RPG Maker XP/Features

Unlike its predecessors, the RPG Maker XP game engine can be significantly modified using scripts. RPG Maker XP features an easy-to-learn RGSS script editor, while some old features have been removed such as the side-view combat system and the ability to save up to 15 save files. Most of the old features can be recreated by modifying the scripts included in the game. Furthermore, they can be completely overhauled in different formats for new gaming experiences, such as: creating a platform game, an action RPG with real-time battles or using the mechanics of the Pokémon series (similarly as seen in Pokémon Essentials).

The combat systems used in RPG Maker XP (with every possible customization set by the user via scripts and plugins) can be oriented towards the use of Active Time Battle (ATB) or the Custom Battle System (CBS). ATB is a combat system managed mainly by time and each character will only be able to attack when their turn comes and in the order established by the Agility statistic; with this combat method a notable strategy is given to the entire game, where the player's skill lies in knowing how to manage the characters' moves based on the order of action of the characters themselves and of all the other characters against the enemies. In each turn, only one action can be performed per character, except for special abilities created by the user. Note that this combat system is typical of classic Final Fantasy RPGs. The CBS, on the other hand, is generally based on the agility statistics of the characters and enemies, there is no turn with moves to be made in a given order, but there is a time bar where the characters and enemies "book" their moment of action; therefore, the faster a character/enemy is, the more moves he can perform in succession. In this case the strategy disappears to make room for pure farming (in the context of video games it corresponds to the training of characters in order to make them progress in level to unlock skills and statistical points) of the player. A direct example of this battle mechanic can be found in alternative RPGs such as Grandia.

As regards the graphic part of the battles, RPG Maker XP is based on the Side Battle System (SBS), i.e., the classic side view battle system typical of Final Fantasy. The side battle systems use the same sprites used on the map as fighters (for both enemies and player characters), but with a different graphics setting, adapted for side viewing. Most of the scripts used enable characters to move around the screen during battle and some scripts also incorporate magical effects or allow you to view the weapons that characters are using during a battle. From this perspective, the best-known scripts are those developed by RPG Maker veterans Enu and Victor Sant.

Circuit breakers (present and widely used in later versions of RPG Maker) are introduced for the first time, allowing events to have four local switches specific to them, so that global switches do not have to be used and thus wasted for a minor event (e.g., treasure chests).

RPG Maker XP is one of the first to have four levels for map development:

1. the first level is used for land, meadows, rivers, etc.
2. the second level for elements placed at the character level, such as trees, tables, crates, etc.
3. the third level for details such as ornaments and small things that must be positioned above the elements of the second levels
4. the fourth level serves as a utility for managing events, making them visible on the map after having created them.

RPG Maker XP presents an event marked with the letter "S" in the center of the first map, this event represents the point at which the game begins or the starting point of the adventure which can be preceded by an automatic event set for the introductory feature.

RPG Maker XP has wider graphics limits, the maximum size of each graphic is 640x480, allowing the use of the most common file types to support new image formats such as JPG, unlike RPG Maker 2000 and RPG Maker 2003 which had a tighter limit. Furthermore, it no longer has a limit of 256 colors, but rather 16 million colors. Tile sets can be made with a gigantic and enriched number of new tiles (32x32) for use when creating maps. Additionally, the maps are built using a three-tier system, allowing any tiles to be stacked on top of each other for more convenient game design management.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://www.rpgmakerweb.com/products/rpg-maker-xp
2. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final\_Fantasy
3. ↑ https://save-point.org/thread -2136.html
4. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/RPGMaker/comments/f5kw6o/custom\_atb\_battle\_system\_with\_just\_pictures\_and/
5. ↑ https://rpgmaker.net/scripts/rmxp/ battlesystems/
6. ↑ https://gdu.one/ code/
7. ↑ https://gdu.one/scripts/ rpg-maker-xp/gtbs-gubid-s-tactical-battle-system/
8. ↑ https://thestoryteller01.wordpress.com/rpg-maker-xp/enu-side-battle-system-tankentai-xp/