RPG Maker

"RPG Maker...Near Perfection"

RPG Maker...Near Perfection

Have you always wanted to make your RPG game of your dreams? Well if you have then this game should be more than what you need to make that game.

Graphics 8/10
Not perfect but what do you expect from a game that lets you create your own RPG game! However the addition of Anime Maker allows you to create your own custom graphics for your game but even that requires talent. But I have seen worse then the graphics in RPG Maker!

Story 10/10
The story of this game can be as good or as bad as you make it. I have seen game storylines for certain RPG Maker games that beat the storyline of regular RPG games for playstation. So in the end, the storyline depends on how you create it.

Sound 6/10
The one major flaw in this game is the sound. If you plan on making a RPG game and you don't want to go nuts with the terrible music in the creation mode then turn te volume on your tv off and pop in your favorite cd. There are a few really good dungeon songs but thats about it for the sound.

Gameplay 8/10
The gameplay in RPG Maker is good but some options such as a steal command would be nice. And the battle system is pre-determined, so if you don't like it then you will need a custom battle system which uses a ton of memory and takes alot of time to create. The gameplay is ok but if you are good with the game there are ways around some of the pre-determined shops and the battle system.

Control 9/10
If this game allowed analog control it would be a 10. However the only place you would need it is in Anime Maker and it is compatible with the Playstation mouse. As far as inputting dialog and names, the control is great and easy to use.

Challenge 10/10
You can beat Final Fantasy 9 in under 5 hours to get the Excalibur 2 and you still may need help on this one. It can be really hard depending on what your doing:

System Data:The simplest of all of the three main parts of the game. It is not that hard to learn. But there is alot you can do with dungeon creation so expect to spend some time here. Also expect to use up to a full memory card for alot of system data.

Scenario Data:The most confusing of all of the three main parts of the game. Switching and Page conditions will keep you puzzled for hours unless you get one of the excellent faqs from gamefaqs. Also you can expect to use alot of memory here too.

Anime Maker:Not needed for a good RPG but for custom graphics you will use this to make them. Not as simple as System Data yet not as confusing as Scenario Data, this one falls right in the middle. Expect to use alot of memory here too, should you use it.

Replay 10/10
Pick up a dex drive and you can play more RPGs then Squaresoft could publish in a lifetime. Since RPG Maker is becoming more popular, more people are making RPGs and putting them online for the world to play.

Overall 9/10
The bad sound and graphics are made up for by the huge amount of gameplay and value that you can get out of this game. Even though its not perfect, it is still a must have for any Playstation owner. Good luck finding it though. For 40 bucks and quite a bit of luck though, you can have this Playstation gem in your collection.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/22/01, Updated 11/22/01