Dev Log #0

Hi everyone!

So this is the start of my Dev Log. In these posts, I’ll be talking about the production of my project (which still doesn’t have a name yet!), what I’m doing, how I’m doing it, and why I’m doing it. Now there are going to be plenty of links here to all of my research posts, so you can clearly see what the point of those posts were!

For this Dev Log #0, I’ll be talking about the engine and resources I’ll be using, why I’m using them, as well as anything else that’s interesting about them.

First off, I’d like to talk about the Game Engine I’ll be using: RPG Maker MV. Now this particular engine is the latest in a long running series of game engines, which are designed to create JRPG’s (Japanese Role-Playing Games). Now I could have used Unity or Unreal to make my game, as many modern JRPG’s such as Octopath Traveller and Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age are made in Unreal, but as I’m trying to create something inspired by earler JRPG’s like Suikoden II, Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation, or Golden Sun, I thought it would be better to use a system that’s purpose-built to make games in that style. Here’s the link to the official website for RMMV:

http://www.rpgmakerweb.com/products/programs/rpg-maker-mv

(You can also buy it through STEAM like I did: https://store.steampowered.com/app/363890/RPG_Maker_MV/)

I know that Unity and Unreal can be used for free, and that RPG Maker MV costs money, but there’s a critical difference; RPG Maker DOESN’T charge royalties. Both Unity and Unreal also have paywalled features, whereas RPG Maker DOESN’T. So while it may be more technically limited, it actually works better for me (as well as tons of other people).

Now, RPG Maker MV (RMMV) runs of JavaScript, which allows it to easily export for web browsers and mobile devices, but I’m going to make mine for PC/Mac/Linux (I can do all three!). RMMV uses a visual scripting system for it’s basic functions, which makes getting a very basic prototype game up and running easily. It also uses a “Plugin” system, which enables the importation of .js files which can modify the game mechanics in ways the engine cannot do normally. One of the more prolific scripters for RMMV is Yanfly, who’s Plugin library contains around 200 Plugins! Here’s the link to his website, where you can get all of his plugins for free!:

http://yanfly.moe/

I’m also planning on using a selection of Plugins from other programmers (why reinvent the wheel?), which you can find here:

• https://himeworks.com/mv-plugins/
• https://fallenangelolivia.itch.io/
• https://atelieririna.itch.io/
• https://galvs-scripts.com/rpgmaker/mv-plugins/

Oh, and RMMV has some dedicated Discord servers, so the community can discuss things and help each other out:

https://discordapp.com/invite/8wVaHRz

On to Graphics and Music. Well, I’ve already decided that I’m not going to use the stock assets for RMMV. Whilst they’re nice and all, they are very generic. Also, there is quite a stigma against RMMV games that use stock assets, so I’ve had to look into a new asset style.

And I found one: a set called Time Fantasy. Now, I know that these assets are paid ones, but I’ve had them for a few years now, so I haven’t had to really invest any more money. Time Fantasy‘s style is reminiscent of games such as Final Fantasy VI or Chrono Trigger, so they’re perfectly ideal for the style of game I’m going for. Now, there are so many Time Fantasy packs, but luckily, I have the lot. Here’s a list of the Time Fantasy asset packs out there (as well as the link to where you can get them!):

• Time Fantasy – Core Pack
• Time Fantasy – Monsters
• Time Fantasy – Animals
• Time Fantasy – Elves vs. Dwarves
• Time Fantasy – Farm and Fort
• Time Fantasy – Ship
• Time Fantasy – Pixel Animations
• Time Fantasy – Winter
• Time Fantasy – Future Fantasy
• Time Fantasy – Lich Crusades (Patreon Exclusive)
• Time Fantasy – Ruined Dungeons
• Time Fantasy – Animated NPC’s
• Time Fantasy – Mythical Monsters (Patreon Exclusive)
• Time Fantasy – Beast Tribes
• Time Fantasy – Ashlands (FREE!)
• Time Fantasy – Beach (FREE!)
• Time Fantasy – Jungle (FREE!)
• Time Fantasy – City in the Clouds (FREE!)
• Time Fantasy – Dark Dimension (FREE!)
• Time Fantasy – Pixel Tarot Deck
• Time Fantasy – Halloween (FREE!)
• Time Fantasy – Christmas (FREE!)

Time Fantasy assets are available at:

• https://finalbossblues.itch.io/
• http://www.rpgmakerweb.com/resources/rpg-maker-mv
• https://store.steampowered.com/dlc/363890/RPG_Maker_MV/

Now, some of these asset packs are Patreon Exclusive. For those who don’t know, Patreon is a crowd-funding website that’s been quite popular with the RMMV community. Creators often use this as both a portfolio and as a way of making a living. They can set tiers of support, which costs differing amounts of money per month. Time Fantasy‘s creator Jason Perry (also known as Final Boss Blues or Despain) has set three tiers of subscription; $1, $5, and $10 (I proudly support at the $10 level!). Each level gives access to new things, as well as discounts and freebies. Here’s the link to Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/finalbossblues/

BEFORE ANYONE GETS ON THEIR HIGH HORSE ABOUT ME NOT MAKING MY OWN ASSETS: I’m not very good at art. My hand-eye co-ordination isn’t good enough (and I’ve been told by my doctor that it’ll never get better) to make my own art. So I see no reason not to support those who do, and in return get some art that I can use. It’s common sense, as well as an industry standard practice (you wouldn’t expect the programmer to make art, would you?).

There’s a reason I chose this particular style though; its reminiscent of a game called “Chrono Trigger“, which is generally considered to be the best JRPG that’s ever been made. I’ve looked at other styles though:

Although all of the styles that I’ve looked at are really beautiful, I didn’t get wowed by that many of them. Admittedly, I was tempted by the grey-scale colour palette, but I’m going for retro, not downright archaic! Another thing that I’ve been trying to steer clear of is large amunts of detailing. It makes the graphics look gorgeous, but takes more time to make, more space to store, and more processing power to run. By keeping with a lower pixel count, I can keep the graphical size down, which leaves more room for programming and gameplay functionality. It also helps keep compatibility in check. Often a more “Modern” game requires more power and a more advanced operating system to run. By keeping the graphics simple, it alleviates some of these requirements, making it easier for low-spec hardware to run.

As for music, I’m having to invest in that too, as I haven’t got a clue how to make it (I would love to learn, but the software is generally Mac Exclusive, and I have a PC). So here’s a list of the music I’m planning on using, with links:

• 8-Bit Perfect Collection – (Designed for use with Time Fantasy)
• Retro Fantasy Music Pack – Vol. 1
• Retro Fantasy Music Pack – Vol. 2
• Retro Fantasy Music Pack – Vol. 3 (Yet to be aquired at this time)

All of the music packs are available here:

• http://www.rpgmakerweb.com/resources/rpg-maker-mv
• https://store.steampowered.com/dlc/363890/RPG_Maker_MV/

The Retro Fantasy Music Packs are made by Joel Stuedler, who makes quite a few music packs for RMMV, with varying themes such as Horror, Sci-Fi, and Action/Adventure. All of the music is also what’s known as “Chiptune“, which sounds like the game’s running on a SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)! Seeing as that’s the style I’m going for, I thought that some classic-sounding music would work a treat!

So there we have it! An asset list and engine breakdown all in one. Next Dev Log should be me actually making something! Later!

Bibliography:

itch.io. (n.d.). finalbossblues – itch.io. [online] Available at: https://finalbossblues.itch.io/ [Accessed 9 May 2019].

Patreon. (n.d.). finalbossblues is creating Pixel Art Game Assets | Patreon. [online] Available at: https://www.patreon.com/finalbossblues/ [Accessed 9 May 2019].

itch.io. (n.d.). Irina – itch.io. [online] Available at: https://atelieririna.itch.io/ [Accessed 9 May 2019].

Himeworks.com. (n.d.). MV Plugins. [online] Available at: https://himeworks.com/mv-plugins/ [Accessed 9 May 2019].

itch.io. (n.d.). Olivia – itch.io. [online] Available at: https://fallenangelolivia.itch.io/ [Accessed 9 May 2019].

Rpgmakerweb.com. (n.d.). Resources | RPG Maker MV | Create Your Own Game!. [online] Available at: http://www.rpgmakerweb.com/resources/rpg-maker-mv [Accessed 9 May 2019].

Store.steampowered.com. (n.d.). RPG Maker MV on Steam. [online] Available at: https://store.steampowered.com/app/363890/RPG_Maker_MV/ [Accessed 9 May 2019].

Rpgmakerweb.com. (n.d.). RPG Maker MV | RPG Maker | Make Your Own Video Games!. [online] Available at: http://www.rpgmakerweb.com/products/programs/rpg-maker-mv [Accessed 9 May 2019].

Galv’s RPG Maker Scripts & Plugins. (n.d.). RPGMaker MV Plugins. [online] Available at: https://galvs-scripts.com/rpgmaker/mv-plugins/ [Accessed 9 May 2019].

Store.steampowered.com. (n.d.). Steam DLC Page: RPG Maker MV. [online] Available at: https://store.steampowered.com/dlc/363890/RPG_Maker_MV/ [Accessed 9 May 2019].

Yanfly.moe. (n.d.). yanfly.moe. [online] Available at: http://yanfly.moe/ [Accessed 9 May 2019].