RPG Maker VX Ace Compendium

[+ Esrever 30]

 

 

 

The editor looks much like the one we've come to know and love. You will notice some differences, but for a veteran user you'll find your way around quite easily. One of the most sought after features in VX was to have the ability to use more than one tileset. In RPG Maker VX Ace, you can do just that. You can use a different tileset for every map in your game, as well as set passage attributes and mix/match different tileset parts to create your own tilesets. Another big feature is the ability to modify damage formulas for skills and offensive items. You can do this directly in the database when modifying item and skill listings. Lastly, items may hold things like an "on use effect" or give the target a special "trait", and these things may also be modified directly in the database.

 

Concerning the modification of damage formulas, you may modify existing formulas using the built in objects, and you may also use variables. The introduction of this information was made in an article posted on the Tkool blog.

 

Another new event command was announce recently. It is called "Item Selection Processing" and allows you to automatically bring up the item select screen inside an event. Additionally, you may set a variable for an item's ID number to automatically highlight a certain item on the item selection screen if the player has it in their inventory. You may read more about it in this article from the Tkool blog. Pictures of it in use will be in the Game Player section.

 

Map Editor:

 

Event Editor:

 

Database:

 

Damage Formula Calculation:

 

Item/Skill Modification:

Games made with RPG Maker VX will include some new features by default compared to those made with RPG Maker VX. Starting with combat, you will notice a third gauge has been added, titled "TP". This is meant to be used alongside a finisher system in which you can create skills which will use up TP rather than MP. Think of it as something similar to a limit break from Final Fantasy VII. Although, it has been stated that you will be able to have some ability to customize how TP works. Also, you'll have access to create your own combat commands. For example, "Protect" and "Provoke".

 

For things unrelated to combat, you'll find that the default resolution is 544x416. This is the same as games made with RPG Maker VX. Aside from that, there is a built in caterpillar-like functionality as well as map names being able to display as an overlay. The maximum party size of 4 has been removed. You'e now able to have an almost limitless number of party members. However, only the first four characters will be counted to be displayed in single file on maps and for purposes in-game (e.g. combat). The remaining members are counted as reserves and will be able to be switched around out of battle.

 

There are two more things to note. The caterpillar system may be turned on/off from within the database, as well as by use of event commands. Also, when pulling up the menu, after member 4, party members will be displayed with a translucent image. The introduction of this information was made in an article posted on the Tkool blog.

 

Battle Screens:

 

Map Screens:

 

Example of the Caterpillar System On/Off:

 

Menu Screen:

 

In-Game Images of the "Item Selection Processing" Command:

 

 

With the release of RPG Maker VX Ace comes RGSS3. RGSS3 stands for Ruby Game Scripting System 3, and is based off of a language called Ruby. It's still early to tell exactly what separates RGSS3 from past iterations (RGSS and RGSS2), but we do know that it holds improvements like quicker processing speeds and that it is supposed to make the lives of our scripters a bit simpler.

 

Script Editor:

 

While RPG Maker VX Ace may not hold compatibility with data from RPG Maker VX, it does support the same graphic and audio formats used by it. This means that any resources you may have used in the past with VX should work just fine with VX Ace. If you're interested in material specifications, you should check out this page. It is meant for VX, but at this point in time it is the best resource around for that type of information, and should give you a good idea on what to expect for Ace.

 

Some things to note that are new with RPG Maker VX Ace are the included Character Generator, Sample Maps, OGG Theora video playback, and battle backgrounds. Of course, there will be a new base RTP as usual. The character generator will help you to create original face and walking graphics by having you simply select different specifications for your character. While doing so, it pulls pre-made graphic parts together to form your character. This is great for those who aren't the most artistic. Additionally, you can do something similar with battle backgrounds. You can take a bottom half and a top half to piece together an entirely new background.

 

Character Generator:

 

Sample Maps:

 

Battle Backgrounds:

 

System Requirements

• OS: Microsoft Windows XP / Vista / 7 (32bit or 64bit)
  
• CPU: Intel Pentium4 2.0GHz or Better
  
• Memory: 512MB or More
  
• Display: Resolution of 1024x768 or More
  
• HDD Space: 400MB or More
  
• Disk Drive: CD-ROM or Supporting Devices
  

*It is necessary for your hardware to support DirectX (any version of DirectX succeeding or equal to what is pre-installed on Windows XP).

*The specifications to play a game comfortably may vary depending on the contents of that work.

 

*When performing network authentication, an internet connection is required.

 

Operation on a system with specifications less than those listed above cannot be guaranteed.

 

Once my copy arrives, I'll update this with scans and photos.

Until then, here is the cover art which has been released digitally.

 

 

 

 

The price for the Japanese version is set at ¥13,440 [National Tax Included]. At most stores online though, you will currently find it at a discount of 10% of more. As for an English release, no price has been released by Degica yet. I do believe that it will be somewhere in the $60-100 USD range though. I've also uncovered some news via social networking sites that they have plans to possibly offer discounts to current VX users and maybe even give away a few copies for promotion. Proof follows.

 

Facebook:

 

Twitter:

 

 

 

 

 

English:

RPGMakerVXAce.com - For updates on Ace and this community.

RPG Maker VX Ace Product Page (English) - Fan translation by Esrever.

- Voice dub released by RPGMakerWeb.

RPGMakerWeb - Website run by Degica, the official publisher for English RPG Maker releases.

Yanfly's Blog - Has timely articles expressing thoughts and information on RPG Maker Ace.

 

Japanese:

RPG Maker VX Ace Product Page - Official product page from Enterbrain.

- Official promotional video from Enterbrain.

ebten Link - The page for Ace on ebten, Enterbrain's online store.

Amazon.co.jp Link - The page for Ace on amazon.co.jp.

 

Changelog:

2011.11.14 - Initial post made including all available information at the time of posting.

2011.11.16 - Added another image from twitter under the price section. Gives details about contests for free copies of software from RPGMakerWeb.

2011.11.21 - Added information and images that were brought up in the Tkool blog. Added a link to Yanfly's blog. See Editor, Game Player, and Links.

2011.11.24 - Added some information on the "Item Selection Processing" command that was introduced in the Tkool blog today.

[Kaptain J 36]

Free copies on Twitter? Guess I should start following @RPGmakerweb then.

[JoRu 0]

Sounds good. 544x416 is a shame though, I'd hoped it'd support 640x480 by default. Oh, and let's hope most of the VX RGSS2-scripts are fully compatible with RGSS3.

[Holder 333]

In a way I hope the script systems aren't fully compatible, so many variations of XP scripts were made for VX in the first few months, so it'll be interesting to see if that happens again.

Twitter / Facebook / RMVX - Three things I do not have, looks like I'm in the shadows

 

I must say Esrever, you've done a great job with this topic. Clear cut information, just what I needed.

[Nathanial 105]

It's cool they are offering discounts to current VX users. It might show who has actually bought VX as well :x

[Rafael Sol Maker 22]

Hello there, guys! New meat on the place... From Brazil, this time. Hmm. Let's comment a bit this showcase.

 

Discounts would be more than appreciated. But I don't see any advantage on purchasing "normal" VX anymore, right now.

Let's see who was the courageous one year ago or so...

 

It's only a improved VX, doesn't values the money spent on it. The mapping system finally became decent again, though. But I'm really going forward into the RGSS2 > 3 compatibility question.

 

See ya!

Edited November 15, 2011 by Rafael Sol Maker

[EBelle 12]

Oooh, character generator. This excites artistically inept people like me

 

I'm a bit nervous about the price, but so long as it stays around $60 I won't have a problem with it. Not to mention I have VX, so I am really hoping they do a 50% discount! It's too bad I don't use twitter.

[MysteryMan23 2]

Thanks Esrever.

 

However, I'm not 100% certain you're limited to just eight party members at one time. The main website doesn't really explicitly say how many members you can have other than "more than five". I'm Google Translating the part where it describes the new party system, and I can't find any real implication that you're limited to just 8. (Heck, just removing the word that translates to "however" changes the entire structure of the translated sentence!)

 

Just wanted to let you know.

[+ Esrever 30]

@MysteryMan23 - When Enterbrain first posted the product page, it did in fact say 8. Later that night they made a change to it to say "more than 5". I've left it as it was originally for the time being. I still have the original files backed up and have confirmed that it had said 8 initially upon being posted. As to what was actually meant I suppose remains to be seen for sure, but until there is concrete evidence of support for more than 8, I felt I could leave it as is.

 

Original:

â—隊列歩行表示ãŒã§ãるよã†ã«ãªã‚Šã¾ã—ãŸã€‚ã¾ãŸã€ï¼˜äººã¾ã§ã®ãƒ‘ーティーãŒçµ„ã‚るよã†ã«ãªã‚Šã¾ã—ãŸã€‚※ãŸã ã—ã€å¾Œè¡›ï¼”人ã¯æŽ§ãˆãƒ¡ãƒ³ãƒãƒ¼ã¨ãªã‚Šã€ãƒžãƒƒãƒ—上ã§ã®éšŠåˆ—や戦闘ã«ã¯å‚加ã—ã¾ã›ã‚“。

 

Modified:

â—隊列歩行表示ãŒã§ãるよã†ã«ãªã‚Šã¾ã—ãŸã€‚ã¾ãŸã€ï¼•äººä»¥ä¸Šã®ãƒ‘ーティーãŒçµ„ã‚るよã†ã«ãªã‚Šã¾ã—ãŸã€‚※ãŸã ã—ã€å…ˆé ­ï¼”人以外ã¯æŽ§ãˆãƒ¡ãƒ³ãƒãƒ¼ã¨ãªã‚Šã€ãƒžãƒƒãƒ—上ã§ã®éšŠåˆ—や戦闘ã«ã¯å‚加ã—ã¾ã›ã‚“。

[MysteryMan23 2]

Huh. That's...odd.

 

Guess we'll have to wait for more information on that, then. I wonder if anyone in Japan noticed the change, though.

[+ Esrever 30]

If I noticed it as a non-native speaker, I'm sure someone over there noticed it as well. In fact these google search results confirm it.

[MysteryMan23 2]

Hmmm...yeah, you're right. Even as a non-native speaker, the change of 8 to a 5 would be rather hard to ignore. And I can't imagine a native speaker wouldn't notice such a significant change in the text.

 

Still, what does it mean...? I guess we'll know soon enough!

Edited November 15, 2011 by MysteryMan23

[+ ZeroManArmy 0]

Well for now I hope I can get it. I'm glad I won't have to use SwapXT anymore.

 

Also anyone notice the event box around this four tile castle?

 

Edited November 15, 2011 by ZeroManArmy

[Rafael Sol Maker 22]

Well for now I hope I can get it. I'm glad I won't have to use SwapXT anymore.

 

Also anyone notice the event box around this four tile castle?

 

Yanfly noticed. In his blog, he said thai it could indicate multi-area events. Check it out in this [link].

I wonder how a feature like this will work, but would be interesting for teleport areas.

[Ahmad 6]

Really cool you put these together Esrever.. cheers man! Well organized.

[amerk 1,122]

Hello there, guys! New meat on the place... From Brazil, this time. Hmm. Let's comment a bit this showcase.

 

Discounts would be more than appreciated. But I don't see any advantage on purchasing "normal" VX anymore, right now.

Let's see who was the courageous one year ago or so...

 

It's only a improved VX, doesn't values the money spent on it. The mapping system finally became decent again, though. But I'm really going forward into the RGSS2 > 3 compatibility question.

 

See ya!

 

It depends. If it stays above the $100 mark, then no, but chances are the price will come down. $60 to $100 is definitely worth the value based upon what we've been told, but playing and testing it to see if it holds up to the hype is another thing. From what I've gathered, they have really added in a lot of features, so I'm hoping it does.

 

What it will boil down to, I think, is that this will cater to those who don't have VX currently or, like me, those who want the features convenient at their fingertips (ie., unlimited tiles with having to use SwapXT, sprite/faceset generator without having to find another program or create them yourself).

 

Others who are a pro with VX may be hard-pressed to spend the money though.

Edited November 16, 2011 by amerk

[Rafael Sol Maker 22]

It depends. If it stays above the $100 mark, then no, but chances are the price will come down. $60 to $100 is definitely worth the value based upon what we've been told, but playing and testing it to see if it holds up to the hype is another thing. From what I've gathered, they have really added in a lot of features, so I'm hoping it does.

 

What it will boil down to, I think, is that this will cater to those who don't have VX currently or, like me, those who want the features convenient at their fingertips (ie., unlimited tiles with having to use SwapXT, sprite/faceset generator without having to find another program or create them yourself).

 

Others who are a pro with VX may be hard-pressed to spend the money though.

I think that it doesn't worth, at least in my country. Not everyone here have the money to spent on it.

 

Well. The only good fact is who bought the VX normal version will receive a discount. It's very good, no need to pay all this money again, and I fell "less mistaken" about Enterbrain products. Repay the product only for adding things like "sample maps" or "famitsu char generator", or another unneeded "convenient" feature simply doesn't enters on my brain.

 

For first time buyers and novices I personally don't recommend. But I assure the product quality, the software is very good, and the resources are amazing. Isn't a professional tool or a free engine, but I really like it. Maybe I'll buy it. MAYBE.

Edited November 16, 2011 by Rafael Sol Maker

[amerk 1,122]

Well for now I hope I can get it. I'm glad I won't have to use SwapXT anymore.

 

Also anyone notice the event box around this four tile castle?

 

 

So I've been thinking about this myself, and one very possible option could be the ability to copy multiple events all at once, which would actually be a fairly nice feature for some areas that use the same (or similar) events.

[Knightmare 170]

I could be wrong (hopefully) but I think that the "event box" around the castle is just part of the graphic, probably walls around the castle-town.

[Rafael Sol Maker 22]

I could be wrong (hopefully) but I think that the "event box" around the castle is just part of the graphic, probably walls around the castle-town.

Yeah, yeah. It's the most probable. But some famous guys are speculation about this around. I'm pretty unsure and prefer to don't think anything yet.

[FranklinX 78]

How many tile sets can we import? I hope this isn't a limit.

[+ Esrever 30]

Updated. Mostly to reflect upon what we've learned from the Tkool blog so far.

[BlackMuffin 1]

60-100 dollars? I'd prefer it stay at 60$ just like VX. T_T

[+ Esrever 30]

@BlackMuffin: That price is mere speculation. I can't accurately say what the English release's price will be as Degica has yet to confirm it themselves. It may indeed stay at $60. It may be more. It may be less. There's no real way of telling at this point. In any case, remember that they're looking at giving out discounts to customers who already have bought VX.

[ze1 6]

Hmmm... I don't know why but those battle backgrounds called my attention. They are really pretty.