RPG Maker - Let your creativity flow into your own world (RPG Maker 3 (PS2))

Member Name: WayneKWilkins

Product:	RPG Maker 3 (PS2)
Date:	01/09/09 (41 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Create your own game, compatible with USB keyboards, creative, easy to use features, lots of choices

Disadvantages: May look difficult at first glance, graphics outdated from current generation, lack of memory

===INTRODUCTION===

RPG Maker 3 is the third title in the Sony Playstation RPG Maker series. Based on the popular PC RPG Maker titles, RPG Maker 3 was released for the Playstation 2 in late 2004 and was the second in the series to be features on the Playstation 2, but the first in the series to be featured in full 3D graphics reminiscent in quality to the likes of Suikoden 3 and Orphen: Scion of sorcery.

RPG Maker 3 was initially frowned upon by critics and fans of the 2D RPG Maker series. The general thought among the fan community was that the PS2 would be unable to cope with a 3D RPG Maker and with the difficulty surrounding the 2D versions, the 3D version was expected to be very difficult and as such would not be able to reach out to a wide range of audiences the way the prequels had prior to the third game. However, after its release, much of this speculation was laid to rest.

At first glance, I was instantly hooked on the game. I have always been familiar witht he PC RPG maker games, so the console version was something that wa sismply destined to appeal to me. Of course, I did go on to see a few flaws and limitations compared to the PC versions of the series. In fact, even the former playstation versions of the game had more features than this, although this one stands out for the fact that it is the first fully 3D of the series, and the only one to stand a chance in what was at the time, the current standard of RPG game graphics.

===STARTING THE GAME===

Starting the game is very simple. You can choose to play the premade game in order to familiarize yourself with it, or you can immediately start work on your own game. You arrive at a menu which allows you to edit such things as world maps, towns, characters, items and the most crucial menu, events.

While the majority of the editors are self explanatory the events editor is what makes the game run. By placing events and scripts in areas of the game you are able to create a game that reacts to your movement and button clicks. You are also able to use a wide range of backgrounds and backdrops to create cut scenes which are reminiscent of fellow Playstation 2 title; Wizardry: Tale of the Forsaken Land.

===THE EDITING TOOLS===

At first glance, the world creator tools may seem difficult. However, once you have familiarized yourself with the controls and what does what, you will be quick to realize that creating a map is as simple as drawing something on paint. You are able to create the world in a 2D view with a paintbrush-like tool, and are then able to view your world in full 3D. You have the option to create such environments as grass, mountains, hills and water among more in three different map makers which allows you to create world maps, towns and dungeons full of interactive characters, traps and treasure troves.

The editing of characters is also very flexible in the sense that it is a simple RPG Maker. You have several ordinary character models, however, you are able to select different clothing and color schemes for them as a result which makes it much more easier to create villages and towns with certain styles, or if you want to get creative with your story, evil twins or alternate egos for your main characters. As far as customization is concerned, there is plenty enough to keep the player occupied.

===MEMORY CARDS AND SPACE FLAWS===

The only thing that limits the game in general is the space. You will quickly find your memory card full, possibly before you finish your game. Due to this, it is recommended that you buy third party memory cards which let you save up to one gigabyte. This makes the games much easier to save, customize and share rather than going through the hassle of copying your data to a second memory card to continue, although that also works very well and is still very easy to do as you still get to keep all your characters and details. A must have game for fans who have always wanted to make their own 3D RPG game.

===PRICE AND AVAILABILITY===

While the game was never officially released in the United Kingdom, it is available easily from UK auction sites such as eBay. Providing your playstation 2 console is able to play US games, you can easily experience the game to the fullest of tis potential. Certain PS3 models are also able to play the game. One great feature however is that despite it being an NTSC game, you can use PAL memory cards meaning you only have to purchase the game rather than purchasing an NTSC memory unit also.

Price wise, it is still actually very reasonable. I picked up my version fo the game from eBay a few years ago for 20 pounds. You can still easily pick it up for around that, occasionally even less if you choose to enter an auction.

===CONCLUSION===

Overall, RPG Maker 3 is a fun and creative pastime, a hobby of sorts and a unique addition to the popular RPG maker titles. While somewhat difficult to get used to, players will be soon to find that the game is much easier than it seems. Just like any game, it takes some getting used to, but once you are used to it, you will find that your creative juices combined with this unique game will make the time fly by.

I would certainly recommend it for RPG enthusiasts who have always wondered what it would be like to create their own immersive RPG world, or even those who are looking to get rid of their kids for a few hours. Whatever your reason, this game works.

Summary: Well worth a purchase for the RPG enthusiasts out there