RPG Maker 2003

Infobox VG
title = RPG Maker 2003


developer = Enterbrain
publisher = ASCII
designer =
engine =
released = December 18, 2003 (Japan Only)
genre = CRPG
modes = Single player
platforms = Microsoft Windows
requirements = Windows 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP
input =

RPG Maker 2003 is the third in the series of programs for the development of Role-Playing Games, developed by the Japanese group ASCII. It features a database of pre-made backgrounds, music, animations, weapons, characters, and more. [http://defiant.neoseeker.com/Games/Products/PC/rpg_Maker2003/] In addition to RPG Maker 2000, and RM95, this version was also translated into English, this time through the translation and distribution of Colin Byrum [ [http://www.aboutus.org/Phylomortis.com Phylomortis.com - AboutUs Wiki Page ] ] , going by the screenname of 'RPG Advocate'.

Features

Graphics

All graphics within RPG Maker 2003 are in 2D like its predecessor, RPG Maker 2000, and makes use of the same graphical resources with a few minor changes in resolution. In addition, "Battle Character" and "System2" sets are used to go with RPG Maker 2003's new battle system.

Music

RPG Maker 2003 allows the use of MIDI and WAV much like RPG Maker 2000, its predecessor, for background music, but in addition now also allows the use of MP3 files which was a strongly desired feature in RPG Maker 2000.

Runtime Package

RPG Maker 2003, much like its predecessor RPG Maker 2000 and its successor RPG Maker XP, comes with its own set of Runtime Package files, also known as the RTP. The RTP is a whole set of default graphics, music, and sound effects that are used in RPG Maker 2003 and, in most cases, the RTP must be downloaded to the computer to play the games made with RPG Maker 2003. Thanks to the RTP, created games can lessen their file size if a lot of material from the RTP was used.

Enhancements from RPG Maker 95 & 2000

New Battle System

The new battle system is in third-person side view rather than the first person view that was used in the previous RPG Maker programs. In addition, unlike its predecessors, RPG Maker 2003 makes use of a real-time "ATB" system, like in the Final Fantasy games, instead of the classical "turn-based" system. At what point a character or enemy can take actions depends on their agility levels instead of being rigidly defined as a turn.

Links

Official sites

* [http://www.enterbrain.com Enterbrain.com] - Japanese Company that produces the RPG Maker Series.
* [http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/tkool/RPG_XP/eng/ Enterbrain RPG-Maker XP Page] - Official English Page
* [http://www.agetec.com Agetec] - US Publisher for the console RPG Maker series
* [http://rpgmaker.agetec.com Agetec RPG Maker] - Official portal for console RPG Maker series

References