Review: RPG Maker VGX Ace

RPG Maker VX Ace improves every aspect of RPG creation, making it not only the latest, but also the greatest engine in the RPG Maker Series.

Pros:

• Clear, Easy to navigate User Interface.
• Steam Workshop integration to allow you to get more mods and packs added to your game.
• Steam Integration includes cloud saving and trading cards.
• Tools are very simple to find and activate but are so powerful, It will shock you at times.
• Tutorials are all over the place, The website also has a PDF guide/tutorial to help you get started on your first project.
• Using the tools and adding them to a project is as simple as drag and drop. A few may require a few simple double clicks but overall its really easy.
• Huge Ccharacter creation tool that even standard, Has a lot of options and customisable skins/colours.
• Create your own tile sets and characters and import them into the game.
• Loads of preset scenarios/text/tilesets etc so you can easily set up a standard game to learn the basics.
• Extensive knowledge base available.
• Easily export game files into an exe file.
• Great support from the devs.
• Huge selection of DLC can be purchased through the Steam store.
• Code veterans are covered and can easily tweak with the game code to get more out of it.
• Uses Ruby SL which is a powerful tool and doesnt require as much homework as other languages.
• Demo available on the official page and is a good way to try before you buy.

Cons: 

• It is a lot to take in for any owner. Its not surprising but be prepared.
• Cannot easily export to Android/iOS devices without a 3rd party program.
• Not really the software to buy to make money from games, More of a hobby software.
• Expensive for what you get and the work you need to add in order to get anything from it.
• No demo available on Steam.
• Will ruin your social life.

In Summary, It is a hard piece of software to review for the simple fact, Its so big. The game does have loads going for it such as the ease of dragging a game together. It caters for new coders and old coders a like. The WYSIWYG interface on the map will have you creating game worlds in minutes, The preset missions and text will give life to your game whilst the character creation will see you knocking up things in no time. The one problem is no matter how easy it is to start a project, Just basic simple little things you want to add may take hours of research to find a solution or learn how to add it in. YouTube is a better resource if your more of a visual learner, But if you prefer to read then you will have loads of resources. If you can get the game for cheaper and are willing to put the time in, You can get a lot of fun from the game. For those on the fence I recommend giving the demo a whirl.