RPG Maker VX Ace

RPG Maker VX Ace is a game development software that allows you to create and customize your own role-playing games. It features a user-friendly interface, pre-made graphics, and a scripting system for more advanced users. With RPG Maker VX Ace, you can bring your imagination to life and share your creations with others.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

Reviews

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,077 reviews

graphics29 positive mentions

grinding14 negative mentions

User-friendly interface that is easy to learn and navigate, making it accessible for beginners.
Extensive community support with numerous tutorials and resources available online.
Allows for a high degree of customization, including the ability to import custom assets and scripts.

Limited default resources and assets, requiring additional purchases for a more diverse game experience.
Some users experience crashes and bugs, particularly when using the Steam Cloud feature.
The scripting language (Ruby) can be challenging for those without programming experience, limiting advanced customization.

graphics
154 mentions
19 % positive mentions
79 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The graphics in this game engine offer a wide range of styles, from nostalgic 16-bit pixel art to modern high-resolution visuals, allowing for significant customization. However, many users find the default graphics uninspiring and often resort to purchasing additional DLC or creating their own assets to achieve a unique look. While the engine is user-friendly for beginners, those seeking to create standout visuals will need to invest time in learning graphic design or scripting.
- “The engine supports a variety of visual styles, from classic 16-bit pixel art to modern high-resolution graphics, allowing developers to tailor the visual aesthetics of their games to their desired themes and atmospheres.”
- “The stock graphics that come with it are forgettable, but if you're willing to delve into the communities, you'll be amazed at the potential of this engine.”
- “One thing that I found extremely appealing is the beautiful visuals; it saves anyone like me who is bad at pixel art from the trouble of making a great programmed game, but with extremely horrible graphics. There’s so much variety, and the fact that you can even custom make a character from a large number of stock sprites is simply amazing.”
- “While the format can be contorted to embody various game genres, at its base it's intended to produce copy-paste turn-based role-playing games that all use the same squished, boring-looking graphics.”
- “If developers want to add their own visual assets, they have to design them to fit into the awkward square-based graphic placing system. This discourages developers from even making their own graphics since it's easier to just buy asset packs already designed to fit into this system.”
- “The graphics and sound assets included may feel somewhat dated compared to contemporary games, and creating highly complex gameplay systems may require scripting knowledge.”
music
129 mentions
9 % positive mentions
88 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music aspect of the game is generally well-received, with users appreciating the decent quality of the default tracks and the extensive options for importing custom music. While the built-in music provides a solid foundation, many players recommend sourcing additional tracks from the community or creating original compositions to enhance their games. Overall, the ability to easily add and customize music is highlighted as a significant advantage, allowing for a more personalized gaming experience.
- “The music in this is actually enjoyable to listen to on its own, which is good since you want a battle with the right music to go with it.”
- “You can add in your own sprites, animations, and soundtracks.”
- “The music that comes with the software is decent, though you'll probably find better tracks in one of the DLC packs.”
- “Not enough of a span of music, but I guess that's what DLCs are for.”
- “The default resources are fine but some people have created commercial quality games with this with their own custom artwork, music, etc.”
story
111 mentions
21 % positive mentions
77 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The RPG Maker VX Ace is highly praised for its ability to empower users to create and share their own stories, offering a versatile platform for both novice and experienced developers. Users appreciate the extensive customization options, allowing for unique narratives and gameplay mechanics, although some note a steep learning curve for more complex features. Overall, it serves as an excellent tool for storytelling, enabling creators to bring their imaginative ideas to life while fostering skills in game design and development.
- “RPG Maker VX Ace is a powerful and accessible game creation tool that empowers aspiring game developers and storytellers to bring their visions to life.”
- “You can make almost any story you want.”
- “It encourages creativity, storytelling, and game development skills while providing a supportive community and a wealth of resources.”
- “This is because these resources are irreversibly associated with poor grammar, undeveloped storytelling, and boring battles to most players.”
- “After the prologue, I completely abandoned the story I set up because I had no idea what I was going to do with it.”
- “The default tilesets are okay, they could have been better designed to allow first-time users to really immerse themselves in their story, and not be constantly repelled by the terrible 'world map' tilesets and fear of possibly having to learn how to script.”
gameplay
53 mentions
19 % positive mentions
75 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The gameplay in RPG Maker VX Ace is accessible for beginners, allowing them to create simple 2D JRPGs without coding, while also offering advanced users the ability to implement complex mechanics through scripting. The drag-and-drop interface facilitates quick game development, but those seeking to push the boundaries of gameplay will need to invest time in learning Ruby scripting. Overall, the software encourages creativity and experimentation, making it a valuable tool for aspiring game developers, though it may feel limited without additional coding knowledge.
- “Simple 2D JRPGs with random encounters can be made without the use of any scripts, but with the help of scripts, even more advanced mechanics and battle systems can be added to one's games.”
- “With its easy drag-and-drop style mechanics, users can get a game up and running in a fraction of the time it would take if they had programmed the game from scratch.”
- “The game script is completely customizable, offering a huge variety of gameplay types and styles.”
- “But at face value, there are little to no options in your gameplay, and you are very limited without knowledge of coding.”
- “It took me several days to learn the ins and outs of RMVX Ace, and the mechanics are a bit complicated for new users.”
- “After spending more than 100 hours exploring and testing all different aspects of this program, I have created maybe 30 minutes of gameplay.”
grinding
15 mentions
7 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
93 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight that while the game development process can involve tedious tasks such as event placement and balancing, the streamlined tools like autotiling and easy copy-pasting can alleviate some of the grind. Users appreciate the enjoyable aspects of creating diverse game elements, but caution that patience is required to navigate the more monotonous elements of programming and design. Overall, the experience is a mix of enjoyable creativity and necessary grinding, with varying levels of tolerance for the latter among players.
- “The game has to be easy to play and not too grindy so that people can enjoy the story and explore the world I set about creating.”
- “Be aware - learning game development even through this lightweight and streamlined engine is not for everyone and you will need to take your time to learn tedious things like event placement, map design, and (urgh) balancing without so much as a helping hand.”
- “After a while, you will need a great amount of patience because it can get tedious and frustrating to get everything just right.”
- “The only negative thing is that you just have to be prepared to listen to some tunes while you do the tedious stuff, like configuring monster stats or tweaking cutscenes.”
stability
12 mentions
17 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
83 % negative mentions
Overall, users report mixed experiences with stability in RPG Maker VX Ace, noting that while it can be prone to occasional bugs and crashes—especially during menu loading and saving—many find it less buggy compared to other versions. Regular updates help address issues, and a supportive community offers troubleshooting assistance, though some users still experience significant freezing and crashes, particularly with Steam integration.
- “Best of all, I've found it to be pretty much bug-free, so I can spend more time on making games than pulling my hair out!”
- “Not that what I made was bug-free, but all of them were just setting things up wrong, not actual technical issues.”
- “It freezes every time I try to load a menu.”
- “Whenever I start the game up, it freezes my computer for a bit and closes the game and Steam.”
- “Like it still works, but when I try to save my progress... well, let's just say I used to be able to save it in 2 seconds just by clicking the icon, but now every time I save my work on VX Ace after I got the DLC, it freezes up and crashes for a minute.”
humor
11 mentions
91 % positive mentions
-18 % neutral mentions
27 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with some users finding it lacking due to poor jokes and meme references, while others appreciate the ability to create their own funny narratives and characters. Many players enjoy the comedic potential of the RPG maker, highlighting the fun they have in crafting humorous games despite the initial frustrations. Overall, the humor aspect is subjective, with some finding it entertaining and others deeming it subpar.
- “Spent 80% of my playtime making funny faces in the character model editor.”
- “Been having fun making hilarious games, and having good fun along the way.”
- “It's kinda funny really how RPG Maker turns coding into a game of itself: easy to learn, tricky to master.”
- “This is so crazy cool it's not funny.”
- “The jokes fall flat and feel forced.”
- “I expected more laughs, but the humor just misses the mark.”
optimization
8 mentions
38 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
38 % negative mentions
The optimization of RPG Maker VX Ace is noted to be effective for creating JRPGs, with users reporting smooth performance for their custom content despite some inherent challenges. However, the software can be clunky and has a steep learning curve, leading to performance issues like stuttering in certain games. Overall, while it excels in specific scenarios, users may encounter difficulties when deviating from its default systems.
- “With these new RPG makers made after 'RPG Maker VX Ace' from these same developers being sold here on Steam these days, an example of the advantage in buying 'VX Ace' is performance purposes in some cases.”
- “I have drawn my own title screens, made my own tilesets, and recorded my own audio, and they run smoothly with no problem.”
- “Games are optimized well.”
- “Smaller resolution, clunky, very passive-aggressive towards its user at times, with a daunting learning curve for those that desire more than simple games and absolutely horrible stuttering.”
- “I have seen games I have made in it lag and experience performance issues while testing.”
- “Also note that this program is optimized for making JRPGs exclusively and any changes to the default systems of your game will require coding.”
character development
4 mentions
0 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
75 % negative mentions
Character development in this game is emphasized as a crucial aspect that enhances the overall experience, particularly for those who approach it with creativity and a structured plan. Users note that while the software provides tools for character design and development, those lacking a clear vision may struggle to fully enjoy the process. Overall, the game serves as a valuable learning platform for various skills, including character development.
- “Even though it is fun, people who lack creativity or try to go about it without a plan (story, settings, character development) might find themselves not enjoying this software as much.”
- “This game will also teach you very useful field skills such as bug testing, coding, scripting, story development, character development, class development, skill balancing, map creation, cinematics, and many more.”
- “If you purchase one, you likely did so because your dreams of being a video game developer, no matter how misguided or misdirected, have culminated to the point of purchasing a comprehensive package of textures, prefab character designs, and pre-written code.”
monetization
4 mentions
25 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
RPG Maker VX Ace stands out for its monetization model, as it does not incorporate microtransactions or subscription fees, which is a departure from many contemporary game creation platforms. This approach allows users to focus on their creative work without the distraction of additional costs.
- “No microtransactions: unlike many modern game creation platforms, RPG Maker VX Ace does not rely on microtransactions or subscription models.”
- “They won't advertise it this way, because it would not sell as well; it needs more work from you.”
- “Enough advertisements, though; let's get back to the software.”
emotional
4 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game allows players to choose between a combat-focused experience or a deeply narrative-driven one, offering flexibility in gameplay style. The community's positive consensus on the game's emotional depth highlights its quality amidst a crowded indie market. Players can engage with the emotional content through in-game events or by modifying the script, enhancing their personal connection to the story.
- “It's up to you if you want to play a game saturated in fights, emotionally written, or a combination of both.”
- “In an ever-flowing sea of indie games, when the community wholesomely agrees that an indie game is good, it’s got to be.”
atmosphere
1 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of games is enhanced by the engine's support for diverse visual styles, ranging from nostalgic 16-bit pixel art to contemporary high-resolution graphics, enabling developers to create tailored aesthetic experiences that align with their thematic intentions.
- “The engine supports a variety of visual styles, from classic 16-bit pixel art to modern high-resolution graphics, allowing developers to tailor the visual aesthetics of their games to their desired themes and atmospheres.”
replayability
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-500 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
Users highlight that the game's emphasis on creativity significantly enhances its replayability, offering players more opportunities for varied experiences rather than a one-time playthrough.
- “Certainly, being creative has more replay value than a singular experience.”
- “The game offers countless choices and paths, making each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.”
- “With multiple endings and character builds, I find myself coming back for more every time.”
- “The game lacks the depth needed for meaningful replayability.”
- “Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to play again.”
- “The limited choices and outcomes make replaying feel redundant.”