New Makers

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Author: Steel Angel
Posted on 08/02/2004
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G

ame/RPG makers article

Well, folks... I wasted some of my time surfing and collecting some information on makers to give you more choices for you to experiment with. I have to admit that I am not a fan of RPG maker 2000 or RPG maker 2003 a.k.a. rm2k & rm2k3 (NOT rm3k …) Reason? Point and click, which I am not a fan of. Nonetheless, it is a very popular tool for everyone to use.

Let me give you my opinion about rm2k(3), it does not mean I or you are right or wrong, it is just an opinion. Well, if you are making 20 – 40 hour games (rarely...) with rm2k(3) and you share it with the public to play. (Before I explain some more about games, I am sure that 90% of you who aware that rm2k(3)* is illegally translated by one geek Russian a.k.a. Don Miguel (I doubt it is his real name, HIGHLY doubt). * Rm2k3 is illegally translated by <a href=”http://www.phylomortis.com”>RPGAdvocate</a> and a few others but <a href=”http://www.phylomortis.com”>RPGAdvocate</a>’s translation is popular. Ack, better get back to the games topic…) Well, when you are done making a game with an illegally translated copy of rm2k(3) and begin to share it with the public, within a month, several people will decide to copy, steal and claim your code as their own code. Whoever made that original game doesn’t have the right to complain or whine because he is making the game with an illegally translated copy of rm2k(3) to begin with. See where I am going with this? This is why it often leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I’d prefer to buy some makers, try some freeware makers or make a game from scratch so it will become my OWN copyrighted material. I would rant more about it but knowing rm2k lovers and their history, I’d rather not discuss it any longer and it will also be off-topic, anyway let’s move to the original topic, shall we?

What is this article for? To provide screenshots, features, links and other things on makers that you may or may not be aware of. Of course, I may miss few due to lack of resources or information. I will not cover discontinued makers such as Acid Pulse, use google.com to find information on these discontinued makers.

I remind all of you, I do my best to cover these makers and I will not provide my opinions on these unless I state otherwise. There are two reasons: First of all, I have not used all of them or spent any time playing with these makers. Second of all, I am sorry to say, but there is a behavior pattern in rpg/game making communities that people tend to defend their work (makers) or flame each other if they do not share their opinions on others’ makers. I see this all of the time, I will not name the name of the game making community (not rpg2knet) but they often end up flaming each other or defending their makers if someone makes an unbiased or biased opinion about their makers. I guess it is understandable for them to take offense and stand up to it. In some ways, I don’t blame them… They spent lots and lots of time on their makers. However, that’s two reasons why I will not provide my opinions because I simply don’t want to deal with their whining/complaining/flaming right and left in my wake.

Anyway, I will organize these maker categories into order from numbers to Z so it will be easier for you to look and find the information that you want. Also these makers that I cover will be covered for Windows version only. If some of these makers do support multi-OS then great, otherwise, I will not bother to look for anything other than Windows. Sorry. Anyway here it is...

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'>Adventure Game Studio (AGS for short):</a>

Links: <a href=”http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/”>http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/</a>
Version: 2.56
Commercial or freeware?: Freeware
Scripting language?: C-style
Demo?: Yes <a href=” http://www.agsforums.com/games.php?category=5”> http://www.agsforums.com/games.php?category=5</a>
Games?: Yes <a href=”http://www.agsforums.com/games.php”>http://www.agsforums.com/games.php</a>
Screenshots?: No, sorry.

Features:
<ul>
<li>Windows-based IDE for creating your games as quickly and easily as
possible. For screenshots of the IDE, have a quick browse of the <a href="acintro.htm">beginners'
tutorial</a>.
<li>Native Windows, Linux (x86) and MS-DOS versions of the game
engine, to
maximize the number of people who can play your game.
<li>Powerful "C"-style scripting language if you don't
like point-and-click. But don't worry, most stuff can be done with
your mouse in the editor instead if you prefer.
<li>Both 8-bit (256-colour) and 16-bit colour
are supported - either go for that retro feel, or enjoy the benefits
of no palette! It's up to you.
<li>Screen resolutions of 320x200, 320x240,
 640x400, 640x480, and 800x600 are supported. Your game can be run
full-screen or in a window.
<li>For sound and music, you can use OGG, MP3, WAV,
MOD, XM and MIDI
files. Ambient location-dependant sounds, automatic footstep sounds,
multiple sound channels and cross fading between music
tracks are supported too.
<li>Easily create talkie games if you like - speech is compiled
into a single data file, which you can distribute as an optional
download.
<li>Point-and-click setting of reactions to game events,
or a powerful C-like scripting language if you so prefer.
<li>Easy inventory management - just define all the items in the
editor, then use simple Give and Lose commands during the game.
<li>Almost everything is customizable, from the
GUI you use to the mouse cursor graphics. Standard Sierra and
Lucas arts GUIs are supplied.
<li>Have up to 150 characters roaming your world -
they each have their own inventory and can be smoothly scaled and lit
in different areas. 4 and 8-directional walking animations are
supported. 
Multiple player characters, such as in Maniac Mansion and Day
of the Tentacle, are possible too.
<li>Scrolling rooms are supported by simply
importing an image larger than the screen resolution.
<li>Lucas arts-style conversation system should
you want to use it.
<li>Translations of your game to other languages are easy to make, and
can be distributed separately as add-on packs.
<li>Plugin system which allows more advanced developers to add extra
functionality to AGS.
<li>Compile your game into a single EXE file for
distribution. Digital music and voice samples can also be compiled
into separate files to allow for optional downloads. You can of course
set a custom icon for the produced EXE file.</li>
<li>The game script is compiled to byte-code when
you save the game, to maximize the speed of the engine.</li>
<li>All the standard things you would expect, such as
game Save and Load features, automatic path finding, sprite mirroring, walk-behinds,
hotspots, objects, cut scenes, animations, timers, and so forth. </li>
</ul>

No screenshots (they does not offer the screenshots of editor, sorry).

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'>DarkBASIC:</a>

Link: <a href="http://darkbasic.thegamecreators.com/">http://darkbasic.thegamecreators.com/</a>
Version: 1.13
Commercial or freeware?: Commercial, <a href=”http://darkbasic.thegamecreators.com/?f=order”>http://darkbasic.thegamecreators.com/?f=order</a>
Scripting language?: BASIC
Demo?: Yes, <a href=” http://darkbasic.thegamecreators.com/?m=showcase&i=4”> http://darkbasic.thegamecreators.com/?m=showcase&i=4</a>
Games?: Yes, <a href=”http://darkbasic.thegamecreators.com/?m=showcase&i=3”> http://darkbasic.thegamecreators.com/?m=showcase&i=3</a>
Screenshots?: Uh no.

Features?:

All games created with DarkBASIC are License and Royalty free.
All games can be distributed as a stand alone executable.

 General Features
Automated Double Buffering
Full-Screen Display Modes
AVI Animation Control
MIDI/MP3 Music Control
Over 45 Demo's
Over 25 Tutorials
Over 600 Textures
Over 120 Sound Effects
900 3D Models
2D Features
10 Image Formats Supported
Super-Fast 2D blitting
Mirror, Stretch, Blur and Fade
Screen-Sized sprites
Transparency
Fast Collision
Animated Sprites
Gamma Control
Scale Sprites
2D Drawing Functions
 3D Features
X and 3DS Files Supported
Landscape Terraforming
Built-in 3D Primitives
Dynamic Model Space
Polygon Collision Detection
Full Model Manipulation
Model Animation
Ambient Lighting
Directional Lighting
Texture Filtering
Alpha blending
Fogging
Misc. Features
Mouse Control
Keyboard Control
Force-Feedback Control
Gaming Device Control
System Handling
File Handling
User Friendly Editor
Integrated Help System
Extensive Examples
Command Line Interface
Save As Single Executable
Extra
There is <a href=” http://darkbasic.thegamecreators.com/?f=beginners_guide”> 700 page book - Beginners Guide to DarkBASIC Game Programming</a>

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'>DarkBASIC Professional:</a>

Link: <a href=”http://darkbasicpro.thegamecreators.com/”>http://darkbasicpro.thegamecreators.com/</a>
Version: 5.1b
Commercial or freeware?: Commercial, <a href=”http://darkbasicpro.thegamecreators.com/?f=order”>http://darkbasicpro.thegamecreators.com/?f=order</a>
Scripting language?: BASIC
Demo?: Yes, <a href=”http://darkbasicpro.thegamecreators.com/?m=showcase&i=13”> http://darkbasicpro.thegamecreators.com/?m=showcase&i=13</a>
Games?: Yes, <a href="http://darkbasicpro.thegamecreators.com/?m=showcase&i=14">http://darkbasicpro.thegamecreators.com/?m=showcase&i=14</a>
Screenshots?: Uh no.

Features?:

All games created with DarkBASIC Professional are License and Royalty free.
All games can be distributed as a stand alone executable.

3D Engine
Binary Space Partitioning (BSP)
Potential Visibility Set
Pixel & vertex shaders
Real time shadows
True reflections
Lights
Matrices
Advanced terrain
Multiple camera views
Particle system
Lightning fast 2D sprites
Polygon collision detection
Bump mapping
Light mapping
Environment mapping
Multitexturing
Bone based animations
Cartoon shading
Rainbow rendering
Low level access of object data
Vector and matrix manipulation
General Features
2D FEATURES
Super-Fast 2D Sprites
Mirror, Stretch and Blur
Fade, Transparency and Rotate
Screen-Sized sprites
Fast Collision
Animated Sprites
Gamma Control
Scale Sprites
2D Drawing Functions
EXPANDABLE
DLLs containing FORMATTED FUNCTIONS can be dropped into the plug-ins directory, after which they become commands within the language All components are modular for safe and stable upgrading
Misc. Features
COMPILER
Modern design
Creates .EXE files
Encrypt and compress exes
Icon control of exes managed
Breakpoint markers
Produces 100% machine code
INTERGRATED DEBUGGER
Breakpoints
Step Through Mode
Variable Watcher
EDITOR
Project manager
Function folding
Syntax formatting
Fully Windows XP compliant
Online help
Showcase examples
Tutorials
Extra
There is <a href=” http://darkbasic.thegamecreators.com/?f=beginners_guide”> 700 page book - Beginners Guide to DarkBASIC Game Programming</a>

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'>DCGames:</a>

Link: <a href="http://www.dcgames.com/dcg_frames_nojava.htm">http://www.dcgames.com/dcg_frames_nojava.htm</a>
Version: 5.0k
Commercial or freeware?: Freeware (I quoted them, “DCGames no longer requires registration to be paid. Please feel free to download it”)
Scripting language?: DCGame language
Demo?: <a href="http://www.dcgames.com/dcglgames.htm#inprogress">http://www.dcgames.com/dcglgames.htm#inprogress</a>
Games?: <a href="http://www.dcgames.com/dcglgames.htm">http://www.dcgames.com/dcglgames.htm</a>
Screenshots?: Yes (look below)

<img src="http://www.dcgames.com/images/dcworld.jpg">
DCWorld Screen Shot

<img src="http://www.dcgames.com/images/dcplay.jpg">
DCPlay Screen Shot from Version 4.09

Features?:

Support for graphics modes from 640x480 and up, all in dazzling 256 colors.
Ability to display PCX and GIF graphics files and position these pictures anywhere on screen.
An easy to use, yet extremely powerful scripting language that requires no previous programming experience to learn. This scripting language allows the user to customize almost ever aspect of the game engine to meet his/her special needs.
Multiple tiles set with up to 256 tiles each.
Character and Object tile sets with up to 1204 tiles in each set.
Support for both midi and digital music(.s3m and .mod) using a professional quality sound library.
Support for .wav format, making it possible to create vibrant, high quality sound effects.
For more information on new versions: <a href="ftp://www.dcgames.com/version5.x/whatsnew.txt">ftp://www.dcgames.com/version5.x/whatsnew.txt</a>

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'> Engine001:</a>

Link: <a href="http://members.rogers.com/engine001/">http://members.rogers.com/engine001/</a>
Versions: 1.0.427
Commercial or freeware?: Free
Scripting language?: Unknown (in work)
Demo?: Yes, same link as above
Games?: No.
Screenshots?:

<a href="http://members.rogers.com/engine001/screens/screen14.jpg"> http://members.rogers.com/engine001/screens/screen14.jpg</a>
Item Editor

<a href="http://members.rogers.com/engine001/screens/screen13.jpg"> http://members.rogers.com/engine001/screens/screen13.jpg</a>
Door Editor

<a href="http://members.rogers.com/engine001/screens/screen12.jpg"> http://members.rogers.com/engine001/screens/screen12.jpg</a>
 NPC (non-playable character) Editor

<a href="http://members.rogers.com/engine001/screens/screen11.jpg"> http://members.rogers.com/engine001/screens/screen11.jpg</a>
Object Editor?

<a href="http://members.rogers.com/engine001/screens/screen9.jpg"> http://members.rogers.com/engine001/screens/screen9.jpg</a>
Vehicle Editor

<a href="http://members.rogers.com/engine001/screens/screen6.jpg"> http://members.rogers.com/engine001/screens/screen6.jpg</a>
Game Editor?

More screenshots: <a href="http://members.rogers.com/engine001/screens.htm">http://members.rogers.com/engine001/screens.htm</a>

Features?:

“001 is a game development suit. It is capable of making complex and powerful 2D online RPG's and/or actions games. 001 more specifically is a "company" that makes games off the 001 GDS (game development suit).
The 001 GDS is composed of three things, an engine, a game editor, and a multiplayer server. The engine is what runs the games that are made with the game editor. The multiplayer server is what connects multiple 001 engines together to duke it out in a certain game made with the game editor. Just an unfortunate forewarning, the multiplayer component is not going to be used for a while; believe it or not, it is complete.”

Lighting System: A feature that was done on request. The result was breathtaking to us. It is an option feature that the game designer may choose to include in the game or not. The great thing is that it doesn't affect in-game performance in most cases when used. The only drawback to using the lighting system, is it takes a bit long to load a map, since everything that is static to the map, its lighting is preprocessed to improve performance when playing the game. Also note, that a map's general lighting may be set (for say, night and day time). Here are the following properties that may be set to a light:

Position
Radial Direction (start, end)
Colour
Attenuation (the decrease in light over distance)
Enable Light Inversion (if enabled, it actually removes light from the map)

Tile System: A basic requirement in any 2D engine, is its ability to render tiles. Engine001's basic non-alterable layers include:

Floor Tiles
Static Objects/Tiles (such as desks, plants, etc...)
Wall Objects/Tiles
"Ornament" Objects/Tiles (such as windows, paintings, etc...)

Character System: The Engine001 character system allows up to millions of 4-directional 8-framed 32x64-pixel sprites to be pixel-based drawn on an entire map while keeping a decent frame rate. Characters have an attached event system of their own, allowing the scripter to precisely change almost any visual and behaviour property ever imagined for a 2D character. Or maybe just the following:

Direction and Pixel Position
Enabling Lighting Engine (the next three are disabled if this is set)
Colour (frozen person)
Translucency (ghosts)
Colour Highlight (ARGB, for flashes)
Walking Speed (great detail)
Flipping
Showing Shadow (the next one is enabled if this is set)
Shadow Colour and Translucency
Auto-Movement Style (with "stay in region" capabilities)
Route-Movement (a path that the characters follow over and over again)
Rules (Ground, Water, etc...)
Events
Health/Max-Health
Enable Generic Action Genre Artificial Intelligence (next two are enabled if this is set)
General Weapon Interval (used to slow down attacking)
Primary Weapon (will use in AI)
Weapons and Ammo Equipped (receive after character dies)

Vehicle System: Often left out, but the most promising feature of Engine001. The vehicle system wasn't the main focus of the game, at the same time, vehicles is what you should look forward to in 001. They follow real-life physics (mentioned soon) and superbly fast collision detection for their complex mechanism. Here are the properties of vehicles:

Direction (0 to 360)
Position (X, Y and Z)
Enable Lighting Engine (next three are disabled if set)
Colour
Translucency
Colour Highlight
Flipping
Showing Shadow (next one is enabled if set)
Shadow Colour and Translucency
Health/Max-Health
Rules (Ground, Water, etc...)
Width and Height (not all vehicles are the same size!)
Min and Max Velocity
Turning Speed
Acceleration
Exits (front, back, left, right)
Ability to Fly

Door System: Engine001 decided to take a lot of care into how doors would work. Doors are as well 32x64, but only require ONE sprite for all degrees of movement. Here are its properties:

Position
"Openage" (value between -1 to 1, including decimals in between)
Open Style
Rotate - From right side, from left side, from right side up only, from left side up only, from right side down only and from left side down only.
Squeeze - Up, down, left and right.
Accordion - 8 segments or 4 segments, by moving up, down, left and right.
Hide - Up, down, left and right.
Slide - Up, left and right.
Enable Lighting Engine (next three are disabled if this is set)
Colour
Translucency
Colour Highlight
Flipping
Showing Shadow (next one is enabled if this is set)
Shadow Colour and Translucency
If Broken Tile (changes to a different door tile if the door is blown up)

Dynamic Object System: A great plus to Engine001. It allows the power and flexibility to work with tiles in a whole new way! They are quite hard to get used to, since they are so flexible. But when they are used properly, the outcomes are great! The properties for dynamic objects include:

Position
Layer Position (Over floor, over shadows, over medians, with characters-doors-and vehicles (has depth), over characters, and over walls)
Enable Lighting Engine (the next three are disabled if set)
Colour
Translucency
Colour Highlight
Flipping
Rotation
Showing Shadow (the next three are enabled if set)
Shadow Colour and Translucency
Shadow Distance from Object (used to demonstrate height in an object)
Shadow Clipping (used for multi-height shadows, stair-case effect)
Animation Speed (if an animated dynamic object is selected)

Animation System: This system relies directly on the Dynamic Object System, and thus has all the same properties, including rotation, shadows, colour alterations, etc...

Rock, Tree, Etc... System: This is a fairly weak feature in Engine001, but still important. It simply allows the creation of larger than normal objects with EXTREME simplicity. You can create a rock once, choose its width and height, and its collision rectangle, and voilà! Just simply paste it all over the place, and you just created a bunch of rocks with ease. They have very little properties to ensure high simplicity:

Width and Height
Collision Rectangle
Shadow Distance

Item System: The item system is, as well, also a very good feature in Engine001. The variety of items is up to your imagination! The following properties will describe how powerful yet sleek Engine001 will handle items (for both RPG and Action Genres):

Name
Description
Price
Weight (affects Speed in RPG Genre)
Ammo Title (bullet(s), capsule(s), grenade(s))
Preview Picture
Type: Weapon
Accuracy (NOT chance of kill, it is the angle fluctuation)
Type (regular, range single-shot, range repetitive-shot, throwing, drop, script)

Non-Script Properties:
Damage Type (Piercing, Bludgeoning, Line, Flame, Explosive)
Actual Health-Damage
Use Interval

Range Properties:
Bullet/Object Texture
Width and Height
Animation Frames
Number of Bullets per Shot (3 for shotgun for example)
Speed
Range
Silenced (used in AI)

Throw Properties:
Vertical Velocity (used for grenade, etc...)

Regular Properties:
Maximum Consecutive Attacks (Mario RPG style)
Hit Chance
Animation

Script Properties:
Treat Regularly
Events

Type: Equipment
Type (helmet, armor, shield and accessory 1, accessory 2)
Attack Alteration
Weapon Attack Alteration
Magic Attack Alteration
Defense Alteration
Magic Defense Alteration
Accuracy Alteration
Weapon Accuracy Alteration
Speed Alteration
Events

Type: Common
Usability (once per item owned, limitless, never)
Animation (optional)
Events

Scripting System: The scripting system is another great plus to Engine001. Since Engine001 is so complex, Map001 made it extremely easy to use (explained later). Scripting allows you to alter and affect any environmental object in any map (character, dynamic object, vehicle, door, etc...). It even allows you to setup the way AI works! It is based on variables, objects and what not, like any other programming language. Best of all, it is extremely simple to understand. Those who ARE programmers will be able to take advantage of the flexible variables and expressions. Those who don't know anything about scripting or programming will simply get used to a general and simple to use scripting language that anyone can really use. And those that can't stand using scripting, may use a still in development point and click interface which will be as flexible as the written one, except everything is in text-boxes, lists and graphical representations.

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'> Explorations RPG system:</a>

Link: <a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/">http://www.explore-rpg.com/</a>
Versions: 7.3
Commercial or freeware?: Free
Scripting language?: Unknown
Demo?: Yes, <a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/Downloads.htm">http://www.explore-rpg.com/Downloads.htm</a>
Games?: No
Screenshots?: (Too many.. so I will post the links for you to click and check it out) included features:

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Camp1.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Camp1.jpg</a>
Quite simply, Explorations is an independent role playing game engine. It uses a complex database design to describe all objects and characters within any game world.

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Camp2.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Camp2.jpg</a>
Explorations object are described using standard (non-genre specific) properties to allow virtually any role-playing game genre to be reproduced with very little effort.

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Camp3.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Camp3.jpg</a>
Explorations features a powerful drag drop map interface that makes creating professional looking maps easy. Import hundreds of pre-made weapons, spells, map objects, and sprites and drop them within your map! Exploration makes map building a snap!

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Dungeon1.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Dungeon1.jpg</a>
1) Organized Information.
Explorations GUI keep all your game information organized and right at your finger tips. You can preview map object before you drop them, and if you ever make a mistake, the undo feature saves all previous map edits!

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Dungeon2.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Dungeon2.jpg</a>
2) Sharing Game Objects.
The beauty of Explorations database design is the ability to import and export map objects. No longer will you have to manually drop tiles to create maps. Explorations can maintain graphic tile groups as objects! Once these objects are created in Explorations they can be exported and shared with the click of the mouse!

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Dungeon3.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Dungeon3.jpg</a>
3) Artificial Intelligence Support.
Explorations uses power script commands to query the map, object, and character databases so sprites can appear intelligent. Hard-scripting sprite actions are a thing of the past! Instead, script a series of questions the sprite may ask, and control his actions based on the result! Allow the sprites to make their own decisions!

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/DBEditor1.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/DBEditor1.jpg</a>
<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/DBEditor2.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/DBEditor2.jpg</a>
Learning Explorations database design is similar to learning all the property controls within Visual Basic. Each property performs a certain action or function. Once you have a firm understanding of Explorations database properties you will be able to create powerful, dynamic objects.

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/DBEditor3.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/DBEditor3.jpg</a>
<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/DBEditor4.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/DBEditor4.jpg</a>
The database properties express a change or adjustment between each of Explorations 3 object types. You should find it simple to learn how to manipulate these properties to relate changes based on the data relationships between Map, Object, and Character database object types.

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Map.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Map.jpg</a>
Maps:
Each map acts as the container for all object and sprites. The relationship between the map and these objects are generally the position or placement on the map.

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Sprite1.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Sprite1.jpg</a>
Character Sprites:
Each sprite has its own personal stats and abilities. Sprites act as a local container to objects that directly affect the sprite. Sprites can trigger Object event scripts. The sprites stats, location, and appearance establish the relationship between Sprites and Objects.

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Sprite2.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Sprite2.jpg</a>
When a sprite "uses" an object, it will trigger the event associated with that object. Depending on the object's Affects Target determines when and to whom the object's changes will take affect.

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Sprite3.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Sprite3.jpg</a>
Objects:
Each object represents an instance of change. Even if the entity isn't physical, an object can be created to account for special affects. Each object relates a change in character sprite, stats location, or appearance. Objects support linking so multiple object effects can be combined to create new objects or objects with multiple effects.

[What type of Unit System does Exploration's use?
All of Explorations stats are based on percentages. Object stats adjustment values should be created based on a percent based scale. Objects that are attached to characters are called factoids. The GM can check for these objects to control game play.

Each object has the property Affects Who? This property allows the GM to direct the stats changes to any sprite within a combat event sequence. The stats change can be durational as well as permanent. Explorations also allows for hidden object effects to be attached to characters without their knowledge.]

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Scripting1.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Scripting1.jpg</a>
Explorations scripts are stored within a database. Each script database record is a single 3K text file. Explorations is design to quickly load and execute scripts in real-time. Scripts can run synchronously as well as asynchronously. What does this mean? Synchronous execution will pause game play while the script executes. Asynchronous execution will run the script seamlessly in the background.

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Scripting2.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Scripting2.jpg</a>
The number of Explorations script commands will undoubtedly increase in years to come. The script command interface use a simple point and click design. Each script command is grouped by function and has an interactive description of the script function within the interface.

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Scripting3.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/Scripting3.jpg</a>
Scripts are intended to be small and efficient so they execute seamlessly. There are forums provided for requesting scripts and there are many sample scripts available under the Resources section of this website.

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/SpriteDB1.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/SpriteDB1.jpg</a>
Explorations use PC (Player Characters) and NPC (Non-Player Characters) for general game sprites. PC's are created when users play Exploration games. They are generated by selecting a Race (Character Type) and a Class (Character Class). An example of a PC would be an Elf Fighter. The GM is responsible for creating and animating all graphics to support each Player Character.

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/SpriteDB2.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/SpriteDB2.jpg</a>
<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/SpriteDB3.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/SpriteDB3.jpg</a>
NPCs are kept within two databases. The unique NPC database holds all monsters or unique characters for your game world. (Big Bosses, etc..) The Random NPC database holds characters that can appear at any time. This database is used to generate random, common monster encounters. All the animated graphics data must be provided by the GM to support all the sprite animations within his databases.

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/WOODEN_CART_OPEN.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/WOODEN_CART_OPEN.jpg</a>
Map Objects are the key feature that keeps Explorations graphics quality a notch above many indie game engines. Map Objects allows maps to be created by dragging & dropping objects rather than individual tile editing. Map Objects also allow Explorations to use and manipulate graphics rendered at a variety of different camera angles.

Once a Map Object is created in Explorations it can be exported and shared between users. Just drag and drop your map objects on your maps!

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/TerrainMaker.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/TerrainMaker.jpg</a>
Terrain Builder - Create your own terrain shoreline edges and tile blends.

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/PowerClip.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/PowerClip.jpg</a>
PowerClip - Cut sections of bitmaps to trim down animation sequences

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/PicClip.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/PicClip.jpg</a>
PicClip Maker - Easily load frames of animations to form Explorations PicClip files

<a href="http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/3DObjectMaker.jpg">http://www.explore-rpg.com/images/3DObjectMaker.jpg</a>
3D Object Maker - A Simple tool use to make textured 3D objects.
Plugins - Use PowerBASIC to add full programming support features to your games!
Auto Dungeon Builder - Create a library of dungeon segments and allow Explorations to connect them to form random dungeons!
Personality Generator - Allow Explorations to generate random personalities for your character sprites.

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'>Fury²:</a>

Link: Dead link
Versions: Could not remember
Commercial or freeware?: Free (assuming)
Scripting language?: JavaScript and vbscript (soon python)
Demo?: Yes but dead link
Games?: No
Screenshots?: Dead link
Features?: Unsure since it is still in progress. Anyway this maker does sound promising to me.

Concerning about Fury², I will update this article whenever <a href="http://www.whahay.net/forums/index.php?showuser=557">Hiretsukan</a> gets the site back on.

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'>Game Maker:</a>

Link: <a href="http://www.cs.uu.nl/people/markov/gmaker/index.html">http://www.cs.uu.nl/people/markov/gmaker/index.html</a>
Versions: 5.1
Commercial or freeware?: Both
Scripting language?: “JavaScript clone” (GML, thanks for pot_noodle for this information)
Demo?: Yes, <a href="http://www.cs.uu.nl/people/markov/gmaker/games_exe.html">http://www.cs.uu.nl/people/markov/gmaker/games_exe.html</a>
Games?: Yes, <a href="http://www.cs.uu.nl/people/markov/gmaker/games_exe.html">http://www.cs.uu.nl/people/markov/gmaker/games_exe.html</a>
Screenshots?: Yes

<img src="http://www.cs.uu.nl/people/markov/gmaker/images/interface_large.jpg">
Game Maker screenshot

Features?: <a href="http://www.cs.uu.nl/people/markov/gmaker/doc/gmaker.htm">http://www.cs.uu.nl/people/markov/gmaker/doc/gmaker.htm</a> It is documentation, I know it is not feature list but well, see for yourself… you will understand what I mean.

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'>Gameboy Advance (GBA) Development:</a>

Link: <a href="http://www.gbadev.org/">http://www.gbadev.org/</a>
Versions: Varies
Commercial or freeware?: Both
Scripting language?: Mostly C-style scripting
Demo?: <a href="http://www.gbadev.org/demos.php">http://www.gbadev.org/demos.php</a>
Games?: <a href="http://www.pdroms.de/">http://www.pdroms.de/</a>
Screenshots?: Varies, just go to their respective sites
Features?: Varies, just go to their respective sites

(I personally pick GBA over any makers due to promising careers in GBA development and its industry).

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'>Gameshape RPG Development System:</a>

Link: <a href="http://gameshape.rpgsource.net/">http://gameshape.rpgsource.net/</a>
Versions: 1.0.0 beta or full (still in progress)
Commercial or freeware?: Free
Scripting language?: BASIC (according to one of people anyway.. so unknown)
Demo?: No (still in progress)
Games?: No (still in progress)
Screenshots?:

<img src="http://gameshape.rpgsource.net/pic.jpg">
Professional MDI Interface look ( Not Complete.)

<img src="http://gameshape.rpgsource.net/pic2.jpg">
Produces Graphics Fast!

<img src="http://gameshape.rpgsource.net/splash.jpg">
The Early splash screen for your game!

Features?:

System Requirements: Any Pentium computer. with at least 8 mb - 10 mb or space. 16-bit video card (minimum) or 32-bit ( Better quality.)

-Over 1 year in development
-open multiple files
-Written in Visual Basic6, using directx, and GDI.
-True color 24-32bit color
-Professional like MDI interface
-Has some restrictions, but will be fixed.
-Create your own .exe files & all this is free!
(still in progress)

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'>Hephaestus:</a>

Link: <a href="http://kuoi.asui.uidaho.edu/~kamikaze/Hephaestus/index.php">http://kuoi.asui.uidaho.edu/~kamikaze/Hephaestus/index.php</a>
Versions: 2.03
Commercial or freeware?: Free
Scripting language?: Java scripting
Demo?: <a href="http://kuoi.asui.uidaho.edu/~kamikaze/Hephaestus/gameplay.php">http://kuoi.asui.uidaho.edu/~kamikaze/Hephaestus/gameplay.php</a>
Games?: <a href="http://kuoi.asui.uidaho.edu/~kamikaze/Hephaestus/gameplay.php">http://kuoi.asui.uidaho.edu/~kamikaze/Hephaestus/gameplay.php</a>
Screenshots?: No
Features?: No (seem could not find any information on these..)

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'>IKA:</a>

Link: <a href="http://www.ikagames.com/">http://www.ikagames.com/</a>
Versions: 0.50
Commercial or freeware?: Free
Scripting language?: Python scripting
Demo?: Yes, <a href="http://www.ikagames.com/?page=gallery">http://www.ikagames.com/?page=gallery</a>
Games?: Yes, <a href="http://www.ikagames.com/?page=files">http://www.ikagames.com/?page=files</a>
Screenshots?: No
Features?: Some.. <a href="http://www.ikagames.com/?page=articles&view=1">http://www.ikagames.com/?page=articles&view=1</a>

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'> RPG Development Studio (RPGds):</a>

Link: <a href="http://www.crypticdesigns.com/">http://www.crypticdesigns.com/</a>
Versions: Beta release, Build 83
Commercial or freeware?: Free
Scripting language?: BASIC-like
Demo?: Yes (Even though I could find it.. but it is there somewhere) <a href="http://www.crypticdesigns.com/">http://www.crypticdesigns.com/</a>
Games?: No
Screenshots?: No
Features?: Yes, <a href="http://www.crypticdesigns.com/rpgdsfeatures.html">http://www.crypticdesigns.com/rpgdsfeatures.html</a>

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'>RPG Lite:</a>

Link: <a href="http://www.rpg-creation.net/krazex/index.php">http://www.rpg-creation.net/krazex/index.php</a>
Versions: Alpha 0.7
Commercial or freeware?: Free
Scripting language?: VBScript
Demo?: No
Games?: No
Screenshots?: Yes..

<a href="http://www.rpg-creation.net/krazex/index.php?page=screenshots">http://www.rpg-creation.net/krazex/index.php?page=screenshots</a>

<a href="http://rpg-creation.net/krazex/other/pnc.PNG">It's Point and Click for events</a>

Steel’s comment: IMHO, it is perfect maker for you rm2k(3) lovers if you want to make the games with rm2k-like program, that's one.

Features?: Yes:

»640x480/800x600 HIColor engine.
»Special lighting effects.
»Simple Isometric Support.
»Easy to Use interface.
»Iconed Items/Skills.
»Auto Caterpillar Effect.
»Built In Day/Night System.
»Customizable Menu System.
»3 Battle Systems + Customizable feature.
»Mouse Support.
»Network Support.

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'>RPG Toolkit:</a>

Link: <a href="http://www.rpgtoolkit.com/">http://www.rpgtoolkit.com/</a>
Versions: 3.0 beta
Commercial or freeware?: Free
Scripting language?: RPGCode
Demo?: Yes, <a href="http://www.rpgtoolkit.com/screenshots.html">some demo here</a>
Games?: Yes, at <a href="http://www.rpgtoolkit.com/screenshots.html">some game here</a>
Screenshots?: Yes, at <a href="http://www.rpgtoolkit.com/screenshots.html">http://www.rpgtoolkit.com/screenshots.html</a>
Features?: Yes, at <a href="http://www.rpgtoolkit.com/tk3.html">http://www.rpgtoolkit.com/tk3.html</a>

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'>RuneSword 2:</a>

Link: <a href="http://www.runesword.com/rs2.html">http://www.runesword.com/rs2.html</a>
Versions: 2.2
Commercial or freeware?: Commercial, $24.95 (and free but only demo.. 500 turns)
Scripting language?: Unsure
Demo?: Yes, check out at <a href="http://www.shrapnelgames.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi">http://www.shrapnelgames.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi</a>
Games?: No
Screenshots?: Yes

<a href="http://www.runesword.com/images/rs2-pic1.jpg"> http://www.runesword.com/images/rs2-pic1.jpg</a>

<a href="http://www.runesword.com/images/rs2-pic2.jpg"> http://www.runesword.com/images/rs2-pic2.jpg</a>

<a href="http://www.runesword.com/images/rs2-pic3.jpg"> http://www.runesword.com/images/rs2-pic3.jpg</a>

<a href="http://www.runesword.com/images/rs2-pic4.jpg"> http://www.runesword.com/images/rs2-pic4.jpg</a>

Features?: Yes

After the popularity of RS1, we were looking to take the next step. Fortunately, the wonderful folks at Shrapnel agreed to pick us up as we began work on RuneSword 2. It was released September 4th, 2001. Included this time were several requested features like support for animation and enhancements to the editor. Some features:

 Completely new interface with large scale item pictures 
 MP3 Sound track
 Full motion video support (AVI and MPEG)
 4 New Adventures to play!
 New Tome Wizard function that generates adventures better than ever
 12 races
 40+ skills including many new combat skills
 50+ spells in 6 spell casting schools
 Skinable interfaces and Dice Set --- and you can make your own!
 156 Page Manual (and no fluff!)
 90 minutes of Tutorial Videos (SEE how to make adventures)
 An improved random generator, new full-text Trigger editor and more!
 Support for combat animation!

Steel, note: There will be a new version, RS3. Rumor is that it is much better than RS1 and RS2 so keep one, two or four eyes on it.

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'>Sphere:</a>

Link: <a href="http://www.aegisknight.org/sphere">http://www.aegisknight.org/sphere</a>
Versions: 1.1
Commercial or freeware?: Free
Scripting language?: SpiderMonkey JavaScript
Demo?: Yes, <a href="http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=1551">http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=1551</a>
Games?: Yes, <a href="http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=1551">http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=1551</a>
Screenshots?: Yes, <a href="http://sphere.sourceforge.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=6">Screenshots and documents by Flik</a>
Features?: Yes, at <a href="http://sphere.sourceforge.net/">http://sphere.sourceforge.net/</a>

Steel’s comment: I personally suggest this maker, it is easy and fun to make some games with Sphere.

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'>The 3D Gamemaker:</a>

Link: <a href="http://t3dgm.thegamecreators.com/">http://t3dgm.thegamecreators.com/</a>
Versions: 1.1
Commercial or freeware?: Commercial (Full: $34.99 and Lite: $20.00)
Scripting language?: Point ‘n click
Demo?: Unsure
Games?: Unsure
Screenshots?: Yes

<a href="http://t3dgm.thegamecreators.com/?m=showcase">http://t3dgm.thegamecreators.com/?m=showcase</a>

Features?: Yes

· Instant and amazing results in seconds
· Random Game Option - let your computer create a uniquely playable game for you with just one click of the mouse
· Create a variety of exciting game scenarios with over 360 pre-made scenes
· Over 500 3D objects
· Over 320 Sounds
· MP3 support includes over 220 MP3 files
· Record your own personal sound effects
· Add personalized sound effects to games
· Entirely customizable - utilize or scan in your own images
· Import your own 3D models
· Download FREE objects from the official website
· Save games as EXE files to share with your friends
· Swap games via CD or via the Internet with other users
· Place enemies, objects and items where you want to with the Placement Editor
· Be a star of your own game - using a simple picture grabber, alter the textures of the 3D objects and see your own face on in-game characters.
· Add wings, wheels or legs to any player object to create a game that's unique and different.
· Create your own fast paced First Person Shooters.
· Take flight and battle around different universes.
· Create lap based driving games and add in any hostile you like.
· Let your imagination run wild and use the Silly graphics to make zany, fun games.
Advantages of The 3D Gamemaker
The 3D Gamemaker is unique and there is nothing else like it currently on the market. For the first time non-technical people have been given the power to create their own games within minutes and have lots of fun doing it. Here are some key benefits of The 3D Gamemaker:

· No programming skills are required.
· Easy to use, Create, Fun and Imaginative.
· The 3D Gamemaker handles all the complex maths for you including collisions.
· A variety of player controls are available including keyboard, mouse and joystick.
· Enemies and end of level Bosses have a wide range of AI options.
· Adding different players, game items or enemies is as simple as clicking on a picture.
· Single or Two player options are available.
· The 3D Gamemaker can connect to the Internet for free updates including object models, sounds and music.

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'>rm2k/rm2k3:</a>

I bet you KNOW that it will come up eventually in this article, are you?

Link: <a href="http://www.google.com">rm2k/rm2k3</a>
Versions: rm2k (1.07), rm2k3 (1.08)
Commercial or freeware?: Commercial (There is no free, you silly kids)
Scripting language?: BASIC-like
Demo?: Yes, <a href="http://www.rpg2knet.com/games/">try here</a>
Games?: Yes, <a href="http://www.rpg2knet.com/games/">try here</a>
Screenshots?: Uh, I think all of you already know what it looks and such. So no need to add these screenshots…
Features?:Uh, almost all of you already know what rm2k offers. As for rm2k3, go and check at <a href="http://www.phylomortis.com/html/rm2k3info.html">rm2k3 feature list</a>.

<a style='font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold;'>Steel’s comments:</a>

Wow, finally… almost 30 pages, well I did my best to cover a lot of makers that you may like to get a look at. Again, as I said above, I will not provide my opinions about every maker because I WILL be flamed or harassed by people eventually so hence I will not. Anyway, I hope you will enjoy the information and such in this long article. I will include a few more makers (NWN, WC3, etc.) in the next article.

Before you try to throw a fit about the feature lists that I copied or images I hot linked, I want you to understand that I am ADVERTISING these authors’ works, you should be thankful for what I’ve done for you. If you still feel that I should not, contact me via Daseinheit@hotmail.com or RSM me, I will be more than glad to take these off and use these images from my server or change these images to the url on your site; either way. Again, I did this for you, not for me. If I miss anything, typos and wrong information… again, RSM me or email me via Daseinheit@hotmail.com Thanks.

Have fun

“The mind is nothing but a plaything of the body” by Nietzsche

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