Best RM2k3 games

[Bluefeather42]

What are, in your opinions, the most interesting/unique/best games made with RPG Maker 2003? I'm interested in seeing the full potential of the software.

[Netherware Entertainment]

This game we're developing: http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=603424465
I hope you serve to see the potential of the program, but you can do much more.

[Caethyril]

There are quite a few renowned games released using the similar RM2k engine (or ports from 2k to 2k3). Since the two engines are so similar, though, and you're looking for "full potential", there really isn't much difference. Three suggestions (all RM2k, I think) to showcase the engines' capabilities:

• Three the Hard Way (add rpg maker game to search criteria or you'll find the movie instead). A simply-presented game with a LOT of content. Can occasionally get confusing where to go or what to do next. A few puzzles, some custom GUI, and a laughably inconsistent assortment of face graphics. Engaging story & characters, gameplay not too challenging. Recommended!
  
• Leo & Leah. A somewhat more prettily presented game, more story-heavy, featuring a custom battle system and lions. Gameplay somewhat more challenging; I can't comment on the amount of content because I didn't manage to complete it. Again, though, recommended.
  
• Desert Nightmare. A horror-genre game that (in my opinion) does it really well. Good demonstration of lighting overlays and screen effects, lots of custom graphics, custom GUI, etc. My only complaint is that the English translation (originally German) can be a bit sketchy at times, but it's still perfectly intelligible. Recommended unless you're really averse to horror-type games.

One last example: in terms of uniqueness (though not much else xD), Embric of Wulfhammer's Castle (RM2k3) stands out. Its sexualised content is at times gratuitous, but the focus (no combat) and character development are intriguingly (albeit perhaps only because unexpectedly) engrossing. Doesn't fit your "full potential" idea (nothing exceptional, engine-wise), but I thought it worth a mention as an example of a non-adverserial game done well.

[Cacat]

So, I've picked out a few games, hopefully these games do justice to the websites I got them from and RPG Maker itself. In all honesty I haven't been as active in my recent years, so many of these titles are oldies, but good. There's definitely lots more to find if you search and there's definitely lots possible with (seemingly) limited tool.


Just speaking from my own experience playing games on rpgmaker.net

Final Fantasy Blackmoon Prophecy - More classical RPG Maker experience, but very solid


Frozen World - Fairly short, but difficult. Has a custom battle system that centers around Tablets with skills and stamina. Lots of strategy.


Tale of Exile Act 1 - Basically Final Fantasy Tactics in RPG Maker. AI is pretty good, the game itself, although the main story is short, has so many additional stuff that you'll be hooked for hours more. Too bad the guy has never finished the other acts :/


Befuddle Quest Series - Made for a contest, all of them feature logical, platforming or other challenges from several different people. There's currently 5 and I think they'd be the best in showing the diversity of possibilities


Starless Umbra - While now being continued in a custom program, there is still a demo available of the first chapter. I haven't played this myself but just looking at the minigames and the videos that I've watched I can safely recommend this.


Chocobo Panic and Chocobo Panic: Space - If you want Pac-Man esque collecting through stages these are pretty enjoyable and well made


Hero's Realm - For a more Dragon Quest experience, with things like party members to hire, classes, lots of secrets this is a more traditional, but still fun RPG Maker game


Yume Nikki - Should be a familiar name as it is fairly popular. You control a girl who enters her dreams in search for items in those dreams. This is a purely experience and explorative type of game


Ahriman's Prophecy - Custom Action Battle System with a large, beautifully constructed world, great music etc. It's a very nice experience overall.


Pokemon: The Evil Inside 2 - Again, action battle system but this time based around pokemon. Lots of different little systems created for individual stages to make them unique and enjoyable, lots of weapons, fun stuff. Just don't play if you don't want to see pokemon shot in the face




Lastly I'll recommend some games from rpgmaker.pl and tsukuru.pl They're in Polish so you'll have to have a translator on you, but I'll try to not recommend RPG epics with this one:

(Worth mentioning that Tale of Exile was made by a Polish maker :) )

Komnata - Or in English "The Chamber". You control a knight who goes to the legendary Chamber in search of it's treasure. It's also more explorative and survival kind of game, as battles are pretty minimal in that game. You search for items etc. through a maze while surviving the traps of the chamber. I recommend drawing a map if you want this.


Manga Carta - A game which you play cards against an AI. While I was too much of a scrub to beat the computer it certainly shows just what you can do with the program in a non traditional way.


Perfect World - While more story driven it has stealth action, hacking fun. Set in a futuristic world you are an agent of the company, doing various missions for them etc. I haven't played a lot of it, but it's a very well made game.


8 bit Quest - Even though I haven't played this, this at least deserves a mention if not only because it's also out in english (on rpgmaker.net I think). Just imagine Pac-man with bullet time. Now you have it.



Aaaand okay I lied. I'll recommend 1 epic tale that is worth checking out:

Czasoprzestrzen series - While the first one hasn't aged very well, the 2nd shows a solid traditional RPG maker game, with balanced and usable characters and a fun story. The third is more of the same, but this time introducing somewhat of a Materia system into the game and lots of minigames (the 1v1 battles you may've seen in Suikoden), while having a fantastic story to boot. I'd honestly play through the 3rd one if you want to see the potential of the engine, but as an experience I'd play all 3 (even though the 1st one drags a bit).


Hopefully this gives you something to do for an afternoon or two :P

[Anton]

On the french side, there are also some nice games to check out.

Aëdemphia[www.aedemphia-rpg.net] - Dozens of hours of content, many secondary quests, various ways to play, stunning graphics, in short, it is a jewel of french making. (more than 1Go in size, and for good reasons !)

OFF[offgame.wikia.com] - A linear RPG which had quite its little success, The athmosphere produced by all the different aspects of the game makes it difficult to forget. (also, hard puzzles, beware)
English translation available.

La septieme porte[www.rpg-maker.fr] - The seventh door[rpgmaker.net] - A multimaker project in which each part was made individually by 1 different person. It has various gameplay and an intriguing story.

The country walk of a black dressed autustic[www.rpg-maker.fr] - despite telling the story of a psychotic killer, the game is based on humor. (no English translation available ? wierd...)

[Bluefeather42]

Holy crap. That's a lot of games. 8) Thanks for the help, guys

[Superstroke]

Might be a bit late but I would highly recommend Phantom Legacy[rpgmaker.net].

It's a really cool game and it showcases how the default combat system can be personalized with a little bit of effort.