RPG Maker

"Still one of the best of the RPG Maker series."

Wow. It's been so many years since this game had it's original release. And you know what? I've been by this game's side ever since it came out. Honestly, I love this game. I guess I really can't call it a game, though. I'd moreorless call it a game maker.

Gameplay 10/10
How can I really give a creating engine a gameplay discription? Simple. The ease of use is one of the best of the series. Actually, I dare say it is the best of the series, simply because everything is made so simple. First time game users may find things confusing when the game wants you to get technical, but then again, the interface is so simple it does not stand in your way as you attempt to learn the process of creating your own game.

Simply put, the user interface is the second best of the series ( RPGM3 being the best ), as it has the ability to make everything so easy. Every option and tool is clearly labeled, allowing you quick and easy access to any feature within the game. This is one of the engine's greatest points.

Story Depends/10
Why do I say this story depends? Simply because YOU make the story. Of course, there is a sample game that comes with this video game. It's pretty straightforward, but nevertheless offers quite a bit of insight. You see, the sample game is called Gobli, and it's about a weakling in an RPG who wants to become a boss character and fight the heroes. The story of this game is pretty good, but it's main goal is to give you guidance on making your own game through its examples. It succeeds at doing just that.

Back to the regular RPG Maker, I'd have to say that it's a toss-up, simply because YOU'RE the one making the video game. You can create a story as deep or shallow as you wish.

Graphics 7/10
This is the only place where the game really falters. The graphics are 2D, and while I like 2D, the graphics are just okay. There's a good assortment of various characters and monster (the monsters, by the way, look REALLY good), and there's a few hidden characters throughout the game maker.

I'd give this game's graphics a 6 out of 10 if it wasn't for the beautiful "sample" dungeons in the dungeon editor. Really. The dungeons look beautiful, as they put a ton of work. The only big letdown is that, after using a sample dungeon, you'll eventually have to make a custom dungeon. You can immediately tell the difference in quality between the beautifully pixellated Sample Dungeons, and the Custom Dungeons you make using tiles.

Sound 8/10
There's a good amount of sound effects and musics here. Nothing excellent, nothing horrible. The sound effect's range are very broad, and you can alter the sound effect's pitch, which is a very resourceful feature. The music is alright. There's some really pretty BGMs, and a couple really rotten ones (in my opinion). You can alter the filter and tempo of the BGMs, so that is a definite plus.

Replay Value 10/10
This is undoubtedly the highest factor of the game, simply because you decide the replay value. Your game can be as short or as long as you want (as long as you want considering you have enough memory cards).

Overall 10/10
This is, by far, the greatest RPG Creating Engine I've ever used. It's easy, it's fast (despite the fact that you can't use a USB keyboard), and you can create some pretty good games depsite the software limitations. In fact, you aren't even restricted to creating a very straight-forward game. You can use the software to make any number of features from custom shops to custom inns, bonus blacksmiths, and so on. The possibilities are not endless, but it certain gives the illusion of being endless.

Out of all three RPG Makers (1 on PS, 2 on PS2, and 3 of PS2), this one is the best when it comes to easy handling and fluidity. RPGM 2 does have the advantage when it comes to technicality, and you can do much more than RPGM 1, but I suggest you get RPGM 1 for starting out.
Don't only use it for starting out. Keep a spare copy and make games off of RPGM 1 while you're at it. This little tool never runs out of fun.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/09/06