The RPG Engine
- September 8, 2023
- The Architect
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Get on itch.io Store"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.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- 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 at times, making it difficult for users to navigate and utilize all available features effectively.
- Despite its potential, the software is still in early access and lacks some essential features, such as built-in character sheets and more advanced terrain manipulation tools.
- graphics17 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are characterized by a stylized, low-poly art style that, while subjective, is well-optimized for lower-end machines, making it accessible to a wider audience. Many players appreciate the charm and intuitive design of the visuals, despite some noting that the graphics may not meet high-end standards. Overall, the graphics enhance the gameplay experience, particularly in the context of its mechanics and customization options.
“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.”
“Rough graphics, free game.”
“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.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
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 interactions 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 detract from the overall experience. It is best suited for RPG mechanics enthusiasts rather than those seeking a complete tabletop gaming experience.
“Drawing comparisons, the RPG engine excels in graphics and mechanics, outshining many genre contemporaries.”
“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.”
“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...”
- optimization9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, the optimization of the game is a mixed bag; while it performs well on lower-end machines and balances visual quality with performance, users report issues such as crashes when managing multiple character sheets, occasional desyncs, and noticeable FPS drops when using a high number of props. There is a desire for further optimization to enhance performance, particularly for larger maps and more complex setups.
“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.”
- story7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The reviews present a mixed perspective on the "story" aspect, with some users criticizing the lack of narrative content in certain applications, while others praise the immersive and captivating storytelling capabilities of an RPG engine. The engine is noted for its versatility in supporting various creative processes, such as brainstorming and visual storytelling, although users also mention challenges in asset integration for seamless storytelling.
“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.”
- music7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The music aspect of the game is highly praised, featuring a strong cyberpunk soundtrack and a well-curated music library that enhances gameplay. Users appreciate the option to manage their own music alongside the provided tracks, making it a versatile tool for enhancing their gaming experience.
“Love the concept and ideas behind this software; the 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.”
- monetization6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The monetization model has seen recent improvements following community feedback, eliminating microtransactions and offering flexible pricing options, such as a $20 per user fee or a $60 ultimate hosting license. While some users remain hesitant to invest further due to past issues, the current system allows for personal use and creative customization, enhancing the overall experience.
“It's hard, but hey, at least there's no microtransactions!”
“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.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game has received mixed reviews; while some players feel it lacks depth and immersion compared to similar titles, recent updates introducing new skyboxes have enhanced the overall ambiance, suggesting potential for further improvements.
“The new skyboxes added a greater range of atmosphere than before, enhancing the overall experience.”
“The atmosphere in the game is incredibly immersive, drawing players into its beautifully crafted world.”
“Every detail contributes to a rich atmosphere that makes exploration feel rewarding and engaging.”
“However, the narrative and atmosphere fall short, lacking the depth and immersion found in similar titles.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game is generally enjoyable, but players have reported experiencing several glitches that affect its stability.
“This game is cool, but it does have a few glitches.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it hard to enjoy.”
“I experienced several bugs that disrupted my gameplay.”
