Starting Out with RPG Maker VX Ace - Beginning RPG Maker VX Ace - page 2

Chapter 1

Starting Out with RPG Maker VX Ace

This chapter will cover the following subjects:

• Installing RPG Maker VX Ace (RMXVA)

• A short overview of story and game play in role-playing games (RPGs)

• Starting up RPG Maker and taking your first steps toward creating your very own game

■ This topic will exclusively cover RPG Maker VX Ace. If you have an earlier version of the engine
(such as XP or VX), you will have to upgrade to VX Ace, to follow along.

Note

Before you can use RMVXA, you must have it installed. First, I'll walk you through the process of getting and
installing your own copy of RMVXA.

Where Can I Get RMVXA?
RMVXA (and a slew of related products, while we're on the subject) can be purchased from the official site at
www.rpgmakerweb.com . The exact link is www.rpgmakerweb.com/products/programs/rpg-maker-vx-ace .
When not on sale, RMVXA usually costs $69.99, but you can try it for free for an entire month by grabbing the trial
version. In addition, there is currently a light version of RMVXA (aptly named RMVXA Lite) that allows you to try out
a large part of the RMVXA functionality. As the link path is different from that of the full version, I'll provide it:
www.rpgmakerweb.com/download/free-programs/rpg-maker-vx-ace-lite .
If you like the engine, you can upgrade at any time and export your Lite project into the full version. Finally, if you
use Steam, RMVXA is available through, and frequently on sale, on that platform.
You will be asked for your name and e-mail address, if you attempt to download the full version of RMVXA
(whether you pay for it at that time, wait until later, or decide not to keep using the product). No such prompt will
appear in the Lite version of RMVXA.

What Restrictions Does RMVXA Lite Have?
The chief restriction is that you cannot use RMVXA's Script Editor in the Lite version. There are many other
restrictions set in place, mostly so that you cannot make a full commercial RPG out of the Lite version, such as being
able to use only twenty maps and ten classes in your project. In any case, if you managed to make a full game out of
the Lite version, be forewarned that you must upgrade to release your game commercially.