Sim RPG Maker

The "Sim RPG Maker" is a tactical role-playing game maker and part of the long-running "RPG Maker" series, although the name is not a direct translation of the original program.

Releases

There have been two versions of "Sim RPG Maker". The first was a console version released on September 17, 1998 for the Sega Saturn, the second for the Sony Playstation in Japan only by ASCII. A Windows version, also by ASCII, was released on May 29, 1998 in Japan only. This version was translated and released as Sim RPG maker RPG Maker 95 online.huh

Gameplay

"Sim RPG Maker" can be used to make tactical RPGs similar to "Final Fantasy Tactics", "Fire Emblem", and "Ogre Battle". The program is not as advanced as other RPG Makers and the user interface can be difficult to use. It comes with a run-time package (RTP) with built-in graphics for animations. Custom graphics can be added, but this is more difficult than in other programs from the "RPG Maker" series. The process can be frustrating because names of custom files must correspond to set names for specific graphics as well. One advantage "Sim RPG Maker" has over others in the series is that it does not require the installation of the RTP to run a game created by the program. Only the installation of the game is necessary. However, the graphics can only come in BMP file format, creating larger file sizes than the other "RPG Maker" programs.

A game typically involves several maps, each with a starting event or cutscene, the main battle, and an ending cutscene. In between maps, players can be sent to the camp, where they may purchase items, switch out party members, change equipment, or check stats of characters. Maps can be designed with different objectives in mind. The most common objective is defeating all enemies. In addition, players may have to survive a set number of rounds or move past a specified location. Some maps may even be used strictly for cutscenes, with no battles taking place. Maps are the main part of the game. Maps are progressed through linearly, but it is possible to send the player to maps out of order, enabling multiple/alternate storylines. It is also possible to send the player to a previous map.