RPG Maker 2003

About

RPG Maker 2003 is a single player role playing game. It was developed by KADOKAWA and was released on April 24, 2015. It received very positive reviews from players.

"Unleash your passion for retro RPGs with RPG Maker 200

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

93%

Audience ScoreBased on 489 reviews

graphics8 positive mentions

gameplay2 negative mentions

Easy to use, making it accessible for beginners and hobbyists.
Great for creating retro-style RPGs, particularly SNES-style games.
Strong community support with many tutorials and resources available online.

Limited customization options compared to newer RPG Maker versions, particularly in scripting.
Graphics and assets are constrained to older standards, which may not appeal to all users.
Some users experience technical issues, such as problems with importing custom assets and game lag.

graphics
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
66%
9%
The graphics in this RPG Maker version are characterized by a retro 16-bit aesthetic, appealing to fans of old-school pixel art, though they may be considered "hideous" by some. While the engine offers a wealth of high-quality default assets and is user-friendly for beginners, importing custom graphics can be challenging due to specific color requirements. Overall, it provides a nostalgic visual experience that many users appreciate, especially for creating simple games without extensive graphic design knowledge.
- “It's a great cheaper alternative, along with other early RPG Maker applications, especially for the retro aesthetic.”
- “The system itself produces gorgeous graphics that, while limited by the chipsets, simply end up looking better than the newer programs' offerings.”
- “Great soundtrack, a unique flavor of default graphics that hearkens back to old JRPGs, a UI which is simple but still absolutely works.”
- “Probably my favorite RPG Maker... sure, the graphics are hideous; but you can do a lot with it without having to get into scripting or Ruby.”
- “A lot of people using it for the first time struggle a lot with importing custom graphics as, unlike the other engines, this one requires all custom graphics to be 256-color indexed.”
- “Really good for the price; the events system is surprisingly powerful, but the only downside is that it's only 16-bit graphics and that I can't find tilesets or characters online.”
music
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
56%
19%
The music in RPG Maker 2003 is praised for its nostalgic and high-quality original soundtrack, which many users consider one of the main attractions of the software. While the ability to import custom music files adds flexibility, some users have encountered issues with certain MP3 formats that can lead to crashes. Overall, the music and sound effects contribute significantly to the game's charm, making it a valuable tool for aspiring RPG creators.
- “Really, the only reason to get RPG Maker 2003 is for the amazing OST and perhaps to see what RPG Maker was like at this time.”
- “It has a unique sideways battle system (unlike later entries) and has some of the best stock music, graphics, and sounds to date.”
- “Great soundtrack, a unique flavor of default graphics that hearkens back to old JRPGs, a UI which is simple but still absolutely works, and a built-in ATB system, something the other RPG Maker titles still don't have to this day.”
- “The only real issue I find is with certain MP3 music formats; you'll get implementation errors that either crash the program or the entire PC if they aren't caught right away.”
- “I'm currently having trouble with importing music into the project I'm making right now and struggling with the combat settings, but overall it's an alright way to start making an RPG, though a little overwhelming.”
- “I originally started with RPG Maker 2000, yet 2003 addressed many issues I had with the system and brought along many features I desired, such as MP3 files for music and sideview battles.”
story
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
24%
38%
The reviews highlight a mix of creativity and frustration regarding the storytelling aspect of the game. While some users appreciate the potential for unique narratives and customizable storytelling features, others criticize the lack of depth and coherence in the stories presented, suggesting that the game may not be worth the investment. Overall, the emphasis is on the importance of crafting a compelling and original story within the game's framework.
- “You are telling a story that nobody else can tell, so tell it.”
- “Fully customizable and powerful story-telling features.”
- “Example: in your story, a friendly NPC will be the guide to your hero(es) for some time.”
- “Moral of the story is don't buy this app; it's a waste of money.”
- “You could make an actual RPG with developed characters and balanced and fun gameplay, or you could do the only reasonable thing, which is to create a game where you play as Shaggy, Scooby-Doo, the Penguins of Madagascar, and Curious George on a quest to defeat John Cena and Sans and stop the universe from being destroyed.”
- “All that's missing is your story, your art/music/assets, and your hours spent making it.”
gameplay
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
25%
50%
The gameplay offers a highly customizable experience, allowing players to create unique RPGs with diverse characters and mechanics, though it suggests that for more complex battle systems, dedicated RPG Maker versions like MV or XP may be more suitable. Users appreciate the flexibility of the interface, enabling creative game design, while also highlighting the potential for whimsical and unconventional narratives.
- “It has the broadest range of functions available in the interface by default, making the gameplay experience easily customizable with a bit of ingenuity.”
- “If your goal is to make an RPG with in-depth battle mechanics, you should consider RPG Maker MV or XP.”
- “Further, if you really dig deep in '03, you can almost always finagle whatever kind of mechanic in your game you want if you just use '03's event and switch system.”
humor
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players finding it hilarious and enjoying the ability to create silly content. The experience is particularly enhanced when played on modern 4K monitors, adding to the comedic effect. Overall, users appreciate the game's capacity for generating laughter and fun.
- “It's hilarious; you can create silly things in it.”
- “Using it on a modern 4K monitor is hilarious!”
- “Hahaha, I make funny games, hehe.”
stability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is generally enjoyable, though users report encountering some bugs that affect stability.
- “The game is a little buggy but still enjoyable.”
- “I experienced frequent crashes that disrupted my gameplay.”
- “There are numerous glitches that make it hard to fully enjoy the experience.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users express a mix of nostalgia and emotional resonance with the game, highlighting its accessibility for non-coders while also feeling a sense of sadness upon its visibility on the Steam front page. This combination evokes a deeper connection to the game's legacy and its impact on the community.
- “It's sad, but I felt a little emotional seeing this pop up on the Steam front page.”
grinding
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious but ultimately enjoyable, as it allows for easy asset importation and contributes to the overall fun experience.