RPG Maker Forums

So I've been using RPG maker XP, VXace and now MV - but never RM2K3. It wasn't buy:able back when it was relevant after all. Anyway, considering I already own a copy of the above RPGmakers is it crazy of me to think that RM2K3 might actually be the better choice for my current project?



Let me explain some things and then add some questions at the end.
 


While MV is by far the best version I've used so far thanks to, not exclusively but mostly, the plugin feature, I still don't like the increased tile size and resolution. As a pixel artist I consider 48x48 to be a very unattractive format. And in my game I want to use 16x16 grid, tall sprites and 320x240 resolution with the possibility to zoom (which I believe the updated RM2K3 have?).
 


For MV there is of course a plugin to change the tile size as well as the resolution, but it's a bit of a pain to do so. Especially considering that even if I change the resolution with Yanfly's Core plugin you can't really make it into something like 320x240. Why? Because that will BREAK the menu and battle screen, BADLY. And I might be wrong but I've not seen a fix for this because not many people who use MV seems to think that there is much point in using such a low resolution, and if you're not into pixel graphics then I guess there isn't. But it's a big thing for me and my project.



The fact that I want to make a RPG that looks and feels like it would be on SNES or Mega Drive is the main lure of RM2K3. Another reason for me to use a small resolution and 16x16 tiles is because I want to make BIG maps which lots of events. And while changing the tile size in MV would grant the same benefits, I've heard that RM2K3's eventing system is actually better and has better performance.



My third and last reason might seem silly to some, but I want a more retro looking font to go with the 16-bit style. Of course I could change it in MV but that could turn out to be a hassle in itself because font licenses are usually very expensive. And since I kind of have to re-distribute the font with my project that can be a problem even if it turns out I don't need a license to use it. RM2K3 on the other hand does seem to have a nice retro font pre-packaged.
A bonus would be that it also isn't so recognizable, compared to what you see in most VXace and MV games where not only the RTP but also the font feels done to death.
 


Now that's my thoughts on the subject so far. But as I mentioned I also have some questions that I'd hope to find some answers to.
 


1a. Is RM2K3's event system REALLY so much better than MV's? If so, I would appreciate if someone told me exactly why.
2a. The last update for the re-released RM2K3 seems to have been in September last year. I realize most of you wouldn't know about this but I'm still curious if that was the last update? Is there any reason to belive that there might be more bug fixes or features added or is this engine "dead"?
3a. As I understand it RM2K3 (and RM2K3 games) have been made compatible with newer operating systems but does this include the recently released Windows 10? Also, is there still some problems on newer systems because of the old architecture?
4a. If I were to release a game STEAM for example, is it even possible to add achievements or is that something that can't be done without scripting?
5a. I heard that the EULA got patched. So generally speaking, what can/can't I do now compared to before? What's the big change?
 


I don't believe that the game I want to make is technically advanced but that doesn't mean everything is possible or easy in RM2K3 since it has to be evented. So here are some questions regarding the possibility and difficulty for a few features I might want to add in my game.
 


1b. Diagonal movement.
2b. Front view battle system (like Pokémon) without the need to event a whole new one. Say, can you just re-position the sprites and/or use images and common events in the default one etc?
3b. Use overlays for shadows and light (possibly at the same time) on large maps.
4b. Evented moving battle encounters which gives the player or enemies preemptive attacks when attacking from the back.


Also I almost feel stupid for asking but better safe than sorry. The font that is included in RM2K3 doesn't need any weird licensing businesses, it's free to distribute right? I wouldn't even have to credit someone for it... or would I?
 


That's all but feel free to tell me any other reason why I should or shouldn't use RM2K3 for my game (that might or might not end up on steam) instead of MV.

Also, thanks for reading my text wall!