh this is outside of my price range" and "This is overcharging for what it is"

Depends how much Content you get for your Money right?

Escrito originalmente por Zigi:

Yeah, I'm dealing with people who seem to really believe RPG maker counts as a professional development tool instead of a toy and who fail to give any example of an actual pro-game made with it. And failing to actually use logical arguments result to insults to try and gain the higher ground.

You don't make Games like Far Cry 3 or Borderlands 2 with RPG Maker XP,VX and VX Ace. The tool is not meant to make Shooters. It's made to create Role Playing Games in the Style of any Pokemon Edition or completly different with your Artstyle instead.

[Stump Chuggins]

Escrito originalmente por Pickpocket:

You're really charging that much for a ♥♥♥♥♥♥ rpg maker game? Legal thievery's what it is. Games like this are what's wrong with the indie dev scene.

One could argue your intellect is what's wrong with the Human race but, most people seem to be holding their tongues.

[occupyjapansa]

Escrito originalmente por Ki11s0n3:

Either way they did a good job by the looks of the images

LOL. Nope. They used a bunch of stock assets and apparently spent so much time on their AMAZING SUPER AWESOME SCRIPT that even in the store page screenshots, there's a spelling error. Bwahahahaha.

[Timeraider]

Escrito originalmente por occupyjapan:

Escrito originalmente por Ki11s0n3:

Either way they did a good job by the looks of the images

LOL. Nope. They used a bunch of stock assets and apparently spent so much time on their AMAZING SUPER AWESOME SCRIPT that even in the store page screenshots, there's a spelling error. Bwahahahaha.

You show us your creations then .. we will see how those will be judged hmm...

[ΑΩ Iteration 01]

Escrito originalmente por WoOS Timeraider:

Escrito originalmente por occupyjapan:

LOL. Nope. They used a bunch of stock assets and apparently spent so much time on their AMAZING SUPER AWESOME SCRIPT that even in the store page screenshots, there's a spelling error. Bwahahahaha.

You show us your creations then .. we will see how those will be judged hmm...

That retort doesn't quiet criticism. Instead of going that route, ask them to show examples.

[Spider3]

MEH every time the same discussion over and over when a game made with rpg maker comes out on steam or in greenlight. I really don't get why there must be so many haters.
I really see no use of all this discussion. They are not charging the price for an AAA game. Personally I still love 16bit style combat turn based rpg, because they leave space to imagination compared to 3d rpg, and when the story is involving and challanging, who cares if it's made with rpg maker or not. Especially if it's been greenlighted, it means there are enough people interested in this, and it's no secret it's been made with rpg maker. Just leave it alone if you are against it.

[ΑΩ Iteration 01]

Compare 15 bucks for a game like stanley parable, and many other games that came out for $15, and then look at rpg maker games that come out for it, it seems rather exorberant .

[SiriusWolf]

Escrito originalmente por TheNathanParable:

What exactly do you expect RPG Maker to do, aside from make RPGs? I am seriously confused here.

Ok this is the only part of this I read because I'm going to assume you posted a bunch of crap showing off what it can do. I really don't care how much you can do to it, it's still limited to a level that a capable and respected designer wouldn't spend time and money creating a retail game with. As others have said it uses a lot of stock art (and I wouldn't be surprised if the art I've seen wasn't stolen off the community forums) and even the HM7 script which I've seen (since I've been using RPM since it's first release to make silly stuff for my kids) doesn't compare. You ask what else do I want it to do...yet another idiot missing the point. It's the fact that for even what it does it doesn't do it well.

I can get all the features of RPM from free versions of Unity and free store plugins and still have better lighting, sounds, shadows, rendering, storage, and customization and *gasp* multiplayer. I could also get a resolution past 800x600 without the need to make some hacky script that won't look good. (No, no matter what videos you link, because I'll admit I watched that last one.) Even those addons and scripts are limited, even the 2 best scripts I've ever seen such as SAS and HM7 have issues due to it being written in Ruby and still result in graphical limitation and force you to work with only certain types of images. I've made games that render flash files in the script. Oh, did I mention for FREE. RPM is a great hobby tool, but in my humble opion (which I guess isn't allowed and means I should be attacked for, so this will be my lost post and I won't be reading any more of this crap) isn't capable of making a game I would pay $7 let alone $15 after the sale. It's a solid $5 game that I'm sure took a long time to make.

Is RPM a good program? Yes. Can it make semi-quality games within certain genres that only a very specific target demo will play? Yes. Are 99.997 worth paying for? No. Is this part of the 0.003? Probably not.
For the last time, my point is the "engine" is very weak and limiting and I don't think the games it can normall produce are worth the time it takes to make them.

Learn a skill, get unity, make a real game. I did, and I have, and I'm sorry if I sound like a snob because I worked hard at making something that looks good and isn't made by some random 17 year old.