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
Windows
Reviews
- RPG Maker XP is user-friendly and great for beginners, making it easy to create RPGs and fan games, especially Pokémon fan games.
- The software offers a lot of customization options and has a strong community with many resources available for learning and support.
- It has a nostalgic charm and is still considered one of the best RPG Maker versions for its mapping capabilities and ease of use.
- The software is outdated and lacks many features found in newer versions, making it less versatile for complex game development.
- Users have reported performance issues, including low framerates and bugs that can disrupt the game-making process.
- There is a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with scripting, and finding resources or support can be challenging due to its age.
- graphics80 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics in RPG Maker XP are generally praised for their dark and appealing art style, which many users consider superior to those in newer versions like VX Ace and MV. While the default RTP graphics are often criticized, the software allows for extensive customization, enabling users to import their own graphics and animations easily. Overall, XP is regarded as a versatile tool for creating visually engaging RPGs, despite its limitations.
“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.”
“XP had the best RTP graphically and audibly speaking, and using Ruby, which isn't hard to learn, makes it the go-to for me.”
“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.”
- music44 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 80 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The music in the game engine is generally praised for its quality, with many users highlighting the impressive soundtrack that resonates with fans of classic JRPGs. While the default RTP music is considered decent but not exceptional, the ability to import custom music and sound effects allows for significant personalization. Overall, the music enhances the gaming experience, contributing to the nostalgic and immersive atmosphere.
“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.”
“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 level I created, every level felt great, fun, different, and colorful!”
“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, works absolutely fine on Windows 10, comes with a plentiful amount of textures and a decent amount of music.”
- story26 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 81 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is characterized by a nostalgic atmosphere and lovable characters, yet it harbors a darker narrative beneath the surface. The engine allows for intuitive storytelling and the creation of engaging side quests and cutscenes, making it accessible for those looking to express their narratives creatively. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of storytelling in role-playing games, encouraging players to share their own tales.
“Now, an entirely new venue of storytelling (one which I previously thought too difficult to attempt) is mine to create with and enjoy.”
“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.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay in RPG Maker XP allows players to create their own unique RPG experiences reminiscent of classic titles like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, featuring a robust set of built-in mechanics such as sprites and event handling. While the absence of video integration during gameplay is noted, the game excels with its engaging soundtrack and vibrant, diverse level design that keeps the experience fresh and enjoyable.
“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.”
“A nice game maker, with a ton of built-in game-making mechanics such as sprites, events, automatic collision with said sprites.”
- stability8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users report that the engine experiences occasional freezing issues, particularly when adding certain events to the map, though it is noted to be more stable than previous versions like MV. While some event commands are buggy, the overall stability is considered better than other engines.
“I like it, but sometimes when I add certain events onto the map, and when I play the game I made, the game freezes.”
“It freezes.”
“[*] 3 lists of event commands - some of them are really buggy.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its lighthearted and pun-filled approach, with players enjoying the comedic elements and the ability to customize their experience through mods. The playful tone suggests that the game successfully engages users with its quirky and amusing content.
“I can now mod funny lightbulb cat game.”
“Click funny if you want me to get punny with my other reviews! XD”
“Funny!”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 83 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game features a nostalgic atmosphere complemented by lovable characters, but this charm is contrasted by a much darker underlying story.
“While it's filled with lovable characters and a nostalgic atmosphere, the story behind it is much darker than it seems.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The optimization of RPG Maker XP is 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.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization model is perceived as less aggressive compared to previous versions, with fewer cash-grabbing DLCs for texture and character packs. However, the game's old-school 16-pixel graphics may not appeal to all players, suggesting a disconnect between expectations set by promotional content and the actual experience.
“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 development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users appreciate the character designs, noting them as a standout feature compared to other games. However, there is no specific mention of character development in terms of growth or narrative depth.
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, highlighting experiences of vulnerability and betrayal, as well as the cathartic release of enacting revenge on friends within the game. This duality of emotional highs and lows contributes to a compelling narrative experience.
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that the replayability of the games is hindered by a lack of support for Mac users, suggesting that broader platform availability could enhance the overall replay value.
