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 customizable assets and tools, allowing for extensive creativity in map-making and character design.
- The developers are highly responsive to community feedback, frequently releasing updates and improvements based on user suggestions.
- The low-poly art style is charming and optimized for performance, making it accessible even for users with lower-end PCs.
- The user interface can be clunky and unintuitive, making it challenging for new users to navigate and utilize all features effectively.
- Some users have expressed frustration with the pricing model changes, feeling that it has become less consumer-friendly over time.
- While the tool has great potential, it still lacks certain features, such as built-in character sheets and more advanced terrain editing options.
- graphics14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics feature a stylized, low-poly art style that is well-optimized for lower-end PCs, making it accessible to a wider audience. While the aesthetic may not appeal to everyone, many players appreciate its charm and find it enhances gameplay, particularly in 3D environments. Overall, the visuals are considered a strong point, balancing simplicity with functionality, despite some subjective preferences regarding the art style.
“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.”
“The art style may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I don't mind it, and to be able to have some cool 3D gunfights, I can't complain.”
- optimization7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game is generally well-optimized, performing effectively even on older machines, and successfully balances visual quality with performance. However, some users have noted that FPS drops occur when using a high number of props, suggesting that further optimization could enhance performance, especially for larger maps. Overall, players are satisfied with the current optimization but hope for future improvements.
“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.”
“I hope they add a bit more optimization so you can go wild with creating immense maps.”
“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).”
“It strikes a balance between visual quality and performance optimization, which is huge for users that might not have a powerful machine.”
- story4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is praised for its versatility, enabling users to engage in brainstorming, storyboarding, and visual storytelling, which enhances campaign development. The ability to import assets and create multi-map setups facilitates seamless narrative progression, although some users find challenges in fitting and functioning the assets as intended.
“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.”
“Actually getting the assets to fit and function the way you want them to is another story.”
- monetization3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization model has recently improved following community feedback, transitioning from early access pricing. Players can either pay $20 each for access or opt for a $60 ultimate hosting license, allowing flexibility in group participation. Additionally, users can enhance their experience by incorporating custom ads into the game environment.
“Those who have complained about the monetization model of this VTT, I don't know, 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 choose), or just shell out the extra 60 for an ultimate hosting license.”
“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... I don't know, man. 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 choose), or just shell out the extra 60 for an ultimate hosting license.”
“So if you like to draw or generate AI images for your characters, or if you are playing a more modern/futuristic setting, you can put your own ads on billboards and such.”
- music3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game includes a built-in music library that players can use during their sessions, although some users prefer to play their own music instead. The option for in-game music is available for those who choose to utilize it.
“It comes with music to use during your sessions, also.”
“Music library.”
“The music in the game is forgettable and doesn't enhance the experience.”
“The soundtrack feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“I found the in-game music to be uninspiring and often distracting.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The gameplay experience is hindered by a poor user interface and various bugs, making it feel rough and incomplete, particularly for those seeking a fully polished pen-and-paper experience.
“The gameplay is engaging and keeps you on your toes with its dynamic mechanics.”
“I love how the gameplay encourages strategic thinking and teamwork.”
“The controls are intuitive, making it easy to jump right into the action.”
“Poor user interface for actual gameplay.”
“Admittedly, this game can still be a bit rough around the edges at times with bugs and incomplete features, especially if you are hoping to use this as your full PnP gameplay experience.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users appreciate the enhanced atmosphere due to the addition of new skyboxes, which provide a greater variety of environmental settings. There is hope for further expansions and flexibility in the future.
“The new skyboxes added a greater range of atmosphere than before, enhancing the overall experience.”
“The atmosphere in the game is incredibly immersive, drawing you into its world.”
“Every detail contributes to a rich and captivating atmosphere that keeps you engaged.”
