Pixel Game Maker MV seeks to build off of the RPG Maker tools and community, while offering a more shooter-focused game engine that RPG Maker users will be familiar with. Players will still have to commit to learning; the user interface is similar to that of its sister series, but enough is different that they will still want to go over the tutorials and documentation, as well as involve themselves in user-based communities. These aren’t problems for an established series like RPG Maker, but could be bumps in the road for a new entry like Pixel Game Maker MV.
The engine itself consists of placing objects—these include pretty much everything that will be able to move—and adjusting the player character and the “bullet” projectile system. Pixel Game Maker gives the option of making a top-down or side-scrolling game, and while both choices may not be as robust as RPG Maker MV alone, the ability to do either proves Pixel Game Maker MV is a powerful engine in its own right. This is definitely a solid option for indie developers looking to make simpler games with little to no coding.
The biggest setbacks are that it lacks the community RPG Maker has had over a decade to amass, and certain options and settings are oddly untranslated from their native Japanese. Luckily, bug reporting is simple via an overlay, and Kadokawa seems serious about backing this engine. Whether it reaches the same heights as RPG Maker only time will tell, but should it fail to pick up as much steam, it won’t be through any fault of its own.
While the learning curve is present, it’s little compared to the daunting feeling that often comes with opening a book on a new coding language or popping open a new project in a more full-featured game engine for the first time. Players will need graphics to use, but those who can’t provide them themselves (or who don’t want to use built-in assets) can usually find a plethora of free-to-use material provided by awesome members of the community. The same can be said for technical help and assistance, but while RPG Maker has had years to build up those communities, Pixel Game Maker MV is a little bit more sparse, though the crossover between the two series makes some things easier.
All of these issues are ones that are likely to iron themselves out over time as the game is brought to a state closer to that of RPG Maker, but what will likely become the biggest issue stopping Pixel Game Maker MV from being a household name in game development are the licensing restrictions that arise with using these engines. Deployment on PC is often free and effortless, but getting these games onto consoles seems to depend on the publisher, so those with dreams of making games for Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo aren’t as likely to realise them here.
