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Hey GAF, let's make an RPG Maker Game Competition!

legacyzero

Banned
I think I'm not going to mess around with Tilesets. Gonna actually paint the whole background.

That's possible with this script:

Victor Engine Fixed Parallax:
http://victorscripts.wordpress.com/rpg-maker-vx-ace/field-scripts/fixed-parallax/

Also a GREAT tool for doing pixel art is the PAINT.NET program. It's amazing.

ibb2nUSSBFy0s1.png

It has a great pixel grid, and works very with PNG files.
 

esterk

Member
I think I'm not going to mess around with Tilesets. Gonna actually paint the whole background.

That's possible with this script:

Victor Engine Fixed Parallax:
http://victorscripts.wordpress.com/rpg-maker-vx-ace/field-scripts/fixed-parallax/

Also a GREAT tool for doing pixel art is the PAINT.NET program. It's amazing.



It has a great pixel grid, and works very with PNG files.
Interesting. So basically you can upload a large image as a parallax but have it follow the same rules as a tile set?
 

Stuart444

Member
Spent the last 6 hours learning how to deal with Switches, cutscenes and variables in RPG Maker VX Ace. Some things I couldn't figure out but probably not important unless I need it in my final project. ie using a conditional branch/variables and checking if two of my party members (since I only had two) hps were under a certain amount so a piece of dialogue recommending healing would appear. Gave up and just compared the single main characters hp to get the dialogue.

Made my test project into a short 5 - 10 minute game complete with credits and at least one bug that I couldn't figure out haha.

We speak to an old lady and then she walks to a predetermined destination after I spoke to her, she said a few words, asked if we wanted to save, I saved it and then had her say 2 more lines before the conversation ended.

Load up the game and the two lines appeared again (expected since the lines came after the open save event) but when I loaded up the save game, she appeared back in her starting position instead of where she was when I said yes to saving. Again, probably don't need to worry about it unless I get that type of bug in my final project.

Still, 6 hours or so for a 5 - 10 minute game. An unpolished one at that. Makes me wonder how long a 1 or 2 hour game will take for me lol. Still I have a good handle on switches now, variables as well hopefully lol.
 

BGBW

Maturity, bitches.
For her to stay in that position you need a switch and two events, one for her original position and one for her final position. The first one will then turn in invisible when the switch is turned on and the second will appear when the switch is turned on. Basically when a map loads all events go back to wherever they are placed in your map design.
 

legacyzero

Banned
Interesting. So basically you can upload a large image as a parallax but have it follow the same rules as a tile set?

Yep! And you can still follow the same basic tileset rules, but the environments wont look so square and manufactured.

So there's no limits to what the environment can look like.

You also dont have to worry about Tileset limitations to how many Tileset sheets you can use on one screen, AND if you want to still create things that are in the foreground that your character can pass UNDER, you can do that.
 

Stuart444

Member
For her to stay in that position you need a switch and two events, one for her original position and one for her final position. The first one will then turn in invisible when the switch is turned on and the second will appear when the switch is turned on. Basically when a map loads all events go back to wherever they are placed in your map design.

Mines is set up with 1 event tile and 3 event pages/switches. I do have an idea now on how to fix it now with reading this. I'll try some stuff later and see if I can fix it.

Also after playing through certain parts a lot just to get to later parts, I think with my main project, I'll create a Dev room or something so I can quickly transfer myself to later parts of the game or something for quicker testing of later areas.
 
I don't think my laptop has much time left in this world, so I'll be using the default tilesets instead of making new stuff. :/

Still following tutorials to learn the ins and outs of the program, while the girlfriend finishes working out the details in the writing. Hopefully, we'll reach the deadline. :)
 

legacyzero

Banned
I don't think my laptop has much time left in this world, so I'll be using the default tilesets instead of making new stuff. :/

Still following tutorials to learn the ins and outs of the program, while the girlfriend finishes working out the details in the writing. Hopefully, we'll reach the deadline. :)

OH NO! I hope it works out!
 

esterk

Member
Yep! And you can still follow the same basic tileset rules, but the environments wont look so square and manufactured.

So there's no limits to what the environment can look like.

You also dont have to worry about Tileset limitations to how many Tileset sheets you can use on one screen, AND if you want to still create things that are in the foreground that your character can pass UNDER, you can do that.
Sounds awesome. That's exactly what I wanted. Thanks!
 

L Thammy

Member
Would it be reasonably possible to make a tactical combat game (say, as complicated as Fire Emblem) with a hexagonal grid? I have an idea, but a hex grid is necessary for some of the critical interesting mechanics. I googled a little but couldn't find a solid answer or existing script.

Haven't even installed RPG Maker yet so this may not be necessary, but here's an idea of how this might work. Assuming that you're stuck with a tile grid that looks like this.

Code:
XXXXX
XXXXX
XXXXX
XXXXX
XXXXX

Each X standing for a distinct tile.

Now, you could get this to work by treating pairs of tiles as single hexes. For each odd-numbered column, the hex starts in every-odd numbered row. In each even-numbered column, the hex starts in every odd-numbered row. Here's a visual:

Code:
1B5D9  1 5 9
13579   3 7 
23670  2 6 0
24680   4 8 
A4C8E       

The left shows how the tiles should be paired, the right shows how it should function for the player.
Each number represents a unique hex. Each letter represents a half hex, which should probably be ignored.

I'm assuming there's a way to override movement controls. You need to have movement ignore the redundant tiles. If the player tries to move up or down, they move by two tiles instead of one. If they try to move left or right, they have to go up/down one tile and left/right one tile.

It'll look bad if the characters only walk on the top half of the hexes, so you may also want to think of how to make it look like they're in the middle.

Hope that's helpful.
 

Marc

Member
Got RPG Maker, playing around with the VX ACE version as I got XP as well. Got some games too, but I won't use Steam beyond this so can add them to the competition prize if anyone wants. Although I imagine most people would have these games being in the competition so a bit pointless. :D Happy to throw in a fiver/tenner or so as well to add to a potential cash prize.


Has anyone used the scripts for Sapphire Action System IV in VX ACE? Any advice to get it working, as I don't quite get it. The instructions just say add it to your additional scripts section but don't see that and no idea how to then implement it. Opened their project but a lot of it is in japanese so that was helpful. :)



I want to do an action based combat game like Zelda, set it in the modern world. Story being one vaguely discussed in BritGAF, have it set in Britain. Will have enemies like chavs and throw in some GAF members if they don't mind, will ask them when (if) I get that far. Once I have the mechanics in place, the world building looks like it will be very quick to achieve. Will be able to do some custom art/tiles potentially as well as it looks fairly straightforward. Been thinking that the characters are too 'small' to my liking so might try to make some bigger characters. Will almost definitely do custom bosses of huge sizes, again if I can get the mechanics of it all understood in time.

Should be a laugh but if anyone can help get over that initial hump of understanding how to call that combat script, I can then chug along for a bit at least.

Good luck everyone!
 

PsionBolt

Member
Has anyone used the scripts for Sapphire Action System IV in VX ACE? Any advice to get it working, as I don't quite get it. The instructions just say add it to your additional scripts section but don't see that and no idea how to then implement it. Opened their project but a lot of it is in japanese so that was helpful.

I've never used it, but as for where to put it: Open the script editor (there's a button on the toolbar, or hit F11), scroll down to where it says "Materials ( Insert here )", right click on the empty spot, hit Insert, and then paste the script in the big box.
 
XP is preferred by some people for its better mapping system and default graphic style and space-consuming (XP has a mapping system that'll allow for unlimited tilesheets and multiple layers for mapping, VX Ace has a limit of 5 tilesheets per map, and limited layers. XP has larger sprites and tile space than VX Ace). VX Ace however uses Ruby Scripting, which allows a lot of freedom and modification in the engine to do a lot of interesting things, has a better overlay system, has a better audio player (and allows more audio formats), and has a simpler to use layout. Some prefer XP to VX Ace, but if you're uncertain I'd say just stick with VX Ace, as the benefits to XP are more beneficial if you know the few things XP does better and determine its benefits outweigh the positive of VX Ace for yourself (which would mostly be true if you wanted to do more complex mapping or have an easier time with larger sprites).

If you don't own To The Moon though, I'd suggest the $6 tier as that game is quite good, story and music wise especially.
I appreciate the explanation, man. I'll go with the full package since those differences are pretty huge and you suggested To the Moon, I'd like to try it. Thanks again.
 

Sandfox

Member
Does anybody want to work on my game with me? If your interested PM me and I'll fill you in on what I have so far and you can tell me your ideas. It would be cool to get a team together and attempt to put out something really good we wouldn't be able to do on our own.
 

Branson

Member
Does anyone want VX Ace? I already had it on steam and bought the bundle for some extra resources and games. Quote me if you want it.
 

Prax

Member
I'd love to try but I have no tiiiiiiimeeee aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh...


I'd make my game about magical girls and try to make it Fire Emblem-esque somehow...
I even have a sprite I did years ago and would base the game off it lol:
Dysta___walking_sprite_by_Meibatsu.gif


So I'll just follow the thread and live vicariously through y'all.
 

Relix

he's Virgin Tight™
I honestly started with an idea of the general story but not is when I am developing it. Creating "cutscenes" takes quite a while though.

Also had the first playtest by a friend where I found some balance issues and resolved them.

Right now I have the Custom ABS Engine running. Various types of enemies. A few maps and two cutscenes. Still haven't made a boss but I will get into that later. Already have an idea of what I want to do.
 

ZServ

Member
Anyone have any idea how to make an event approach the player and automatically start a discussion? I've tried the approach command, but players can then just avoid the NPC in question.
 

Relix

he's Virgin Tight™
Anyone have any idea how to make an event approach the player and automatically start a discussion? I've tried the approach command, but players can then just avoid the NPC in question.

Make an auto run event that holds the character in one place and moves a character in a fixed route towards the character and open the message box from within the same event.

Or maybe a event touch invisible event that activates a switch that makes a character approach the character player (he will stop in his moves) and go from there. So many ways!

Or! That same NPC use approach but also event touch. Make him faster than the charplayer so you are certain he will reach him and start whatever text you want to display.
 

ZServ

Member
Make an auto run event that holds the character in one place and moves a character in a fixed route towards the character and open the message box from within the same event.

Or maybe a event touch invisible event that activates a switch that makes a character approach the character player (he will stop in his moves) and go from there. So many ways!

Or! That same NPC use approach but also event touch. Make him faster than the charplayer so you are certain he will reach him and start whatever text you want to display.

Gah! Didn't know I could hold the character in place. Thank you! That was the trick. :)
 

Dusk Golem

A 21st Century Rockefeller
Update about the prizes.

I've decided on a prize-pool system. Basically there will be a total number or prizes (which will be completely selected before September 11th 11:59 PM before they all go out), there will be 13 winners. The 13 winners will receive a certain percentage amount of the total prize pool, which will be split like this:

1st place will receive 25% of the games in the pool.
2nd place will receive 20% of the games in the pool
3rd place will receive 15% of the games in the pool
4th place will receive 10% of the games in the pool
5th place will receive 7% of the games in the pool
6th place will receive 6% of the games in the pool
7th place will receive 5% of the games in the pool
8th place will receive 4% of the games in the pool
9th place will receive 3% of the games in the pool
10th place will receive 2% of the games in the pool
11th place will receive 1% of the games in the pool
12th place will receive 1% of the games in the pool
13th place will receive 1% of the games in the pool

The first 7 winners will also get to select a number of games from the pool in order of positional place of winning. This exact number is to be decided when the total game count is accounted for. I know for a fact I'll be able to provide at least 200 games, maybe more, and some people may donate games for the event, but basically 1st place will be able to claim a few games from the prize pool first for themselves, then 2nd place, then 3rd, and so on to seventh, then the rest will go down the line (this will all be done through PM).

Also everyone who develop & submits a game for the competition will receive a copy of Cthulhu Saves The World+Breath of Death VII, regardless of position in the 'ranking'.

I purchased a few of the games for the giveaway today, so I know that the games will include:
Alpha Protocol
Dead Space Collection (Dead Space 1 & Dead Space 2)
Dementium II HD
Enslaved Odyssey to the West
The Forest
Guilty Gear Isuka
Killer is Dead
Obscure Collection (Obscure 1 & Obscure 2)
Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil Revelations
Vampire The Masquerade Bloodline
White Noise Online

Among very many others, but what I have my hands on already.

So the main update is that we'll do a prize pool system, and that there will be 13 winners. A lot of the details of specifics won't be known until we have the full game pool, which won't be seen until September.
 

Copons

Member
Anyone knows if there's a way to open more instances of VX Ace (on Steam)?

I'm studying Falcao Pearl ABS script, but there's an awful lot of copypaste to do (or to look at everytime, like which resources I have to import and where) and all its documentation and stuff basically requires to have open both the script demo game and your own game at the same time...
 

ZServ

Member
Anyone knows if there's a way to open more instances of VX Ace (on Steam)?

I'm studying Falcao Pearl ABS script, but there's an awful lot of copypaste to do (or to look at everytime, like which resources I have to import and where) and all its documentation and stuff basically requires to have open both the script demo game and your own game at the same time...

Double click the file. It'll open a second instance, and then you can drag-drop it into that window.
 

Dusk Golem

A 21st Century Rockefeller
Got four hand-me-downs from the humble bundle pack myself, will give one per person if, just quote this message saying which thing you want and I'll PM it your way.

Have:
RPG Maker VX Ace
RPG Maker XP
Futuristic Tiles DLC (for VX Ace)
Zombie Survival Tiles DLC (for VX Ace)


And all gone.
 

Hatchtag

Banned
Got four hand-me-downs from the humble bundle pack myself, will give one per person if, just quote this message saying which thing you want and I'll PM it your way.

Have:
RPG Maker VX Ace
RPG Maker XP
Futuristic Tiles DLC (for VX Ace)
Zombie Survival Tiles DLC (for VX Ace)

I'd love either of the RPG Makers (but VX Ace is preferred if no one beats me to it).
 

CheesecakeRecipe

Stormy Grey
Got four hand-me-downs from the humble bundle pack myself, will give one per person if, just quote this message saying which thing you want and I'll PM it your way.

Have:
RPG Maker VX Ace
RPG Maker XP
Futuristic Tiles DLC (for VX Ace)
Zombie Survival Tiles DLC (for VX Ace)

I'm down to see how the XP half lives if no one wants to use it for good or evil
 

ZenaxPure

Member
Got four hand-me-downs from the humble bundle pack myself, will give one per person if, just quote this message saying which thing you want and I'll PM it your way.

Have:
RPG Maker VX Ace
RPG Maker XP

Futuristic Tiles DLC (for VX Ace)
Zombie Survival Tiles DLC (for VX Ace)

I'd take the futuristic tiles.
 

munchie64

Member
Got four hand-me-downs from the humble bundle pack myself, will give one per person if, just quote this message saying which thing you want and I'll PM it your way.

Have:
RPG Maker VX Ace
RPG Maker XP
Futuristic Tiles DLC (for VX Ace)

Zombie Survival Tiles DLC (for VX Ace)
Zombies would be awesome thanks!
 

ZenaxPure

Member
Thank you very much good sir.

I'm not actually sure if I am going to enter the competition but I have a couple of ideas for small games and am flip flopping between the two. If I manage to stick to one and finish it I guess I'll enter.
 
I got the Steam keys, and the other games from the bundle show up, but RPG Maker itself doesn't. It shows I have it, but it's not in my games list. Is this how it work or is something messed up?

Sorry if this isn't strictly on topic, I just don't know where else I'd ask this.
 
I got the Steam keys, and the other games from the bundle show up, but RPG Maker itself doesn't. It shows I have it, but it's not in my games list. Is this how it work or is something messed up?

Sorry if this isn't strictly on topic, I just don't know where else I'd ask this.

Its in the tools/programms list not in the games list.
 

Dusk Golem

A 21st Century Rockefeller
I got the Steam keys, and the other games from the bundle show up, but RPG Maker itself doesn't. It shows I have it, but it's not in my games list. Is this how it work or is something messed up?

Sorry if this isn't strictly on topic, I just don't know where else I'd ask this.

It's okay, a lot of people when they first get Software on Steam don't realize this. But it is in your library, just not under games. At the top of your library it should show "All Games". Click that, then on the scroll menu select, "All Software".

EDIT: Ninja'd.
 

PsionBolt

Member
I got the Steam keys, and the other games from the bundle show up, but RPG Maker itself doesn't. It shows I have it, but it's not in my games list. Is this how it work or is something messed up?

Sorry if this isn't strictly on topic, I just don't know where else I'd ask this.

It's not under "Games" but "Software".

Haha, damn. double ninja'd.
 
I have a title screen.... and a rough map of the first location!

Finding it tricky making tiles that you can walk 'behind'; at the moment, as a lot of the preset tiles that I want to be able to walk behind won't let me do so by default, so I'm having to save those tilesets as duplicates and add them back into RPG maker as a custom tileset, and then set their properties. It is kind of a pain as this way they don't auto-tile, but ho hum, it's a fun learning curve :)
 

Mr. Desu

Member
I've always wanted to build something in this just for fun, and this may be a good chance to do so! Don't know when I can pick up that bundle because my wallet is pretty flat, but once I do I could see myself participating.

I think if I do this, I would stream the entirety of the creation, just because I enjoy streaming and would like to chronicle what ever I do because I'm weird like that. Could be great fun.

I can write for something, if someone wants. The thing is... It all depends on what I feel like making. Basically, I could want to work on something different than you do, but with some discussion, perhaps we share the same ideas and could do it.
 
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