RPG Maker MV

RPG Maker MV is the latest in the RPG Maker genre. This one was released in 2015, so it's already been around a while and if you're still using one of it's predecessors such as 2000, 2003, XP, VX or VX Ace (And somehow I own all of those but never actually made a game with them), then you'd be wise to upgrade to RPG Maker MV. It's on sale with 75-79% discount currently on humble bundle.

Compared to the earlier versions MV offers some significant features:
- Html 5 export: Great for sharing, or exporting your game to mobile.
- Javascript scripting engine: Previous engines used to be ruby.
- Larger base tiles for greater details on all your sprites.
- Mac OSX Support

In case you are currently wondering, what IS this software? Is it a game? Why is it fun?
Wonder no more, as the name implies it's a "game engine" intended to be used for making JRPG style games. And best of all, aside being ridiculously simple to use, it's also very versatile.

Did you know the following games were made in RPG Maker?
- To the Moon
- Arafell
- Finding Paradise
- Rakuen
And dozens more. Many made by small groups of people, some by larger teams.

You could spend 10 minutes with the basics and your 7 year old will happily spend days making games for you, and probably learn a LOT in the process. It's a whole different ballpark from for example minecraft.

Though the engine is already 5 years old - the community for the engine goes back many years more. With over two decades of scripts, graphics, plugins and experience there is much available with which to expand your ideas. And hundreds of DLCs with additional graphics and sound on Steam to tailor your project exactly to your liking.

There is a dark stigma against RPG Maker games on steam, due to the ease of making games a lot of trash has flooded the market quite rapidly and people quickly turn their back on a game when they see the tag. Various (some mentioned above) stand out quite sharply however, and even the biggest naysayer won't be able to tell you they disliked the game with a straight face after completing it.

The community is alive and active, various on discord or the Degica forums. If you need help, you will find plenty. But, just in case you're trying to get a quick leg up on starting I went ahead and wrote a few guides for you to read. 13 chapters in total:
- MV Basics Part 1
- MV Basics Part 2

A common issue with many users of the software is that we always spend a ton of time making small projects, but never actually finish a game. So kudos to anyone that does!

Humble bundle has bundled RPG Maker various times in the past (at least once or twice a year), so you should have no issues picking up one of the earlier versions for almost nothing. A few quick tips if you decide to take on this hobby:
- It's ok if you don't finish your project. You learn from everything you make and improve.
- Custom art is always an option, don't be shy to recruit like minded users on a free discord server.
- Making good things takes time.
- Get feedback from your friends often, or better yet - involve them in your project.

Release date: 23 Oct, 2015. Available on Humble Bundle and obviously steam.

Minimum system requirements: Microsoft Windows 7 though 10, 32/64 bit, Intel Core 2 duo or better, 4 GB Ram, Direct X 9/OpenGL 4.1 capable GPU, 1 GB available disk space.

GG Players

Alright, let's kick things up a notch.

For those who still occasionally drop by the blog here - thank you! Obviously there's something here you're still reading, or somehow found it. It hasn't been too active the last few years, because well,. life, attention span, other games. Whether you're here for the ole rants, guides or the memories from the era of WoW it's all good. 

The blog is obviously not going anywhere in terms of shutting down. Unlike many webcomics seem to have been doing over the last few years,. RIP. But my current focus in case you're interested is in GGPlayers. In case you're wondering the group (at time of writing) is around 600 players/members large, and has been growing steadily every week.

GGP's focus is in gaming reviews - of which I will certainly be posting a good few, and giveaways - much like we used to do a short while every saturday. GGP however puts up a LOT more games than I could possibly manage on my own, and there's a few people working on the site aside myself. You're more than welcome to drop by www.GGPlayers.com and join for a good chance at winning some new stuff for your steam library. We've also got a steam group named GGPlayers HQ where we'll drop news of said giveaways, as well as a Curator Page for the game reviews.

Don't be shy, come 'n say hi.

Battle Chasers: Nightwar

If you've been a gamer for any amount of years you're likely to be familiar with the Final Fantasy franchise. And currently the Final Fantasy 7 remake is all the hype. Personally I'd say Final Fantasy 6 is still one of my favourites. Just be sure to run it in classic mode. And yes I've played 1, 2, - all the way up to 8, which is where I had to break off my straight run. No doubt I should go back and finish it at some point, but that's not what this article is about.

We turn your attention to Battle Chasers: Nightwar, a game that will take you back to the very spirit of Final Fantasy in regards to the turn based battle system. But, it goes beyond that. Filled with tons of hand drawn art by the very talented marvel comic artist Joe Madureira, the game often feels like a living canvas. As soon as you land into the initial screen just stand there a moment and watch all the trees move around you. Truly you notice gaming has come a long way since the old and early days of Final Fantasy.

You start off the journey as Gully, the daughter of the legendary Aramus, and quickly rebuild your battle team with the remaining cast from the shot down airship. You'll get some tutorial tips along the way and the gameplay is smooth overall. Unlike the jpgs of old, Battle Chasers has implemented a number of features that will add some replay value. Different dungeon difficulty settings, a beastiary and lore book to discover and unlock, and even a newgame+ mode if you really want to give into your completionist nature.

On the subject of dungeons you'll encounter at least 8 throughout your journey, filled with traps, gamblers, "treasure chests" of various sizes and hostility, lore and puzzles. Each dungeon will feature a boss and a cinematic by Joe. M. You will battle beasts, demons and undead as you explore your way through each. The game encourages you to replay a dungeon at a higher difficulty in order to complete your beast lore book - after slaying an X amount of specific creatures your party will receive additional benefits such as increased crit chance, more stamina, higher gold from battles and more.

Release date: 3 Oct, 2017, Alternative source: Humble Choice March 2020 - so you might be able to find someone willing to trade for it. The game is currently rated Very Positive on steam.

Minimum system requirements: 64 bit processor and OS. Windows 7 and above. 2 GHz CPU, 4 GB ram, Intel HD 4K or equivalent with 1 GB VRam, Direct X 11, 10 GB Hard disk space.