A selection of games on RPG Maker - from To the Moon to OneShot

Contents:

• Lisa: The Painful
• Omori
• To the Moon
• Mad Father
• OneShot

In 2021, video game development has become more accessible than ever. Anyone can easily download a game engine of their choice and begin learning the basics. However, it's worth keeping in mind that diving into the process can take a long time, as mastering engines like Unity or Unreal Engine can require significant effort and several years of training. It's important to remember that successful game development requires not only technical skills but also a creative approach, as well as an understanding of game design and user experience.

Not all game engines require in-depth technical knowledge to begin development. For example, RPG Maker offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to create your own games. Although this engine was originally designed for creating pixel art RPGs, other genres, including horror and interactive storytelling, have long been developed using it. Games like Lisa: The Painful, To the Moon, and Mad Father have been successfully created using RPG Maker. Not only are they sold digitally, but they've also received critical acclaim and cultivated active fan communities. Use RPG Maker to bring your game ideas to life, regardless of genre.

In this article, we'll explore several outstanding games created using RPG Maker. Perhaps this information will inspire you to develop your own unique project. RPG Maker provides tools that allow you to create engaging and original games, and in this context, we will highlight key examples that demonstrate the potential of this platform.

Lisa: The Painful

The post-apocalyptic JRPG Lisa: The Painful is a unique combination of different notions of the end of the world. In the game, a dystopian future reminiscent of the film Children of Men, where humanity has lost the ability to reproduce, harmoniously coexists with a grotesque world of charismatic psychopaths and mutants reminiscent of characters from Fallout and Borderlands. This original combination creates a gripping gaming experience, immersing players in a world full of absurdity and dark comedic elements. Lisa: The Painful stands out from other RPGs with its unusual aesthetic and deep story, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

The story takes place against the backdrop of a global catastrophe known as the "White Flash," which resulted in the death of all women on Earth. The remaining men, obsessed with drugs, form clans and mercilessly destroy each other in the devastated wasteland. However, fate changes when one of the survivors, named Brad, accidentally finds a baby. He decides to take her under his wing, teaching her the basics of survival in this new, cruel world. Soon, the girl finds herself in danger and is kidnapped, which forces Brad to set off on a perilous journey full of danger and discovery.

Lisa: The Painful draws inspiration from the cult SNES game EarthBound, therefore, it largely follows its combat mechanics and comedic plot. Instead of the traditional isometric perspective inherent in many RPGs, the world of Lisa is presented as a 2D platformer with a side view. This creates a unique atmosphere that combines elements of humor and seriousness, captivating players and immersing them in a dark yet captivating gameplay.

The subtitle "The Painful" is not accidentally present in the title of the video game. "Lisa" constantly puts the player and their characters in the face of cruel trials, creating an atmosphere of suffering and loss. Players have to face serious challenges: sometimes the entire party is at risk, the protagonist loses a limb, and carefully collected resources can disappear at the most inopportune moment. The game is developed on the RPG Maker VX Ace engine, which allows developers to easily adapt and modify traditional JRPG turn-based battles. Austin Jorgensen, the creator of Lisa: The Painful, relied on RPG Maker's capabilities from the outset to create a unique gaming experience that immerses players in complex moral choices and emotional challenges.

I knew from the start that I would be working with RPG Maker, which limited my resources. All my ideas and concepts were formed within the capabilities of this engine. However, I strived to create something unique, including original locations and mechanics, such as losing limbs or party members.

Austin Jorgensen is the author of Lisa: The Painful. This text immerses the reader in a world of complex emotions and profound experiences. In his work, Jorgensen explores themes of suffering, loss, and the search for meaning in life. Lisa: The Painful represents a unique blend of tragedy and hope, making it a significant work in contemporary literature. The author masterfully creates an atmosphere, allowing the reader to feel the full weight and beauty of the human experience. Through characters and their stories, Jorgensen touches on important issues that concern each of us. This work will appeal to anyone seeking deep and touching stories that can leave a mark on the soul.

Lisa: The Painful is a highly acclaimed game, with a 96% positive rating from over 10,000 reviews on Steam. Critics praise its rich, depressing atmosphere, making it a unique and memorable gaming experience. It holds a Metacritic score of 77, highlighting its high quality and appealing gameplay.

Lisa demonstrates that cutting-edge technology and high-quality graphics aren't always necessary to create a great story. With an outstanding script and witty humor, this game stands out for its unique approach to drama, proving that content and storylines play a key role in creating a compelling narrative.

From GameOver.gr

This review examines the latest release, which has captured the attention of gamers and critics alike. The game offers a unique gameplay experience that combines a gripping story with innovative mechanics. The graphics are high-quality, creating an immersive atmosphere.

Particular attention is paid to the characters, each with their own unique story and motivation. This adds depth and makes the gameplay more engaging. The music and sound effects also play a significant role, heightening the emotional impact on the player.

Overall, the game received positive reviews for its originality and quality of execution. It is a shining example of how modern technology can enhance the gaming experience. We recommend checking it out for all video game fans looking to discover something new and interesting.

Omori

Omori is a game inspired by the classic JRPG EarthBound. Developer Omocat clearly expresses their love for the genre. In Omori, players control a group of children who move through the world in a "snake" formation and fight a variety of cartoonish monsters in turn-based combat. This game combines elements of nostalgia with a unique art style, making it appealing to JRPG fans. Omori offers a deep story and an atmospheric world that is easy to immerse yourself in, attracting both long-time fans and new players.

The humorous and naive tone of EarthBound contrasts sharply with the metaphorical, deeply sad, and at times frighteningly realistic style of Omori. Turn-based combat, quests, and non-linear gameplay elements serve as merely a backdrop for an exploratory narrative about anxiety, depression, and childhood cruelty. It's fascinating to see how RPG Maker's tools provide creators who aren't looking for complex game mechanics or realistic cutscenes with a platform for self-expression. This opens up opportunities for deep themes and emotional storytelling, allowing for unique player experiences.

Omori has received overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam, with 98% of its 22,000 ratings positive. On Metacritic, the game achieved a high score of 87. These figures testify to the high quality of the game and its positive reception by players. Omori attracts attention thanks to its unique atmosphere and deep storyline, which determines audience interest and positive reviews.

Omori's ending is permeated with brutal moments, but the characters and humor bring elements of warmth to the overall atmosphere of horror. The game masterfully combines dark themes with vivid and memorable characters, which creates a unique contrast. This interplay between the seriousness of the plot and the lightness of the humor makes Omori a memorable experience. Immersion in the game's world allows players to not only experience fear but also feel the support and warmth of the characters, heightening the emotional impact and making the ending especially impactful.

From the PC Gamer review

PC Gamer praises the new games, highlighting their innovative mechanics and engaging gameplay. Reviews emphasize the graphics, sound, and storyline, which immerse players in the game world. They also note that the developers pay attention to user feedback, which helps improve the quality of the product and increase interest in the games. It's important to note that PC Gamer recommends staying tuned for updates and additions that make the gaming experience even richer.

To the Moon

The tear-jerking game To the Moon initially had no ambitious goals. Kan Gao created it in his spare time between developing his role-playing projects in RPG Maker. Few could have imagined that this technically simple interactive adventure would ultimately bring the developer worldwide fame. To the Moon became a symbol of how a unique approach to storytelling and emotional depth can change the perception of video games.

The game's plot tells the story of doctors with the unique ability to fulfill their patients' dying wishes by creating artificial memories. The protagonist is an elderly man named Johnny, who dreams of traveling to the moon before his death. This story immerses players in a world of emotions and memories, exploring the themes of life, death, and wish fulfillment. Players will have to empathize with Johnny and watch as his dreams come true thanks to the doctors' unusual methods.

Kang Gao has always preferred simplicity in game development. Instead of complex engines, he used ready-made RPG Maker presets, focusing on creating a captivating story and deep character development. The developer claims that pixel art engages players' imaginations better than big-budget projects. This approach allows him to create unique game worlds that focus not only on visuals but also on the emotional component.

Storytelling is one of the few ways I communicate with others. It's not exactly a normal conversation, but a chance to express what I want to say. This is how I share my ideas and feelings, which are sometimes difficult to put into words. Ultimately, I found the perfect tool for creating interactive stories: RPG Maker XP. This software allows me not only to tell my stories but also to engage others in them, creating a unique interactive experience. RPG Maker XP offers a wide range of creative possibilities and helps convey deep thoughts and emotions to audiences.

Kang Gao is a talented writer and developer known for his game "To the Moon". This project has become a landmark in the world of indie games due to its unique storyline and deep emotional component. "To the Moon" tells a touching story about love, loss, and the desire to achieve dreams. The game combines elements of the role-playing genre and visual novel, which makes it appealing to a wide audience. Kang Gao's creative approach to storytelling and his ability to create memorable characters set him apart from other developers. Thanks to the success of "To the Moon", Kang Gao continues to develop his ideas, creating new projects that inspire players around the world.

To the Moon has received overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam, where 96% of the 40,000 reviews are positive. The success of the first game laid the foundation for an entire franchise. A new game in this series, titled Impostor Factory, is scheduled for release in late September 2021. Fans are looking forward to a continuation of the captivating story and unique gameplay that made To the Moon a cult indie title.

To the Moon is a game that instantly captivates. With its simple yet stylish design, engaging script, and touching story, To the Moon is more than just a video game, but a true literary work that leaves a mark on the heart. This game immerses players in an emotional journey they will never forget.

Gamer.no presents a review of the new game, which stands out for its unique gameplay and captivating storyline. The game offers players the opportunity to immerse themselves in a captivating world filled with intriguing characters and challenging objectives. The graphics are of a high standard, creating a realistic atmosphere and allowing you to enjoy every moment of the gameplay. The musical score and sound effects enhance the game's immersion, adding depth and emotional weight to the action.

Reviewers note that the game offers numerous opportunities to explore and interact with the environment, making each session unique. The combat system is well-thought-out and requires a strategic approach, adding an element of challenge. Overall, the game receives positive reviews for its originality, quality of execution, and ability to hold players' attention for extended periods.

Thus, the new game from Gamer.no not only satisfies the expectations of fans of the genre, but also sets new standards for future releases, combining a deep storyline, excellent graphics, and exciting gameplay.

Mad Father

RPG Maker is an excellent tool not only for developing role-playing games but also for creating indie horror games of varying quality. One of the most famous projects using this engine is Mad Father. In this game, the player takes on the role of the daughter of a mad scientist who conducts sadistic experiments on people in the basement of his estate. Mad Father attracts attention with its atmosphere, fascinating plot, and original gameplay, making it one of the most popular horror games created in RPG Maker.

The gameplay of this game offers players a unique immersion in the atmosphere of the mansion, where the main character explores its long corridors. Her goal is to avoid clashes with the living experiments of her father, as well as solve simple but exciting puzzles. The overhead camera creates interesting gameplay situations: players won't have to deal with sudden jump scares, as danger is clearly visible. This allows them to thoroughly examine the horrific aberrations of the "experiments" and prepare for the fight for survival. This approach to gameplay ensures tension and strategic planning, making the gameplay exciting and engaging.

Mad Father was one of the key projects that helped popularize RPG Maker as an engine for creating horror games. Released in 2012, it came at a time of increased interest in indie horror, which allowed it to make a significant impact on the genre. In 2020, the game was re-released on the Nintendo Switch platform, which allowed new players to get acquainted with its unique atmosphere and gripping storyline.

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Despite the simple pixel graphics, the high-quality sound design of Mad Father creates a strikingly eerie atmosphere. Sound effects and music heighten the tension and immerse the player in a world of horror. This unique combination of visual and auditory design makes Mad Father a memorable horror experience.

From Noisy Pixel's review

Noisy Pixel's game review highlights the project's uniqueness and striking features. The game offers captivating gameplay that combines a compelling storyline and engaging mechanics. The graphics are high-quality, creating an atmosphere that immerses the player in a world of adventure. The music and sound effects enhance immersion, making the gaming experience more intense.

Critics note that the game's characters are well-developed, and their stories add depth to the main plot. Interactive elements and choice make the game dynamic and encourage replayability. Furthermore, the developers' attention to detail makes each location unique and memorable.

Overall, Noisy Pixel's review emphasizes that this project is worth considering for both genre fans and new players. Innovative ideas and high-quality implementation can attract a wide audience and leave a positive impression of the product.

OneShot

This 2014 puzzle remake introduced the concept of metanarrative long before indie games like Undertale and Doki Doki Literature Club. Using RPG Maker, the developers were able to implement original ideas that emphasize the interaction between the player and the gameplay. This creates a unique experience that makes you think about the player's role and their impact on the story.

In OneShot, a character addresses the player by their computer username, using information from their account settings. The main character, Niko the kitten, functions like a Tamagotchi, meaning time does not stand still for him, even when the game is turned off. In the original version of OneShot, quests could not be interrupted without special save points. If the player minimized the game outside of a checkpoint, Niko died according to the story, and the game would not restart. This unique approach to gameplay creates a sense of responsibility and engagement, emphasizing the "one shot" concept.

RPG Maker is an excellent tool for mastering the basics of programming. Creating games without minimal programming skills can be a real challenge. I say this from personal experience, as I encounter this problem in practice.

Nightmargin is a project created by the author of OneShot, which offers a unique experience in the world of digital art and animation. This project stands out for its atmospheric graphics and a captivating storyline. Nightmargin immerses the viewer in a mysterious and mystical world, where every frame conveys deep emotions and creates a feeling of immersion in another world.

Using innovative technologies and an artistic approach, the author of OneShot creates a unique atmosphere that attracts attention and leaves a mark on the audience. Nightmargin is ideal for those who appreciate high-quality digital art and seek new forms of self-expression through visual narratives.

The project not only demonstrates the author's skill but also inspires other creators to create unique content. Nightmargin is not just an animation; it is an entire world waiting to be seen.

OneShot became part of the wave of postmodern games sparked by the success of Undertale. This game regularly appears on various "hidden masterpiece" lists. On the Metacritic platform, it received a score of 80, confirming its high rating among players and critics. OneShot stands out for its unique approach to user interaction and deep atmosphere, making it attractive to lovers of unconventional gaming solutions.

OneShot is an exciting game that provokes thought and offers players a unique immersive experience. Its innovative approach to gameplay and original storyline set it apart from other projects. Every element of the game is designed to evoke deep emotions in players and make them rethink their own actions. OneShot is not only captivating but also leaves a lasting impression, making it a must-have for those who appreciate high-quality and innovative games.

From a review by Games Master UK magazine.

As you can see from this overview of games, RPG Maker is a unique tool that allows you to realize almost any idea without the need for deep technical knowledge. If you want to create your own version of Final Fantasy, this is entirely possible. If you are inspired by pixel interpretations of your favorite horror games in the spirit of Amnesia and Silent Hill, you can bring your ideas to life. Do you see the video game format as just a means to tell a story? Now you have the opportunity to share your vision and realize it with RPG Maker. This tool opens up limitless possibilities for creative people who strive to create unique game worlds.

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