Dabbling with 2D RPG Creation

This week, I attempted to learn a few things about trying to develop a 2D RPG. I tried a few programs, and I have attempted some tutorials as well to understand the basics. In particular, I looked at how to use spritesheets to add characters and scenery to the game map.

I started with RPG Maker VX Ace Lite because I had heard of RPG Maker being a useful tool for developing 2D RPG's in an intuitive and comprehensive way. I was pleased with the potential I saw, but found that the free version of the tool had limited functionality (for example, only allowing for 20 maps for any one particular project). The full version of this tool runs at $69.99, a cost that I found too inhibitive to continue, especially regarding the fact that there is another program that I know can be used for free.

Another software, that one might not expect to be the first choice to handle 2D RPG's, is Unity. In addition to being less restrictive in the amount of content allowed, there is also more room for customization. To begin to understand all of the options available to me, I searched for some tutorials and discovered a promising series on the YouTube channel gamesforjames. I found the first video easy to follow and informative, and I hope subsequent videos will be even more useful for learning everything I need to know.

I will conclude by sharing a resource of graphical assets for use in creating scenery for a game. I found a comprehensive, license-free spritesheet from Kenney called the Roguelike/RPG Pack. This sheet provides colorful scenery useful for any kind of project with pixel art. There are also expansions for indoor areas and dungeons on his website.

That's all for now. I'll provide further updates on my endeavors in the weeks to come. Thank you for reading.


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