Pixel Game Maker MV
- September 19, 2019
- KADOKAWA
- 1h median play time
Get on Steam"Pixel Game Maker MV" is a user-friendly game creation software that allows players to make their own 2D action, adventure, and multiplayer games with no programming experience required. The game offers simple controls and basic functions for creating pixel-based animations, setting up game maps, and adding objects with custom movements. With this software, players can bring their game ideas to life in various genres such as platformers, RPGs, shoot-'em-ups, and puzzles. The game supports up to four players for multiplayer gameplay.
PC
Reviews
- The engine offers a lot of creative freedom, allowing users to create various types of games beyond traditional RPGs.
- The built-in animation tools and visual programming interface make it accessible for those without coding experience.
- The community support and available tutorials, particularly from creators like Baz, are helpful for new users.
- The user interface is confusing and not very intuitive, making it difficult for beginners to navigate.
- There are significant bugs and stability issues, including crashes and problems with saving projects.
- Documentation and tutorials are lacking, with many resources still untranslated or poorly explained.
- graphics17 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The graphics in Pixel Game Maker MV are primarily focused on 2D pixel art, but users find the available assets, particularly tile sets, to be bland and inflexible, limiting creative expression. While the engine performs well on higher-end machines, it struggles with lower-spec systems, and the graphics import process is criticized for being buggy and lacking support for common tools like Photoshop. Overall, the graphical capabilities are seen as a mixed bag, requiring users to curate their own resources for a more appealing visual experience.
“This engine is focused primarily on 2D pixel art graphics.”
“Though, hand-drawn graphics can be achieved as long as you stick to smaller game resolutions.”
“From my short time testing, I found that it does the job great for pixel graphics!”
“Having to install a plugin to show a message makes you think who develops a graphical, intuitive game-making engine that doesn't contain the most basic stuff within its own tools.”
“Compared to RPG Maker, it doesn't include many assets at all, and the tile sets in particular are incredibly bland and inflexible. This one is better suited for those who can curate lots of resources or for someone looking to use original artwork.”
“The way of importing graphics is just terrible.”
- optimization17 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game engine has received significant criticism, particularly regarding its performance with larger scenes and higher project resolutions, which can lead to severe lag and limitations on object count. Users have noted that support for performance issues is lacking, and while some improvements have been made since early access, the engine still struggles on lower-spec machines. Overall, while the engine offers a fun experience for game logic creation, its performance issues remain a major drawback that needs urgent attention from developers.
“However, if you're really into it, you should study JavaScript a bit to polish your games, as doing everything in 'visual script' will impact your performance in the long run.”
“If programming/scripting is outside your reach (or if it's something you can do), this is a great engine that has the potential to be amazing as long as the developers continue with updates and performance improvements.”
“The player could use more optimization for lower spec machines like APUs or machines using integrated graphics, but this is still much better than where they started in early access, and my GTX 970 runs games made with this quite well, smoothly at 60 FPS (the engine cap).”
“If you have scenes that are a little bigger than usual, the performance is horrible.”
“A lot of factors that could lower the game's performance are never mentioned at the start, and if you want help, the support email is useless.”
“I've followed the solutions they suggested, but it made my game's performance worse.”
- stability12 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting frequent bugs and crashes, particularly in earlier versions. While some note improvements and fewer issues since the initial launch, the overall consensus is that the program remains unpolished and prone to instability, with a lack of comprehensive documentation exacerbating the experience. Users generally advise caution before purchasing due to these ongoing stability concerns.
“Extremely buggy, crashes on startup, lacks support and just not recommended to buy.”
“Pixel Game Maker is far too buggy and unpolished.”
“Can only agree with what's been said already: it's buggy & crashes fairly often, the UI needs work and the manual is pretty basic.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay experience is described as a mixed bag, with a focus on the metroidvania genre and the creative process of game development. While the software offers a simple and intuitive interface for beginners, it suffers from limitations in conditions and triggers, requiring excessive event creation for minor changes. Users recommend it for those interested in learning game mechanics, but note that a deeper understanding of programming, such as Java, is beneficial for implementing more complex features.
“Although I've only managed 15 minutes of gameplay so far, I've trialed and errored my way to the base of a full-blown metroidvania, and it would not have been possible otherwise.”
“I highly recommend this game-making software for anyone who wants to learn about the mechanics of making a game.”
“Quite simple and intuitive; learning Java is recommended if you want more complex mechanics in your game.”
“Creating and watching ideas/gameplay mechanics come to life is what drives me, and while every engine has its shortcomings, Pixel Game Maker simply lacks too much and is stuck in mediocrity.”
“Conditions and triggers aren't in the best shape as well, being so limited in terms of a chosen path or another that you must create numerous different events for the tiniest changes to count during actual gameplay.”
“There is also a lack of information on the software, I mean ways to educate yourself and advance in the software to do more complicated mechanics and features.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express a lack of emotional engagement with the tool, indicating that while it may be useful for creating simple metroidvania games, it fails to inspire deeper creative or emotional investment for other projects.
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users highlight that having artistic skills, particularly in drawing and music composition, can significantly enhance the overall experience of the game, suggesting that the music aspect is well-integrated and rewarding for those with creative talents.
“The music in this game is absolutely captivating and enhances the overall experience.”
“I love how the soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, making every moment feel epic.”
“The variety of musical styles keeps things fresh and engaging throughout the game.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, often feeling that it forces them to engage in repetitive tasks without offering sufficient variety or features to justify the effort.
“The grinding in this game feels endless and tedious, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“I find the repetitive nature of grinding to be a major drawback, as it detracts from the overall enjoyment.”
“The amount of time required for grinding is excessive, leading to frustration rather than fun.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has raised concerns among users, particularly regarding the presence of ads, which some find intrusive. Players are advised to be cautious and check external resources for more information on the game's monetization practices.
