Have you ever wanted to create your own games but lacked programming skills? Well, now you can use (yet another) downloadable tool that will make it possible. Pixel Game Maker MV is the latest title in the Maker franchise (check out the flagship RPG Maker series and other stuff like Visual Novel Maker). It was released on PC on the 24th July 2018.
It has been developed by Kadokawa Corporation, the same team behind the RPG Maker games, and it means that the developer certainly knows how to create game creation tools. With Pixel Game Maker MV, the tool is designed to create a user’s own personal video games, without the need to know how to code.
How to Download Pixel Game Maker MV
If you want to get hold of this game development tool, proceed to Steam by clicking the Download button at the end of the review. You might also want to visit the developer’s site to check out the trial version of their other handy makers.
Sadly, as of the time of writing, there is no downloadable trial of Pixel Maker MV.
The Program Review
With the game being more of a creation tool, it lacks any sort of story element, but it does allow you to add in your own story as you see fit. The story you create can be as simple or complex as you desire. Basically, it’s all up to you to use the tools at your disposal to create the sort of story experience you would want other players to play through.
Pixel Game Maker MV advertises that it will allow the user to create their own action-packed games, without the need to program or have any knowledge of code.
Here’s the deal:
The way it does this is through the use of six different tools, each of which has its own use to construct a user’s perfect game.
“Resources” is the first tool and is designed to prepare and compile image assets that the game will be using at all times.
Yes, you’ve read it right. If you don’t feel like creating graphics assets you can use the massive library the tool provides!
Next up is the “Tiles tool”, which is where you are expected to create your own tile sets, depending on how you wish for it to be designed.
But again the game is your editor, so the whole process is crazy easy.
Following this is the “Objects tool” which is used to give different characters and items gimmicks and general mechanics.
It gets better.
Next is the “Animation tool” which allows you to create your own unique animations, either for the characters or other visuals.
The 5th tool is called “Scenes”, where you can finally build your own levels and objects for each section of your game.
Lastly, the 6th tool, “Transition” is used to connect different scenes together to allow for smooth transitioning between each segment of the game.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Through the use of all six of these tools, you can create a pixelated video game. Quickly and painlessly.
What if I am a programmer after all?
A good question. Here there’s good news too.
An extra to the tool for anyone that understands JavaScript or has any experience with programming or code, there is a JavaScript extension that can be used to create new mechanics, functions, and potential add-ons.
If you’re not a programmer, don’t worry.
This isn’t a required piece of the kit to be used at any point.
Still, anyone with the know-how will be able to add that little extra level of depth which some of the standard tools may not immediately provide without some tinkering.
So how is this tool different from the other “Makers”?
In terms of comparisons, easily the biggest comparison for this game/tool is the RPG Maker series, which is pretty much identical. Instead of focusing on building a sprawling world with fantasy RPG characters and tropes, this tool allows users the chance to create any game with a 2D, pixelated visual art style to it, without the need for a turn-based combat system.
Anyone that enjoys tinkering with RPG Maker or game development tools and engines, such as Game Maker Studio or Construct 2, this is a great combination of game engine and video game. The games that can be created in this can be purely for some friends or it can be released online for all of the world to try out.
You might wonder: “So how do I get started with the tool?”
We’ve found a decent tutorial for you. Check it out.
