JPDE
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JPDE2 Needs A New Engine
🕑 Added 2021-07-31 14:42:25 +0000 UTC[This is the same conversation that happened on the Community Discord but I thought I'd post on here as well for full transparency and posterity.]
Okay guys, serious talk time. This concerns JPDE2.
I need your feedback because there's already been too much of your money and time sunk into this hole and I've hit another wall at the bottom.
So, you may remember how Lightboom moved to Russia. Due to his new job and the time investment it requires, he is no longer able to work on the game. This is, of course, not a problem. He's doing better things, he got a job in the industry he loves and I wish him the best of luck in everything.
What I didn't foresee was, similarly to when I tried to find a 3D artist for the character models, just how difficult it would be to find a replacement. Both in terms of raw skill and willingness, I had hit the motherload with him. It's not just a matter of money, there's simply a lack of people wanting to work on an Unity RWBY Fan game.
So, the alternatives presented were: 1) learning to code myself; 2) find an engine that doesn't require that much coding.
Try at Number 1: tried it, it's sadly a time sink investment that would take months if not years to reach a serviceable level and until then, what happens with JPDE2? To reach the level of confidence I have with Ren'py right now it took me 4 years and I still don't have full mastery of Python.
Try at Number 2: this is where it gets interesting... I've looked for alternatives and there's one that I really liked, called Smile Game Builder. It's pretty much a 3D version of RPG maker, which allows you to make games like Bravely Default (hence those enigmatic song posts in the JPDE2 Updates Channel).
Problem is that SGB is, I've discovered, pretty much abandonware at this point. They're going to stop support for Unity porting within the next year and updates to the software have already slowed down to a crawl despite the software having some pretty dumb limitations, like not being able to have more than 6 elements and 4 pre-coded status effects, for example.
So, with that also gone, I only see one last way to make the game I want JPDE2 to be. Not just a visual novel, but a complete JRPG because the story of JPDE2 can't be told in a pure visual novel. Only one engine, one software which I already have, has an enormous community of modders behind it and constant support...
So. Thoughts?
- Meinos Kaen
Comments
traducer
Honestly with how JPDE changed over time, RPG Maker probably would be a better fit than Ren'py for the current game. If the sequel is more or less going to be along the same lines I'd say go for it. the trigger system in RPG maker is relatively simple and lets you do some rather complex things with layered triggers, and it has a lot of flexibility with the combat system and stat systems. It would take some research but some people have made affinity systems, armor/outfits that change character sprites, day cycles, and the system is beginner friendly overall. Even I with no programing experience was able to pick up enough to throw together some simple maps and test out some custom skills.
logan
Please do this for YouTube
Well I love classic style combat games like Final Fantasy 1 so im for RPG maker xD
ResurrectedWriter
I see RPG maker as a time sink itself. It’s not bad, but does have a problem appealing. I don’t have a problem with it personally, but it will turn people off of the game. So that’s really up to you. I think it will work, but the final product is up to you.
Go for it
Joe Thelizard
While I don't particularly like rpgmaker games in general I have played several outstanding games made using it so I'd definitely be willing to see jpde 2 in rpmmaker format. (I'm really looking forward to better combat)
Abagofbabies
Never been a huge fan of rpg maker they always have a habit of becoming a grind fest especially since I want jpde 2 to be story focused like 1 and it's also not great when it comes to h-scenes, im also not very big on rpg makers controls, but considering how well made the first one was im willing to give it a chance and I'll hope for the best
Meinos Kaen
Sadly, that's not an option. JPDE2 needs a combat system, and it can't be the basic broken one from the original.
Vongola Ninja
Also if I'm not being rude would you mind showing like small previews of what you'd be doing like the stats set up and location's and such?
Vongola Ninja
As long as you provide the same amount of dedication to it as you have JPDE then I see no reason not to go down this route, Unless you find someone in the Patreon who'd volunteer there own skill, But otherwise go for it, The only thing I ask is that you make the Sprites even more Awesome! That and keep the multi-relationship train going, Not just Evelyn and Penny but all the Relationships you make in JPDE!.....Please?
Jesster Gold
Personally I can't stand RPG Maker type games. If I wanted to play those I would pull my NES out and play Legend of Zelda. You do what you have to do of course. I personally wouldn't mind a game without the combat system if that would make things easier to build.
tommydninja
I would say go ahead. You gave it a try and it isn't panning out. Make the game that you can.
