RPG Maker 2003 | Game Brain — video game discovery

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RPG Maker 2003 Game Cover

About

"Unleash your passion for retro RPGs with RPG Maker 200

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

RPG Maker 2003 screenshot

RPG Maker 2003 screenshot

RPG Maker 2003 screenshot

RPG Maker 2003 screenshot

RPG Maker 2003 screenshot

RPG Maker 2003 screenshot

RPG Maker 2003 screenshot

RPG Maker 2003 screenshot

RPG Maker 2003 screenshot

RPG Maker 2003 screenshot

RPG Maker 2003 screenshot

+5

93%

Audience ScoreBased on 549 reviews

graphics8 positive mentions

grinding1 negative mentions

RPG Maker 2003 is user-friendly and easy to learn, making it a great starting point for beginners interested in game development.
The software allows for the creation of nostalgic, retro-style RPGs with a side-view battle system, appealing to fans of classic games.
Despite its age, RPG Maker 2003 has a strong community and plenty of resources available online, including tutorials and third-party assets.

The software has significant limitations, such as a lack of scripting support and strict requirements for asset formats, which can frustrate users trying to customize their games.
Many users report issues with importing custom graphics and sprites, leading to a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with the required specifications.
While it is a nostalgic tool, some users feel that it is outdated compared to newer versions of RPG Maker, which offer more features and flexibility.

graphics
36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
69%
8%
The graphics in this RPG Maker version are characterized by a nostalgic 16-bit aesthetic, appealing particularly to fans of retro gaming. While the engine has limitations regarding custom graphics importation, it offers a wealth of high-quality default assets that facilitate game creation without extensive design knowledge. Overall, users appreciate the simplicity and charm of the pixel art style, though those seeking advanced graphical capabilities may need to consider newer alternatives.
- “The graphical limitations of the engine have only served to foster some of the most striking pixel art I've seen in games, and the coding and mapping interfaces remain among the most intuitive in the product line.”
- “The system itself produces gorgeous graphics that, while limited by the chipsets, simply end up looking better than the newer programs' offerings (by virtue of being less square).”
- “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 (without their massive community support, anyways).”
- “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.”
- “However, if you desire better graphical capabilities or the ability to give the default game systems a complete overhaul via custom scripting, I would instead go for RPG Maker VX Ace or above — or another engine entirely, to be quite frank.”
music
17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
59%
18%
The music in RPG Maker 2003 is highly praised for its nostalgic and classic soundtrack, which many users find enjoyable and fitting for the game's retro aesthetic. While the ability to import custom music adds flexibility, some users have encountered issues with certain MP3 formats causing crashes. Overall, the music is considered a significant draw for the platform, enhancing the experience of game creation and gameplay.
- “I have 617 hours in this thing, mostly just listening to music.”
- “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 (without their massive community support, anyways).”
- “The music, sprites, and art are such a joy.”
- “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%
25%
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 could benefit from more developed characters and engaging plots. Overall, the consensus leans towards the idea that the storytelling capabilities are underutilized, leading to a disappointing experience for some players.
- “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
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The gameplay is highly customizable, allowing players to create diverse experiences ranging from traditional RPGs to quirky, imaginative scenarios. While some mechanics, like character sprites and tilesets, can be challenging to modify, the overall flexibility of the interface enables users to implement a wide variety of action game mechanics and events. For those seeking in-depth battle systems, RPG Maker MV or XP may be more suitable, but RPG Maker '03 offers extensive options for creative gameplay design.
- “Fully custom menu systems, graphical user interfaces, and action game mechanics make events more flexible than they seem.”
- “It has the broadest range of functions available in the interface by default, making the gameplay experience easily customizable with a bit of ingenuity.”
- “You could 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, stopping the universe from being destroyed.”
- “However, switching out some of the mechanics, such as main character sprites, adding new tilesets, as well as switching the title screen were kind of strange to figure out, but I figured it out eventually.”
- “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.”
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.
- “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.
stability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
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.”

Buy RPG Maker 2003

RPG Maker 2003
$1.99
See offer

465h Median play time

313h Average play time

8-617h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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