RPG Maker XP
- December 13, 2013
- KADOKAWA
- 2h median play time
Get on Steam"RPG Maker XP is a single-player Role Playing game that can be completed in about 2 hours. It is a no-code game development tool in the RPG Maker series, which simplifies game creation and includes features like auto-save and event skipping. The software allows users to create original role-playing games with improved graphic capabilities, full-color display, and scripting feature for advanced customization."
PC
Reviews
- RPG Maker XP is user-friendly and great for beginners, making it easy to create RPGs without extensive programming knowledge.
- The software offers a wide range of customization options, allowing users to import their own graphics, sounds, and scripts, which enhances creativity.
- It is particularly well-suited for making Pokémon fan games, with a strong community and resources like Pokémon Essentials available.
- The software is outdated compared to newer versions, lacking some features and support that later RPG Makers provide.
- Users may encounter performance issues and bugs, such as crashes or glitches, especially when working on more complex projects.
- Finding resources and tutorials specific to RPG Maker XP can be challenging due to its age and the decline of its community.
- graphics40 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics in RPG Maker XP are generally praised for their unique art style and customization options, with many users considering it the best among RPG Maker versions. While the default RTP graphics are criticized, the ability to import custom graphics and the overall mapping system are highlighted as strong points. Despite some limitations inherent to the RPG Maker engine, the graphics are seen as a significant draw for both beginners and experienced developers.
“On one hand, the graphics and soundtrack are divine, and the mapping system is exquisite.”
“Still has the best default graphical style of all the RPG makers to this day, in my opinion.”
“Its popular and user-friendly interface has been carried over from RPG Maker 2000, and its graphic capabilities, battle screen layout, and data packaging features are better than ever!”
“RTP graphics are pretty terrible; you will want to import every battler. Trust me.”
“The only downside to it is there's no face graphic... so that's stupid.”
“It so far has less cash-grabbing DLC texture/character packs compared to VA/VX/MV, and the 16-pixel graphics look absolutely old school.”
- music22 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music aspect of the game engine is highly praised for its impressive soundtrack, particularly appealing to fans of classic JRPGs, with many users highlighting the ability to import custom music and sound effects. While the default RTP music is considered decent, players appreciate the extensive customization options that allow for a more personalized audio experience. Overall, the music enhances the gaming experience, contributing to the nostalgic and immersive atmosphere of the games created with this engine.
“On one hand, the graphics and soundtrack are divine, and the mapping system is exquisite.”
“The music (originally the only reason I bought this) is also amazing, with my personal favorite being battle 002.”
“The soundtrack is a classic to fans of old school JRPGs.”
“RTP music is okay, but not great (again, you'll want to import everything).”
“While plenty of content is provided right off the bat, I prefer to create my own images and music.”
“It's not perfect in many ways, and may have some limiting factors if you want to make a truly grand-scale project (an example being you can only have 1 texture set per map), but it has a layering system, comes with a plentiful amount of textures and a decent amount of music.”
- story13 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game engine is praised for its potential to create engaging narratives reminiscent of classic RPGs like Final Fantasy 6 and Chrono Trigger, featuring lovable characters and a darker underlying theme. Users appreciate the intuitive event system that facilitates storytelling, allowing for the integration of personal tales and creative side quests. Overall, the engine empowers creators to craft rich, story-driven experiences with ease.
“Tell your story, tell your cat's story, make a game from one of old grandpa's stories about back in the day, when getting to school was an uphill journey for 2 hours in a snowstorm... both ways!”
“While it's filled with lovable characters and a nostalgic atmosphere, the story behind it is much darker than it seems.”
“A role-playing game needs a story after all.”
“I recommend it if you want to tell a story you want to get out there without writing it as a book or comic.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay allows players to create their own RPG experiences reminiscent of Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest, featuring a robust set of game-making tools like sprites and event mechanics. While it lacks video integration during gameplay, the retro-inspired soundtrack and unique mechanics contribute to a fun and colorful level design that keeps players engaged and surprised.
“Gameplay-wise, you're essentially making your own Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest.”
“A nice game maker, with a ton of built-in game-making mechanics such as sprites, events, and automatic collision with said sprites.”
“RPG Maker XP knocked me off my feet with its astounding soundtrack and link back to the retro style. It continuously surprised me with its unique mechanics and originality in the levels I created; every level felt great, fun, different, and colorful!”
“You cannot have videos during gameplay, however.”
“Gameplay wise, you're essentially making your own Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest.”
“RPG Maker XP knocked me off my feet with its astounding soundtrack and link back to the retro style, but it continuously surprised me with its unique mechanics and originality in the level I created; every level felt great, fun, different, and colorful!”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, users report mixed experiences with stability, noting occasional freezing issues, particularly when adding certain events to the map. However, some users appreciate that the engine is generally more stable than others, despite encountering bugs with specific event commands.
“It freezes.”
“At least this engine isn't a buggy mess like MV.”
“I like it, but sometimes when I add certain events onto the map, the game freezes when I play.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users find the humor in the game to be lighthearted and playful, often incorporating puns and whimsical elements, such as a "funny lightbulb cat." The overall tone suggests that the humor is enjoyable and encourages a lighthearted approach to gameplay and reviews.
“I can now mod a funny lightbulb cat game.”
“Click funny if you want me to get punny with my other reviews! XD”
“Funny!”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game features a nostalgic atmosphere enriched by lovable characters, yet it contrasts sharply with a darker underlying story, creating a compelling and multifaceted experience.
“While it's filled with lovable characters and a nostalgic atmosphere, the story behind it is much darker than it seems.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The optimization of RPG Maker XP has been criticized for significant performance issues and the absence of many features present in previous versions, leading to a subpar gaming experience.
“But on the other hand, many features are missing from RPG Maker XP that were in previous entries, and it has horrible performance issues.”
“The only real issue is the game performance.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization in this game is perceived as more straightforward than typical models, with fewer aggressive DLC offerings compared to previous versions. However, the retro 16-pixel graphics may not appeal to all players, suggesting a potential disconnect between visual style and monetization strategy.
“It's nowhere near as simple as YouTube videos and ads say it is.”
“It so far has less cash-grabbing DLC texture/character packs compared to VA/VX/MV, and the 16-pixel graphics look absolutely old school.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users appreciate the character designs, noting them as a standout feature compared to other games, which suggests a positive reception of the visual representation of characters.
“The character development in this game is incredibly deep, allowing players to form a genuine connection with each character.”
“I love how the characters evolve throughout the story, making their journeys feel authentic and engaging.”
“The unique backstories and growth arcs of each character add so much depth to the overall narrative.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, highlighting moments of vulnerability and conflict, such as feeling mocked by friends and subsequently experiencing a cathartic release through in-game actions. This duality of emotional experiences—both sorrow and empowerment—underscores the game's impact on players' feelings.
“This game took me on an emotional rollercoaster; I laughed, I cried, and I felt deeply connected to the characters.”
“The story was so moving that I found myself reflecting on my own life experiences long after I finished playing.”
“I never expected a game to evoke such strong feelings, but the narrative and character development truly touched my heart.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The replayability of the game is hindered by its lack of support for Mac users, limiting access and potentially reducing the overall player base.
