RPG Maker 2

As an avid role-playing fan, I've always imagined what kind of awe-inspiring uberRPG I could produce if given the chance (flying fortresses, magic crystals, and sassy princesses--my game would have it all!). RPG Maker 2 threatened to fulfill my fantasies, but after seeing just how much damned work goes into making a functioning game, I've decided to leave the task to the professionals. If you're a detail-oriented nut that doesn't mind wading through a morass of endless submenus to craft something resembling a playable quest, you'll possibly be able to get into this. Most gamers, however, will be immediately overwhelmed--it's just so hard to get into, and quality results demand a monumental time commitment. Even if you're part of the hardcore contingent who will actually take the time to master the interface, you'll likely be disappointed with the results of your labor--no matter how cool your RPG's concept is, it'll look like crap. You can't alter the standard graphics much, and the only available visuals look like PS1 ugly duckling Dragon Warrior VII...but blurrier.

The first rule of game design you'll learn from RPG Maker 2: Gee, making 3D games sure is hard. The keyboard support alone makes the game builder more powerful than its PS1 predecessor, but the whole RPG-making enterprise has one major flaw--the games you produce are ugly as sin. It's all the fault of the unchangeable 3D engine the game uses, you see, so the graphics will be drab and blurry--and the controls endlessly fiddly--no matter how hard you try. So what's the point of mastering all these tools? Good question.

This is a hell of a powerful application, but it takes a ridiculous amount of work to make even the most basic room in the simplest dungeon. I can't help but think it could have (and should have) been more user-friendly. I'd have really gotten into it if the designers hadn't tried so hard to drive me away. Having to go through a dozen steps just to create a shop owner who says nothing but "Buy or sell?" made my head hurt. There's no arguing with the power RPG Maker 2 puts in your hands, though.