$20 Game of the Week: RPG Maker 2 (PS2)

Alright all you aspiring game designers, wanna make your own game? Want to make an RPG? Not quite ready to learn Microsoft XNA? Got a PS2 and a memory card with lots of space? Here ya go. The RPG Maker series, or RPG Tsukuru as it’s known in Japan, is hugely popular amongst game hobbyists. However, its steep learning curve and low-end graphics have kept it from mainstream success. RPG Maker 2 is no different. It may not be a graphical powerhouse, but those who are willing to put in the time and effort to learn the system will find themselves well rewarded. I can’t sing this game’s praises enough. There is more advanced game creator software available (including scenario and map editors for your favorite PC RTS, FPS, and RPGs), but for beginning developers, you can’t go wrong with this.

Whereas the original RPG Maker resembled a bad Genesis game, RPG maker 2’s graphics have been upgraded. Now, they resemble a bad N64 game. All kidding aside, this version of the game has 3d graphics and movement. There is a bit of an annoying motion blur when moving, but you can get used to it. The real story here is the number of scripting and customization options. You can create models simply by changing the colors, and dungeons can be constructed in 3-d viewing. For those who have played the first RPG maker, event construction is a bit more complicated than in the original. First you have to create a script, then assign it to an event. This makes things a bit more complicated, but it makes it easier to duplicate events. For those who have a basic knowledge of object oriented programming, there are even more things that can be done with the script by simply manipulating the flags, switches, and input. For instance, for my game “Requiem for a Hustla”, I implemented a high score list (complete with name entry), a new game + option, a real time timer, multiple endings, and a way to distribute experience points to party members who are killed in battle before the battle is over. It should be noted however, that a USB keyboard is a must, especially when entering long scripts.

There are two major pitfalls. First of all, while there is support for the hard drive, it is only used to load off pictures. It would have been nice to save game data as well. Unfortunately you only get a little over 2200 blocks of memory for your game. You can expand the game with a transfer option, but it won’t carry data over. The other major pitfall is the lack of internet support. What’s the point of going through all the trouble of making a Xenogears-esque epic when no one outside of your circle will be able to play it? Yes, there are ways to share PS2 save data online, but none of them have really caught on to mainstream. Still, this is a good introduction for people wanting to get into game development. Also try RPG Maker XP on Windows, and the upcoming RPG Maker VX, also on Windows. These games allow you to import graphics and sounds, distribute games online, and feature an even more robust scripting system.