Good gravy...where do I start?

[ReverendWolf]

I picked up RPGM3 a few months ago. After some basic tinkering and such, once I felt I had a working understanding of the system, I started work on a full-fledged game. I quickly became frustrated with the system, as the limitations became over apparent. Everything I wanted to do in that game required much more memory and space than it needed to, as I had to design overly complex work-arounds for simple things...like tracking Money.

Well, after some searching and patience, I've scored a copy of RPGM2, and all I have to say is...what have I done?

I'm so overwhelmed by the structure of this tool, I'm having trouble finding a foothold and getting my bearings.

So, where do I start? Trying to take in maps and scripts and traits and indirect effects and direct effects and VFX and flags and classes and such is just blowing me away!

[Rodak]

Re: Good gravy...where do I start?

So, where do I start? Trying to take in maps and scripts and traits and indirect effects and direct effects and VFX and flags and classes and such is just blowing me away!

Begin at the beginning!

If you can find Prima's Strategy Guide, it has a great introductory "Make an adventure in an afternoon" section. But that guide is mostly useful for all the pretty pictures!

I hear there's an "e" copy floating around.

If you check the banner link in my signature - my VFX Editor Guide has a nice (if I do say so myself!) tutorial on how to make a fully functional door, written for the Very Beginner! It was put there so folks would be able to have all the basic skills needed to use the (STILL Unfinished!) Guide.

The whole thing is written for the novice, with full explanations of how to do everything down to tiny details (but it builds on itself, so don't skip around without being prepared to backtrack if needed!).

I'd suggest starting by making a "test run" adventure.

Make up a stupid plot and create a quick cast.

Then use all pre set data to learn from.

Just copy, paste, and modify things to create new items, spells, enemies, or whatevers.

Trying to do that from scratch is where most folks get frustrated.

Dungeon Warden and RPG Learner produced the best reference out there for this game - The Advanced FAQ.

It's here: http://www.rpgmpavilion.com/index.php?page=rm2tutorial

The Final Rune made a great Map Editor Guide, available on that page too!

The best thing to do is just make something.

Anything.

You learn by doing. Keep modifying stuff, and ask questions here as needed.

Taking it slow and steady is the hardest part. There is so much to do (as you noticed!) that it is easy to get lost, frustrated, and give up.

Keep it simple at first, and build on it slowly, and you will be a Master soon enough!

I look forward to seeing what you do with it.

I hope that helped...

Peace

[11Evil Chipmunk]

Re: Good gravy...where do I start?

Start at the fields.

[Rodak]

Re: Good gravy...where do I start?

Start at the fields.

Don't do that.

Start with pre-set maps (they're only called "fields" in 3) and buildings, etc.

You want to learn how to make things WORK before you worry about making them look how you want.

I would imagine.

Basic color and texture changes, or otherwise modifying the pre-set data is Always the way to go until you get the idea of how things work.

To get a game with maximum customization options, and the most pre-set data, Start making it on "Easy" then change the mode to "Hard" in the Preferences menu.

Keeping a game on easy limits what can be customized and starting on hard wipes out the pre-set data to give more memory!

Feel free to ask for help if needed.

[ErikaFuzzbottom]

Re: Good gravy...where do I start?

I hope you have the instruction manual. A lot of commands when making maps requires the use of button combinations, and you'll want the list in the manual to read what does what when. If you don't have the manual, get the guide, because it has these as well.

And as mentioned, don't really "make" anything just yet. Just fiddle around with the stuff in the game and finds out what happens when you use one option with another, or change certain things around.

It will take a while to learn how to work RPGM2 properly. But it's worth it in the end.

[Mikemc]

Re: Good gravy...where do I start?

Find yourself a copy of Prima's Strategy Guide (EB Games) and as you go through it, make your own notes to use in the future. They will really help!

- Mike