The Dink Network

Enterbrain released their trial for the next version of RPGMaker, called RPGMaker VX Ace.

You can read some information about what is new here.

And you can download the trial here.

Since the trial is in Japanese (for now), you can also apply this translation patch that translates a lot of stuff (though not item/skill names).

I'm gonna be messing with it a lot Not trying to steal Dinkers away or anything, but it's a nice alternative if you want to make more traditional JRPGs^^

Whenever I see people talking about RPG Maker, I think, "Isn't the English version illegal?" But Wikipedia told me there are official English releases of at least some of the versions. Looks like there's already a fan translation of this latest version. I hope Enterbrain hurries up with the real one.

I actually worked on a 'traditional RPG' version of Dink Smallwood using RPG Maker XP. I'm not making it anymore, but just for fun, could I distribute the game folder here in the Misc section?
I like RPG Maker. A lot.

Yeah I like it a lot too, it's extremely versatile and I like the art. I also love how you can just use the tools you got and make something good, or put in some extra scripting effort and make it amazing

There's always been legal versions since XP and VX Ace requires server authentication to use so no more illegal versions I think.
I'd love to see your Dink Smallwood conversion DD

Barely any new features, and they look they could be implemented with a script for VX is I really wanted to.

Not worth it. I'll stick with VX.

True, much of this is scriptable in VX, but we're looking at time saving features here, plus a reduced dependance on compatible coding.

The scripting engine is also 2 times faster due to the Ruby upgrade, but unfortunately the graphics engine speed took a hit :/

One feature that's very welcome though is the addition of a toggle for autoshadows on tiles. I mean, didn't that REALLY disturb you too?

I've only dabbled with RPGMaker, but it seemed really good.

A newer version would be nice.

I'm glad they use Ruby for scripting. It seems like a nifty language.

I made a version of my dmod-in-progress Bounty Hunter in Rpgmaker VX some time before I had the thought of turning it into a dmod. I'm not sure which one I'm going to finish making first, they are both done to about the same point now...

Ace seems to have loads of good features that were missing from VX, so I'm definetely going to try it out when it's available in english.

There will be a day zero translation for the Japanese version by Rsreves I'm sure. You'll still have to buy the Japanese version though, because it now requirs server authentication to run, so cracks won't work probably.

I've done some more toying around and it's really, really good compared to VX Ace. The only gripe I have is that there's some noticeable scrolling lag while moving on a large map screen... I'm sure scripters will be able to finish that when it's released though

Something that my computer won't spit back at me? I might just try it thanks Kyle.

I prefer RPGMaker to DinkEdit
DinkC is quite unflexible ... It's hard to get creative with it. And Ruby alllows for more ideas. It also does everything for you instead of making you write the scripts, unless you want to mess with it

Personally I think if you use enough time and patience, you can get WAY more creative with DinkEdit than with most game builders out there.

If you use the same amount of time and patience, you can get even more creative with Ruby, because Ruby is a consistent and full-featured programming language, unlike DinkC.

Iz cool.

There is not a chance in hell DinkEdit or DinkC allows for the same freedom and creativity that RPMaker VX Ace does. Sure, if you stick to only the core of what it has by default, you won't be making very different games than the sample games included, but it can be altered in so many ways that it can be used to create a whole new game type if you so desire.

For me, I want to create an old school RPG and that's what it will allow me to do

So what Skull said might technically be right, since Ace might be better than most game builders.

It just does things differently. Most game builders require great technical knowledge and programming, RPGMaker doesn't. Even for Dink you need to learn a programming language.