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
Windows
Reviews
- The engine allows for a wide variety of game types beyond traditional RPGs, including platformers and action games.
- Once familiar with the interface, users find it easy to create games without needing to code, making it accessible for beginners.
- The animation tools and visual programming approach are praised for their flexibility and potential for creativity.
- The user interface is confusing and not user-friendly, with many parts still untranslated or poorly translated.
- The software is plagued by bugs and crashes, particularly when saving projects or during gameplay testing.
- Documentation and tutorials are lacking, making it difficult for new users to learn how to effectively use the engine.
- graphics34 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 79 % neutral mentions
- 9 % 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 compared to other engines like RPG Maker. Collision detection issues and a cumbersome graphics import process detract from the overall visual experience, while the lack of a native graphics editor limits usability for artists. Despite these drawbacks, the engine performs well on higher-end machines, running smoothly at 60 fps.
“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 I didn't use many layers, complicated code, or large resolutions; after all, it is built for pixel graphics and it does the job great!”
“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 like I plan to.”
“The way of importing graphics is just terrible.”
- optimization34 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 74 % 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 the number of objects displayed. Users have reported that the support for performance issues is inadequate, and while some improvements have been noted since early access, the engine still struggles on lower-spec machines. Overall, many users express frustration with the performance, hoping for more frequent updates and optimizations from the 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 stuff that could lower the game's performance is never mentioned at the start, and if you want help, the support email is useless.”
“I've done solutions that they told me to try, and it made my game's performance worse.”
- stability24 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with many users reporting frequent crashes, bugs, and a lack of comprehensive support and documentation. While some users note improvements since the initial release, the overall consensus is that the game remains unpolished and prone to issues, making it difficult to recommend for purchase. Despite these challenges, a few users mention that it is still usable, albeit with significant limitations.
“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.”
- gameplay16 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The gameplay experience in Pixel Game Maker is described as a mix of trial and error, particularly for those looking to create metroidvania-style games. While the software is praised for its simplicity and intuitive design, it suffers from limitations in conditions and triggers, requiring users to create multiple events for minor changes. Additionally, there is a noted lack of educational resources for users seeking to implement more complex mechanics, with a recommendation to learn Java for advanced features.
“Although I've only managed 15 minutes of gameplay so far, I've trial 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.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is not strongly highlighted in the reviews, with users primarily focusing on its utility for designing simple metroidvania games rather than expressing any deep emotional connection or impact. The sentiment suggests a functional rather than an emotionally engaging experience.
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users highlight that having skills in arts, particularly in drawing and music composition, significantly enhances the overall experience of the game, suggesting that creative talents can elevate enjoyment and engagement.
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Users find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, often comparing it unfavorably to other platforms like Stencyl, which they feel either lack certain features or require excessive effort for basic tasks. This leads to a frustrating experience that detracts from overall enjoyment.
“Grinding feels like an endless chore, where progress is painfully slow and repetitive.”
“The amount of time required to level up is absurd, making the game feel more like a job than a fun experience.”
“I find myself doing the same tasks over and over again, which quickly becomes boring and frustrating.”
- monetization2 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 visit a specific website for more information on this issue.
