Just bought it, a few questions

[VirusChris]

I got it while it was on sale, $10, and I do like SRPG as I've played Disgaea and Fire Emblem (my first FE is Awakening, but I did get that GBA one on my 3DS via eShop) and I wanted to try my hand on it.

Though it looks like the Maker has its own sort of issues to work with to get everything right.

I remember seeing it a while back on YT as a trailer and that's what lead me to put it on my Wishlist until I was ready to buy it.

That said, though I did buy it yesterday I have yet to open it up and see how it works. I got a few questions regarding the SRPG Studio and what I hope I can do with it.


1) How is creating dialogue in the game? Can I make things like Disgaea and Fire Emblem with their dialogues? Have a character bust behind the dialogue box as they talk and can change their pictures.

2) Is multiple choices in dialogue allowed? I hope so I like to have some player changes that effect certain outcomes in the story.

3) Can you make and use Custom Scripts and/or Plug-ins like the RPG Maker series does? I think I saw the trailer mentioning it so I don't see a reason not to include and if so, what type does it allow? Java, C++, etc...?

4) How possible would it be to have a Character Creation in SRPG Studio? Something simple like Awakening did with the Robin Avatar. You pick hair and eye types along with skin, hair, and eye color.

5) Can you make Class Promotions like Fire Emblem? Also can Weapons have durability or not?

6) Similar like in Disgaea can you make high stats like 99k for HP for example or 999 for STR? Or is it limited to a certain cap in the Maker that's close to FE where HP is capped at 200?

7) Can you have a World Map like what FE Awakening did? Or a simple town for the characters to walk in without fighting?

8) Are you able to make Support Conversations like in the FE series in SRPG or does that acquire a Script to do that?

9) And finally, how much support is there for this Program? It's been out for like a year, right?



That's all for now. Sorry if there's questions already answered or should be common sense to know, but I like to double check everything.

I look forward to making something fun in the future with this Maker.

[Gathering Dust]

1. Everything you need for that is available by default (with the obvious exception of character portraits), you just need to do some searching first to find everything.

2. Easy to find event command.

3. Yes, but it's only JavaScript as far as I'm aware.

4. Not possible by default, it isn't even possible for the player to change a unit's name. You would need to code that yourself entirely or try to find a custom plugin for it.

5. Yes to both.

6. According to the database the max level you can have by default is 300, for HP it's 99999, and for other general stats it's 9999. You should be good there.

7. No, you would need a custom plugin or code it yourself for a world map. A town with no fighting is easy to make, but it probably wouldn't work exactly the way you'd want as is.

8. Yes, but it's not exactly what you might be thinking of. Trying to make it work just like in Fire Emblem would require extra work if that's what you want.

9. It's got a reddit section if you care about that, but that's the extent of my knowledge regarding support in English at least. It's much older than a year, just hasn't been in English for most of it.

I encourage you to explore the program in a throwaway project before you consider anything remotely serious, figure out where everything is and what it all does first.

[VirusChris]

Originally posted by Gathering Dust:

1. Everything you need for that is available by default (with the obvious exception of character portraits), you just need to do some searching first to find everything.

Awesome. I had a feeling I had to add in my own Custom Portraits and the like, but I don't mind. As long as I can do that for dialogue.

Originally posted by Gathering Dust:

2. Easy to find event command.

Glad to see the Event Command that's seen in the RPG Maker series is here. Always good to have more options.

Originally posted by Gathering Dust:

3. Yes, but it's only JavaScript as far as I'm aware.

Oh nice! Like with RPG Maker MV's Plug-in Script which is Java. Hopefully I can find some good Javascripts out there to help.

Originally posted by Gathering Dust:

4. Not possible by default, it isn't even possible for the player to change a unit's name. You would need to code that yourself entirely or try to find a custom plugin for it.

So you can't even re-name a character like the RPG Maker series? That's kind of lame! >_<
So it requires a custom Javascript to do a simple Name Change command.

Hmm... that sucks you can't do complex Character Creation if you want with Event Commands.

I'll properly do a simple one where you choose gender and then pick Body Type A - D for a look you like and then a Color Set A - D so you got something close to picking your Avatar.

Originally posted by Gathering Dust:

5. Yes to both.

Cool. I'll properly do it as a Class Upgrade instead of changing class like other SRPG to further power up the characters and Weapons won't have Durability or at least non-special ones.

I take it Weapon Triangle system like in FE exist too?

Originally posted by Gathering Dust:

6. According to the database the max level you can have by default is 300, for HP it's 99999, and for other general stats it's 9999. You should be good there.

Oh, cool! I can make a really challenging super boss/final boss in the game if I want too! Or a OP character for one map just for fun.

Originally posted by Gathering Dust:

7. No, you would need a custom plugin or code it yourself for a world map. A town with no fighting is easy to make, but it probably wouldn't work exactly the way you'd want as is.

Aw man. I was hoping more than a SRPG Maker that ONLY allows battle maps. Guess I'm going to need to look around. I'm not a Programmer or have a high skill level in that area.

Hope I can do a World Map like Awakening to pick where you want to go for shops, paralogues, and such.

Originally posted by Gathering Dust:

8. Yes, but it's not exactly what you might be thinking of. Trying to make it work just like in Fire Emblem would require extra work if that's what you want.

Oh? What's the default one like then? I kinda like to have Support Conversations to build up bonds with Units and a higher friendship boost their CRIT and HIT rate when they're working together.

Would love to do S-Rank Conversations too.

Originally posted by Gathering Dust:

9. It's got a reddit section if you care about that, but that's the extent of my knowledge regarding support in English at least. It's much older than a year, just hasn't been in English for most of it.

I encourage you to explore the program in a throwaway project before you consider anything remotely serious, figure out where everything is and what it all does first. [/quote]

I see. So the original Japanese version has been out for more than a year and the English hasn't been out that long yet. It did release in September of last year.

Very well. I'll look around. Would be nice to see an official Forum of the program like the RPG Maker series does.

Thank you for answering my questions!

[Gathering Dust]

The weapon triangle can be created in a simple way through the database. Only advantages can be set for weapons, no disadvantages as the program doesn't allow negative values for that through the editor. There should be a plugin or two somewhere on the internet (maybe the wiki) which can alter the way it works.

Support conversations exists to a minimal extent (it's no different than using the talk command really), you would need to use multiple variables per unit to achieve anything like in Fire Emblem (which can easily get complicated fast). A unit support system exists which may give you part of what you need for a Fire Emblem unit support system (like in Awakening for example), but it's a bit basic as is.

Trying to create anything advanced with what's provided by default is something you shouldn't even attempt unless you're certain about your abilities and the program's capabilities (without custom plugins).

[VirusChris]

That's weird you can add negative vales for weapons to have like drawbacks and such. Good to know I can make type advantages still. I'll look into that later.

I see. So the Support Conversation are just mini-cutscenes like walking to a specific spot on the map and a cutscene triggers.


So in order for have like Main Hero x Main Heroine conversations, Main Hero x Warrior conversations, I have to use multiple variables to make it work like FE. So it means you can easily got messed up if you don't plan accordingly or have too many units to keep track of it.

I'll have to do a few practice pair to test the waters. I rather tie the Support Conversations via Story Progress and you bring it up via the Menu and you have more control of it. No Affection Points or the like to build up to their convo.

I rather have it easier to manage. If I do it.


I see. I'll most likely just do a few projects to test the program out and see what it offers before making anything too serious.



My original idea for a SRPG is having the Protagonist be from the Modern World getting summoned to the Fantasy World (like a Fire Emblem) by an Evil Group trying to kidnap a bystander from another land to use as a vessel for darkness.

Thus the Protagonist has the power of darkness, but refuses to work with the group.

In the midst of this the Main Savior of the Fantasy World who has the power of light shows up and tries to stop the Evil Group's plans. From here the Protagonist and Savior work together to try to remove the power of darkness inside the Protagonist's body and return them home, while fighting the Evil Group and protecting the world.

The idea behind the Protagonist and Savior is the Protagonist is a Customizable Avatar and you pick the gender and look of the Protagonist. For the Savior you choose their gender with their set appearance, like Byleth from Three Houses.

With that you can make the Protagonist and Savior buddies or lovers depending on what you picked. Not only that you can choose the Protagonist's choices where they slowly get fed up with the world they came from and the world they're in and try to destroy everything be becoming the Villain. Or walk the path of a Hero and stay in the world to protect it. Or go Neutral and go home.

Wanted to have choices for the player to see the outcome of their adventures or even Dead End paths if you're not careful.


After experimenting with SRPG Studio I hope to make a SRPG game like this inspired by the FE series. I got the idea after reading some Self-Insert or OC fanfics of the Protagonist from the Modern World ending in the FE world and I wanted to see a game that actually did that concept.

I'm sure there's games out there like that, but I have yet to see one regarding SRPG ones.

Anyway thank you for your time and answers.

[Scorpiova]

To add to this - while there is no character creator per say - could you allow the player to "select" a character at the beginning? You could give a variety of options. I know I could make that work in the RPMaker I played years ago. I have not considered that in this engine until now. So curious if it would work.

Since there is some dialogue here - I have a question too. I know i've discussed with others that I can monetize my game based on the fact that others have used this engine here on steam, and the store page said you could too.

But - I did notice on the dlc pages that it says "sales of materials is prohibited", I am guessing the dlc items cannot be used in your own game if you plan to sell it? While I personally plan to make all of my own backgrounds, having default one's as a backup is nice. Would be something good to know for anyone new getting into this.

[Gathering Dust]

With the use of the show choices, unit appearance and remove unit commands you can create a character selection, but it probably won't look as flashy as something a custom plugin could give you (provided you care about how it looks).

You can definitely sell a game which uses the dlc content, that notice is there just to tell people not to sell the dlc content by itself. As obvious as that seems it still needs to be stated somewhere to warn people against such a foolish action.

[VirusChris]

Originally posted by Gathering Dust:

With the use of the show choices, unit appearance and remove unit commands you can create a character selection, but it probably won't look as flashy as something a custom plugin could give you (provided you care about how it looks).

So it is possible to give some level of control! I'll use that when the time comes. I'll look into a Custom Plug-in later down the line, but I'll start with something simple.


Given the wording of the text on the DLC page I think I understand why some people would be confused about DLC Items prohibited. Makes sense to not sell the DLC outside of the official store, but the wording could lead people to think they can't make their own game and sell it using DLC assets.

Again thank you Gathering Dust for your great help.

[funewchie]

I have found a custom script that allows for a FE Support system.
( https://srpg-studio.fandom.com/wiki/Misc._Plugins )
(Just scroll down to "Support System", the file has to be saved as a Javascript (a .js file), then placed in the game project's plugins folder)

From what I can understand, it makes it so when two units are near each other, they earn support points (which the script tracks by itself).
And when a certain threshold is reached (which you set per character pairing), it triggers a game Switch to "on", revealing the conversation.

You go into each character, and set their values.
(So you might create a unit with two supports, and so you add:

{unit:0, points:[5,15,30], switchID:[1,2,3]},
{unit:2, points:[10,20,25], switchID:[4,5,6]}

The points tell how long it takes to reach the next rank, the SwitchID tells what in-game switch gets turned to "on" when the value is reached.
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There are settings you can specify, such as: if it's Limited (like the GBA Fire Emblems, where only 5 conversations total can happen);
One_Max_Only (like FE Awakening, where conversations are unlimited, except for S-ranks (limited to one));
or Free (no limits at all)

Also, in the conversation itself, you have to add a script command to tell the plugin the conversation has happened, and thus that it may resume adding support points for that pairing.

The plugin itself has all of the instructions.

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Personally, I'm still trying to work out the logistics of how to make that work.
I haven't yet mastered dialogues.

Plus, in my current game, I barely have my characters defined anyways. (I just got the plugin out of curiosity)

[funewchie]

Also, to answer some of your questions:

2) Sure. The game has a "Show Choices" command you can use.

5) Yes and yes.
You can also make branching promotions if you want (such as a Cleric becoming a Sage or Bishop).
It also allows for a Class Change if desired.

As for durability, absolutely!
The game is set for it right out of the box, along with an option in the database's global settings if you wish to turn off durability (like Fire Emblem: Fates and Fire Emblem: Echoes of Valentia).

There is also an option to create a skill that grants unlimited durability on an item (such as with FE's Falchion, or FE: Radiant Dawn's blessed weapons.)
Also useful if it's put on a weapon that's a body part, like tusks or claws, which shouldn't break.

[VirusChris]

Thank you funewchie! I'll check them out.

I'll glad to see a FE Support Plug-in is ready to use. Though I might just practice with only two units to test the waters before doing a lot of work with more than 2 unites.


10) Another question... is there a limit to the spritesheet or sprite sizes? Say, instead of using like the GBA Fire Emblem sprites can I use something akin to the style of Disgaea look or something original myself? And how big can I make them?

I know RPG Maker XP had a sort of limitless size cap (as long as it didn't go pass the game screen) and the other versions VX to MV had a weird sprite cap and had to use Scripts to go past it.

Is SRPG Studio like XP where my only limit is my imagination and the game's screen or is it like VX to MV by default where you're stick with only one type and size for the spritesheet?


Also... around $100 for all the DLC? Whew... that's a lot for background images. 0_0
Better off making my own background.

[Scorpiova]

Originally posted by Gathering Dust:

With the use of the show choices, unit appearance and remove unit commands you can create a character selection, but it probably won't look as flashy as something a custom plugin could give you (provided you care about how it looks).

You can definitely sell a game which uses the dlc content, that notice is there just to tell people not to sell the dlc content by itself. As obvious as that seems it still needs to be stated somewhere to warn people against such a foolish action.

That is good to know. I was definitely hesitant based on the wording. Especially since it was clearly stated on the main games store page.

It is good to know as rooms/landscapes is something I sometimes struggle with, so being able to use the dlc backdrops as starting points, or references, it can ease that for me. I also just wanted to be sure - as the dlc is pricey, didn't want to go buying it up and then be stuck unable to use it.

[AI Sin || SinNoAria]

"1. Materials can be used, not only for the game created with the SRPG Studio." Can someone clarify this part? Does it mean what I think it does?

Is it possible to have it so that durability is on a per-battle basis? So like at the start of each battle, an item/weapon might have 5/5 uses, but it doesn't disappear if you hit 0/5 uses and once the battle ends, it resets to 5/5?

For a town, I was thinking something like having a map you can revisit and having an 'exit' tile and no enemies. Would that work?

[funewchie]

Originally posted by SinNoAria/Arkia/AI Sin:

"1. Materials can be used, not only for the game created with the SRPG Studio." Can someone clarify this part? Does it mean what I think it does?

Is it possible to have it so that durability is on a per-battle basis? So like at the start of each battle, an item/weapon might have 5/5 uses, but it doesn't disappear if you hit 0/5 uses and once the battle ends, it resets to 5/5?

For a town, I was thinking something like having a map you can revisit and having an 'exit' tile and no enemies. Would that work?

I believe you are buying a commercial license, so you do get the right to use it. But I'm not 100% certain.
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I'm not sure about durability. It probably could be done, but I'm not yet sure about how to restore uses.
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And yes, you can set a space to be your "finish chapter" event. (Also useful if you're doing an "Escape" type of map, like FE5 or FE: Three Houses).

You would create an event on the space you want, set it as a "Seize" or "Door" event (or if you want, as a "Custom" event and just type what you want the command to be called (escape, exit, etc).)

In the event commands for it, you'd use the "Complete Chapter" command, telling what map/chapter to move to next.

[Gathering Dust]

By default weapons and items will be removed when durability reaches 0 unless a broken variant is specified, but broken variants are just different weapons and items so it can't really work from that as is. You will probably need either a custom plugin, or a more convoluted method to make that idea work.