Skip to main content

The RPG Engine

87%Game Brain Score
graphics, gameplay
story, monetization
87% User Score Based on 406 reviews

Platforms

PCMac OSWindows
Buy NowGet on Steam Buy NowGet on itch.io Store

About

"The RPG Engine" is a sandbox role-playing game that offers players the freedom to create their own adventures. With a focus on user-generated content, players can design characters, quests, and worlds using the game's robust engine. The game features a variety of tools and customization options, making it an ideal choice for players who enjoy creative control and storytelling. Please note that the game is still in early access and may have some bugs and unfinished features.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
The RPG Engine screenshot
The RPG Engine screenshot
The RPG Engine screenshot
The RPG Engine screenshot
The RPG Engine screenshot
The RPG Engine screenshot
The RPG Engine screenshot
The RPG Engine screenshot
The RPG Engine screenshot
The RPG Engine screenshot
The RPG Engine screenshot
+21
Skip User Reviews

87%
Audience ScoreBased on 406 reviews
graphics10 positive mentions
monetization3 negative mentions
  • The RPG Engine offers a vast array of customization options and assets, allowing users to create unique and immersive environments for tabletop RPGs.
  • The developer is highly responsive to community feedback, frequently updating the software and adding new features based on user suggestions.
  • The software is user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible for both new and experienced users, with a supportive community available for assistance.
  • The monetization model is confusing and can be seen as exploitative, requiring additional purchases for full functionality, which can deter potential users.
  • The user interface can be clunky and unintuitive, making it difficult for new users to navigate and utilize all features effectively.
  • As a tool rather than a game, it lacks traditional gameplay elements, which may disappoint those expecting a more interactive gaming experience.
  • graphics
    34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's graphics feature a stylized, low-poly art style that, while subjective, is well-optimized for lower-end machines and enhances gameplay without overwhelming players. Many reviewers appreciate the charm and simplicity of the visuals, noting that they effectively support the game's mechanics and customization options. Although some may prefer higher fidelity graphics, the overall consensus is that the art style adds to the game's appeal and functionality.

    • “The graphics are stylized, making it a solid choice for players without decent PCs as well.”
    • “The art style is very subjective, but it's incredibly well optimized for this use case and works surprisingly well on lower-end machines.”
    • “Of course the graphics are not 4K stunning with insane graphical detail, but the art style and work done so far has so much charm.”
    • “The only real complaint I have is the low-poly graphic style that became popular around the time of the game's release... and that's just a preference.”
    • “To start with the cons, the weakest point could be the low-poly graphics, but don't let that fool you.”
    • “Rough graphics, free game.”
  • gameplay
    20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay aspect of the RPG engine is primarily focused on serving as a toolset for tabletop gaming rather than offering traditional gameplay experiences, lacking meaningful interaction and gameplay loops. While it excels in graphics and mechanics, and is praised for its immersive story and intuitive mechanics, users note issues with the user interface and bugs that can detract from the overall experience. Overall, it is seen as a mixed bag, appealing mainly to RPG mechanics enthusiasts.

    • “Innovative and enthralling, the RPG engine surpasses others in its genre with its immersive story and intuitive gameplay mechanics.”
    • “Engaging and immersive, the RPG engine stands tall amongst its peers, boasting refined mechanics and a captivating storyline.”
    • “Drawing comparisons, the RPG engine excels in graphics and mechanics, outshining many genre contemporaries.”
    • “Instead of being a game, the RPG engine is a software application that is a bit like Roll20. The idea is that you can use this software to support tabletop gaming, like a virtual whiteboard for playing Dungeons and Dragons, but make no mistake, there's no gameplay included in this; it's just a toolset to facilitate RPGs.”
    • “There are no gameplay loops in this software, no 'gameplay', no meaningful game-like interaction.”
    • “Poor user interface for actual gameplay...”
  • optimization
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game is generally well-received, particularly for older machines, with a good balance between visual quality and performance. However, users report issues such as crashes when managing multiple character sheets, occasional FPS drops with high prop counts, and some poorly implemented features that affect overall performance. There is hope for further optimization to enhance the experience, especially for creating larger maps.

    • “It is well optimized, even for the oldest of machines.”
    • “The art style is very subjective, but it's incredibly well optimized for this use case and works surprisingly well on lower-end machines.”
    • “It strikes a balance between visual quality and performance optimization, which is huge for users that might not have a powerful machine.”
    • “The document system is so poorly optimized you can't keep two character sheets for players open at once or it crashes.”
    • “At 1000+ props you start to see FPS drops; maybe if every prop not in use could be marked as 'static' somehow (I know there's a lock button, but I don't know if it does anything for performance).”
    • “I hope they add a bit more optimization so you can go wild with creating immense maps.”
  • story
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews present a mixed perspective on the story aspect, with some users highlighting the RPG engine's immersive and captivating narrative, while others criticize it for lacking substantial content and storytelling, describing it more as a versatile app for brainstorming and prototyping rather than a traditional RPG. Overall, the engine is praised for its innovative mechanics and functionality, but its storytelling capabilities are seen as limited by some users.

    • “Innovative and enthralling, the RPG engine surpasses others in its genre with its immersive story and intuitive gameplay mechanics.”
    • “Engaging and immersive, the RPG engine stands tall amongst its peers, boasting refined mechanics and a captivating storyline.”
    • “It also allows imports from Hero's Forge to use in your campaigns; multi-map setups allow you to seamlessly move to a new scene and continue the story with your party.”
    • “It's not an RPG itself; there's no content, no game to play, no story being told, it's just an app.”
    • “Actually getting the assets to fit and function the way you want them to is another story.”
    • “It's not an RPG itself; there's no content, no game to play, no story being told, it's just an app.”
  • music
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music aspect of the game is highly praised for its impressive soundtrack, particularly the cyberpunk tracks, which enhance the overall experience. Users appreciate the inclusion of a music library and the ability to use custom music during sessions, making it a versatile tool for gameplay.

    • “Love the concept and ideas behind this software (music and assets are great).”
    • “Also, the cyberpunk music is way too good.”
    • “I always play my own music and have D&D Beyond on a second monitor, so I have no need for the in-game sheets, but they're there if you want them.”
    • “It has the music of '20 Minutes to Midnight' caw caw.”
    • “It comes with music to use during your sessions, also.”
  • monetization
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model has seen recent improvements following community feedback, alleviating some initial concerns. While the absence of microtransactions is a positive aspect, users express hesitance about investing in the product, especially given the pricing structure that requires only half the group to purchase it for hosting capabilities. Overall, the model is considered manageable for personal use, with options for additional features like custom ads in modern settings.

    • “After changing the monetization issues, the engine is actually not too bad for personal use.”
    • “The reviews about monetization make me hesitant to give this company money as well.”
    • “Recently improved monetization after some community complaints about how it was presented and a price shift out of early access.”
    • “Those who have complained about the monetization model of this VTT... only half of your group needs to get it (depending on the number of people, 20 bucks per, and they can host as well if they so choose), or just shell out the extra 60 for an ultimate hosting license.”
  • atmosphere
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in the game is criticized for lacking depth and immersion compared to similar titles, although recent updates introducing new skyboxes have improved the overall ambiance, offering a wider range of atmospheric options. Users hope for further enhancements and flexibility in the future.

    • “New skyboxes were added, which provide a greater range of atmosphere than before. Hopefully, more will be added, along with some flexibility with them later.”
    • “However, the narrative and atmosphere fall short, lacking the depth and immersion found in similar titles.”
  • stability
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is generally well-received, but players have reported experiencing a few glitches that affect stability.

    • “This game is cool, but it does have a few glitches.”
Skip Game Offers

Buy The RPG Engine

Skip Videos

Videos

Skip Games Like The RPG Engine

Games Like The RPG Engine

TaleSpire Image
91%5.6kreviews

TaleSpire

2021Role Playing
LinuxPCMac OS+1
Dungeon Alchemist Image
95%2.4kreviews

Dungeon Alchemist

2022Role Playing
LinuxPCMac OS+1
Game Master Engine Image
80%170reviews

Game Master Engine

2021Role Playing
PCWindows
RPG Stories Image
93%116reviews

RPG Stories

2023Role Playing
PCMac OSWindows
FlowScape Image
83%1.3kreviews

FlowScape

2019Casual Simulation
LinuxPCMac OS+1
Skip Game News