Title: RPG Maker MV
Developer: Kadokawa Corporation
Publisher: NIS America
Genre: Simulation, RPG
Price: $49.99
RPG Maker should not be unfamiliar to anyone interested in game development. The handy software is, at its heart, a game-making system that allows interested parties to use pre-made assets in making their own titles. One only has to take a look at the Steam Store and see the plethora of RPG Maker games available.
Certainly, RPG Maker MV is a pretty robust piece of software. The tools it lets its players use, while relatively more limited in comparison to those found in the all-encompassing personal computer version, are actually quite flexible in nature. From editing map tiles to programming events to dialogue boxes and even to character sprites, the Switch release has more than enough to keep gamers immersed for hours on end. In the hands of those with talent, perseverance, and vision, it can, and should, serve as the perfect gateway to game development.
If there’s anything RPG Maker MV lacks, it’s a proper tutorial. There’s one at the start, but gamers won’t be able to go back to it in a pinch once it’s done. And considering the depth and breadth of programming variables at the disposal of would-be developers, what’s tackled doesn’t even come close to putting newbies in position to hit the ground running. It’s as if Kadokawa understands that commitment to the craft necessitates self-learning. The good news is that creations by other users of the title can be checked and played and, most importantly, sources of knowledge and inspiration. The sense of community is underscored since acceptance of work done comes by positive feedback from others, who will also benefit from the process.
Not counting the lack of in-game guidance, RPG Maker MV has other very clear drawbacks. For instance, the available assets on hand are all stock assets, so multiple game creations will, at some point, need to reuse them between games, thus possibly leading to a “same, same,” been there and done that situation. RPG Maker likewise remains inherently clunky, so while the software is adept at manipulation, the process invariably gets complicated, especially when using the Switch's controls. Past the learning curve, though, it provides ample rewards. Second nature comes with a little perseverance.
In sum, RPG Maker MV is a can’t-miss affair for those who want to dip their toes in game development. For aspiring video game developers, it's pretty much a must-have, serving as the perfect testing ground to gauge commitment to turning endeavor into profession and committing to far more expensive software.
THE GOOD
- Extremely flexible as a design tool, allowing would-be developers to create role-playing games as they please
- Tons of options on offer
- Games produced off it are actually playable and compelling
THE BAD
- Inherently clunky
- Switch controls a hurdle in getting used to the software
- Lack of an in-depth tutorial
- Relatively limited amount of stock assets to play with
RATING: 8/10
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