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RPG Maker
"For those who always wanted to write a book or make an Rpg to their own tastes this is a must have. Massive patience and time are required to take advantage of all Rpg Maker has to offer."
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Developer  Agetec Game Type  Strategy
Distributor  Agetec Review Date  Nov 00
 
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Review:
 
Rpg Maker is a unique program that allows you to build your own role playing adventure game from scratch using interactive menus and commands.

Given the complexity of the interface and total freedom of creation you are given, the graphics area has been compromised. Rpg Maker therefore has the look of a 16bit console (much like a Super NES game). Another thing to keep in mind is that this game has been around for 3 years already in Japan, even though it has just been released in west.

While the visuals are stuck in the 16bit era, this in no way detracts from the game. The pieces and character art, along with the monster art is all top notch for the 2D sprite based look that it uses.

Speaking of "Old School", the sound is decidedly retro too... however, as with the sound, the amount of flexibility you are given when creating musical interludes, far outweighs any dissapointment.

To cover this game in depth would require my own server, so I will give you some of the facts and an overall feel.

Rpg Maker is definitely not for everyone. A lot of time and dedication is required for you to grasp this games operation and detail. Keep in mind that you are in control of absolutely everything. If you want the door to open when your character touches it, you must set up an "event" to tell that to the program. If you want a towns-person to only talk to your character after you have found the "red key" you must again set up several "events" to tell the program what to do.

These "events", are not mind blowing, but it takes plenty of time to learn how to set them up properly. The makers of the game were thinking ahead though. At any point you may test your creation to find the "bugs".

The included Anime Maker allows you to graphically customize whatever you want to. The program is similar in function to "Paint" on your PC, and it's far easier to get precise movements if you use a Playstation mouse.

There are 2 instruction manuals included, and they are a whopping 70 and 42 pages long. Reading them carefully is highly recommended. When you save your created Rpg you will use at least 2 blocks. The System Data goes in one area and the Scenario Data goes in another. This is a good thing. Using your old System Data (characters, magic, towns, etc.) you can just create new Scenario Data (events, storyline) and make another Rpg in half the time.

There is also a sample Rpg that you can play that will teach you the basics of terminology and structure of creating your first Rpg.

If you get this game be prepared to use a lot of memory, if you are a good Rpg maker you might consider getting a Dex Drive. Not only will this allow you to transfer your saves to your PC, but also there are web sites out there where others are exchanging Rpg's as we speak.

Features:
 
· Be the Dungeon Master (DM) of your own newly designed world

· All dialog, events, and storyline is entirely up to you

· A massive library of tools to aid your creation

· Includes Anime Maker program, which allows you to draw from scratch

· Share memory cards for new adventures all the time

· Over 400 dungeon parts to create your own customized dungeons - Plus 247 original dungeon images ready to use

· Over 250 parts for creating field maps

· 127 object images, 99 monster images, 68 character images, 49 background images, 30 magic effects images

· 16 special abilities per Character

Options:
 
• Number of Disks: 1
• Number of blocks used on Memory card per save: 2 - 30
• Maximum number of Players (without a multi-tap): 1
• Multi-tap compatible (max players): No
• Link-cable compatible (max players): No
• Split screen multi-player option (max players): No
• Other accessories: None
• Dual Shock Pad Digital Button compatible: Yes
• Dual Shock Pad Analog Stick compatible: No
• Dual Shock Pad Vibration compatible: No
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Summary
CygnusXI   "For those who always wanted to write a book or make an Rpg to their own tastes this is a must have. Massive patience and time are required to take advantage of all Rpg Maker has to offer.

The 16bit look and feel are a little dated as we sit on the cusp of the PS2 era, but the shear power you are given over creating your own destiny fill that void perfectly.

Rpg Maker is for the creative souls out there that are willing to pour their time and effort into this unique and amazing game. "
Graphics  12/20
Playability  48/50
Sound  7/10
Lastability  20/20
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