Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
So, I Downloaded a Copy of RMVXA/RMVXA Lite. What Next?
No matter the version of RPG Maker VX Ace that you have acquired, what follows next is finding the downloaded
archive and running the Setup.exe located within it. Afterward, installing it is as easy as following the steps in
the installer.
I Got RMVXA Lite!
Once the installation is complete, loading up RMVXA Lite for the first time will initiate the Product Activation pop-up
screen. From there, you can choose to upgrade to the full version (Buy Now) or activate your Lite version. All you have
to do to activate your copy of RMVXA Lite is provide your full name and an e-mail address. Once that is done, you
have unlimited access to the limited functionality of RMVXA's Lite version.
I Got RMVXA!
Once the installation is complete, loading up RMVXA for the first time will initiate a similar Product Activation screen.
However, the options offered will be to activate your copy for use or a link to buy the full version. If you choose to
activate, the program will ask if you wish to use your 30-day trial or input a purchase code. You should have received
a trial code when you gave your information for the RMVXA download. Likewise, you should have a purchase code, if
you decided to buy the full version of RMVXA. Provide the relevant information exactly as you initially gave it
(don't change your name/e-mail), and you should be ready to go.
So, I'm Done.
Welcome to the world of video game development ! I hope you enjoy your stay! Now that you have a functioning copy
of RMVXA or RMVXA Lite, we can continue. Before we start using the application, it would be good to talk about RPG
design in general. Let us begin with the most important aspect.
Story
As mentioned previously, perhaps the most important thing about an RPG is its story. Even in the days of old, when
the first
Dragon Quest
(known as
Dragon Warrior
in the United States until the eighth entry in the series was released)
and
Final Fantasy
games were in their prime and storage was an issue with the earliest consoles, RPG developers
sought to invest their players into the simple plot that they managed to fit within the cartridge. Perhaps the most
important thing that I can point out is that not every story needs to be complex. Complexity helps, sure,
if you can
make it work
. Sometimes, it's the little things that have the greatest impact. The basic facets of
any
basic RPG story are
virtually identical to those used in your standard fantasy or sci-fi topic with a heroic protagonist.
•
You have a protagonist
: In an RPG, this is the main character controlled by the player. The
protagonist is a distinct entity, with goals, dreams, and desires.
•
You have a conflict
: The most typical fantasy conflict for both topics and video games is a great
evil that rises, and only the hero/chosen one/protagonist (whether alone or with help) can
defeat them. With that said, don't limit yourself. If you come up with a great plot that involves
a conflict between the protagonist and himself, for example, feel free to take that ball and run
with it.
