Recent reviews by RainbowBlade

Yep, very 1980's Japan.

There's a vertical scrolling shooter that was made in the DOS era by the name OXIDE. When I compare the difficulty of this game to that of OXIDE, it's pretty on par.

It's good for those reasons, but if you're not really good at games that test your skills and push them to the limits, fairly, mind you (there are games out there that do so in ways that are not fair in any way shape or form), then this I do not recommend, or OXIDE, Raptor, Demonstar, Nebula Fighter (even if that one is rather easy with only a few stupid difficulty spikes), or Phoenix Force (and that one is very easy too but will frustrate casual gamers). In fact, the entire 194X series is a good series but both difficult and fair. As memers would say, "Git Gud, Scrub."

Cute, Macabre, and cost free.

There's not much more to say; if ya like the themes of the game, you'll like the game. :papyrus:

...

Actually, there might be those who are off-put by lack of apparent plot/direction, but as far as I can tell, that was intentional, not unlike some older games that were developed during the era of DOS. There is charm in that, but it's not for everyone, sure.

RPG Maker XP...

There's something to be said about deceptive simplicity, in that XP is more complex than it would so appear, to those who know how to use it to its' full potential.

And no, Pokémon Essentials does not count; that is a complete replacement of the core game script sets, and uses the software as a map maker, as well as the visual engine for drawing the viewing window (Visual C stuffs).

My first foray into PC-RM was this one (and yes at the time I used an archived version because it was the only way I could), and though it is a far cry from the PlayStation releases, it has roughly the same aesthetic, if not quite the same features (a lot of the features from the console iterations have never 'officially' been ported over to the PC iterations).

So, let's dive into the good and the bad.

Pros:
Map LAYERS. Lovely map layers. Actually, when thinking about Pokémon Essentials, mapping with those tiles basically requires multiple map layers in order to look halfway decent; there's no way one could achieve the same level of complexity in VX/Ace, or even MV. Or, well, one could, but it would require using parallax mapping.

MIDI tracker music. It works natively with XP (the last engine to do so), and to be honest, the music is incredible, on par if not better than later releases. (the XP remastered music pack is lackluster mainly because it lacks the MIDI reverb)

The combat mechanics are different, but in a good way. They're actually more flexible than in VX/Ace/MV, and I mean, they can do a lot more without needing to rely on scripting. One can even use an event command to deal direct damage, which doesn't exist in later iterations, and this is just one named example.

The assets are diverse, dynamic, really good, though, the art style may not be everyone's taste, but that's preference and all that, and is not detrimental to the quality of the art.

The scripts are broken down into easier to read and understand parts. I like this; wish it would of remained past XP/VX.

Cons:
The scripts. Some of them can not be changed, due to the engine locking them behind the scenes. Wanna give certain equipment stats it normally can't have? Too bad.

Ogg Theora: It's unnn...a very low compatibility rate; some OGG files will not play properly, and some will make the engine lag. There are external scripts for handling this, but, if you don't wanna mess with scripting, you'll likely be searching for MIDI tracker music. Good luck with that since no one really makes MIDI tracker music anymore.

Combat Mechanics: I just praised them, but there are some serious strikes against them as well. For one, it's possible to glitch them into getting invalid values, if one has stats set a certain way (this is difficult to do but I've seen it done and have accomplished it myself). Invalid values = GAME CRASH, and sometimes, the entire game will just close down, no script errors, just a complete exit because of this. That's one, but worse, is that sometimes, stats are not calculated properly, and thus, the damage output is wrong, and can be way wrong. So, there's that.

This applies to all RM engines: Gamepad Support: it's there, but if you're like myself and have what essentially amounts to a PlayStation controller, you have more than ten buttons, and two, three, maybe four movement inputs (D-Pad/thumbsticks/SIXAXIS/etcetera), but by default, if your gamepad has a thumbstick, it'll use that, and usually the left thumbstick, which is fine if you use eight-directional movement, but, otherwise, if you want to use the dpad, you're stuck utilizing a key mapper like Joy2Key. It sucks, no doubt; they really rushed the gamepad support here.

Map Layers: There's only three, plus the event layer. It's great, but for certain things, there's a need for at least one more layer, or to use parallax mapping. Not gonna lie on this next part; it's not very intuitive and easy to mess up, unless one gets in a lot of practice. I've created maps that look great in the editor, but have 'glitches' in game because the map layers were mismanaged. Gotta be careful with that.

---
So, do I recommend this software? Yes, but with the caveat that there's no official support, no workshop, nothing, that and most XP devs make fan games or X-rated games (come on, I know, it's easy to do that with), and that's fine, but those devs also tend to keep their expertise to themselves. That would be fine if RM XP were not closed off to the public, but having access to that expertise would be a lot better and more helpful.

If that sounds like too much, then maybe you shouldn't be a dev.

Oh, and one final thing; Pokémon Essentials is great, but, it also is its' own thing. I'm surprised that the dev hasn't already made a standalone maker engine for it.

Negative Nancy Reviewers, Can Eat Poison Ivy...

For you see, what they mostly complain about are features that simply were not added to the base code for likely, Workshop compatibility reasons, and that would be something that has occurred before since Valve is Valve.

By the by, one can make RMMV and other custom assets and even import them into GCH, there's just no project tabs is all. It may be more hassle than one may want to deal with, but for that to equate to a negative review is the same as review bombing and thus, it renders every single negative review of this nature as invalid, null, void, and forfeit, which, from what I've read is about 90% of them.

Why I recommend this, or do I?
I do not, actually, or Portfolio Edition for that matter, unless you need a turn-key tool for pixel editing, and sprite+/animation creation. If you're already decent at this without GCH, then don't buy it, unless you're in it for what the Workshop provides.

Pros:
As aforementioned, turn-key tool for pixel editing and sprite+/animation creation
Easily resize with 8-way anchors
On-fly grid alignment and adjustment
Custom palettes
Can use/create custom graphics
Large Workshop repository

Cons:
RAM/Memory issues (persists into Portfolio Edition and it is not exclusive to x86 OS)
Undo Glitches as a result of the previous issue (no obvious fix except for backups)
Cost is high for legacy software (I see no reason that the price shouldn't be any more than half what it currently is)
Workshop intermittent issues (apparently some people have had problems getting content and that is not good even if I've not come across this myself)
Random Crashes (another random bug that is also present in Portfolio Edition that seems to be more of a dynamic link library thing than it is with GCH itself but I've only encountered this on x86 iterations)
High Memory Usage (it occurs rarely and it is usually because WinExplorer is acting up for whatever reason OR if GCH is left idle for too long)

My experience with this software has been good, but review bombers always boil my blood.
So, in light of that, I leave a positive review.

Honkai Impact: Platformer Fighter for Femboy Harems and lovers of big boobs
(and for those who love a barrage of time-consuming activities)

Thus far, it's been a decent experience, but I won't lie, there's always way too damn much going on at once, and for someone who deals with overload issues, makes it difficult to play for long periods. I've actually probably missed out on several events because I focused on a few things (the Valkyrie's Café was fun! Bring that back!), and I also don't have access to external funds so certain currencies are inaccessible.

Another thing that rubs me the wrong way is misleading banners; you say that you get what you select in a drop, that should be what happens, not that being a random chance thing. That's GARBAGE. Still, it could be way worse...

Some people have had the misfortune of not being able to run the game. That hasn't happened to me, though at times, the gamepad doesn't properly initialize (Steam being Steam).

"What was with that tagline?"
It's based on the majority of my interactions with other players, and partially on my own experiences with how much there is going on all at once.

So, do I recommend this game?
Yes, and no.
If you're not into platforming combat or into big boobs, or femboy harems, stay away. Otherwise, jump right in, but don't spend any money. Oh, and Kiana has a thing for Mei, that's canon. I wanna see them [[Hyperlink Blocked]].

"Columns...a reference to a very old match 3 puzzle game that this game emulates in no way, shape, or form..."

This is much less a game, than it is, a way to unwind and chill, maybe needle out some emotions.

Well, I say that, but, it is only mostly so, because A-Eye, the main interactive persona, the one 'controlling everything', does make it harder at some point, and the chill factor drops until one can pass it, and get the apology waffle.

This is mostly a medium of popular references. Olympics, sports, video games, hobbies, academics&trivia, and even a nod or two towards the likes of authors that wrote about humanity's downward spiral, though no names are directly mentioned, I definitely got some vibes of George Orwell, to name one.

Which video games?
Well, Columns is directly mentioned, but not emulated, however, paddleball, or, Ball (Game & Watch) is emulated, but not so much mentioned except in passing.

Well, to sum this up, without further prattling...

I am one of those that can only recommend this to a certain type of person; not everyone is going to enjoy this, especially with the nuances of depression and suicide being rage triggers for some (I actually know people like this and it's not their fault). I still do recommend it, it's a good little fun thing.

Short review:
Memes, a flower that is a jerkwad arsehole, pixel graphics, and a sitcom-like feel.
It's also easy to get smashed by enemies, especially in certain situations.


Standard review:
I've not really ever played a game quite like this, so I've not really much to compare it to, but if Seinfeld (or similar) were made into an RPG, it would be something like this. It's meant to seem more comedic than dark and serious, and it pulls that off very well, even if there are some elements that are not clearly explained and/or can be figured out easily.

The battle mechanics are quite unique; I've never encountered any other system like it. Being able to spare one's opponent is actually a nice touch, though it never works right off the bat, apparently. There's also the defense system, which for me, is one of those things I'm fond of, but I'd improve upon in a couple ways:

1) Larger box for multiple enemies (since they all attack at once and it really makes it difficult to avoid attacks at times)
2) More chances for healing when being kind/merciful (often times one grabs the green only to get hit for more damage than what was healed and that's just bad-especially at 20 MAX HP)

The different soul/heart types are neat and those I'd not alter in any way, but DAMN, are you SLOW as MOLASSES when you do platforming (blue). Caused me to overestimate many of my jumps. Eh, nitpicky.

Ah, yes, the main character. Very ambiguous, kinda reminds me of another novella main character I love, only much cuter and far more benign on the surface (nothing is said about their past before the trip down into Mt. Ebott)...and the fact that everyone refers to the main character as they/them is a really good idea considering the main character is the 'silent protagonist' type (is there really a protagonist here?).

What name did I give the main character? 'Jess'. Not sure why you actually care, but yeah.

There's a lot more I could say, but it would be considered prattling.

So, play it. It's worth getting. Worth the frustration, worth Flowey's condescending and very inaccurate wisdom.

This, combined with other modern interior asset packs, is all I need for my current gamedev project. This is beyond fantastic.

Looking forward to having four hundred kid sprites toss balls around (and at one another! xD) in the mega ball pit...

Oh, and yeah; expect some arcade machine edits to be seen in-game with some very specific peripherals that I will not name here because I hear rumor that some companies don't like the mere mention of their IP mentioned on this platform.

Oh, yeah; that's Beavis about to go down the up escalator in a speeding shopping cart, being chased by Butthead... xD

Now, onto the serious part of my review.
All the pieces are in their proper place (no offset tiles and no non-blank Tile 0 issues), so that's great. The variety of pieces and editables, plus the sheer number of prebuilt items, makes this a good asset pack. Yes, of course one has to set up all the passability theirselves, but that's not too difficult to do, usually.

About the only thing this is missing is a glamour boutiqué (shops like MAC, Sephora, Victoria's Secret and so on), but it has everything else, bookstore, general goods, food, toilets, fun zones, the wishing fountain (like the choice in central decor)...
and it is missing the aforementioned escalator...come to think about it...lolz

Oh yeah; there's not really any novelty pieces, like gag items (think Spencer's), but that's just coming from someone who enjoys these bizarre places.

The signs; one would of though that there would of been blank signs for editing, but no there isn't. It doesn't look too complicated to edit the existing ones but a sign template would of been better.

Pros:
Lots of editable and premade parts
Several complete feeling venues
Tiles are not out of place
High quality and decent price (still go for a discount if you can-I did)
The EULA is pretty much 'use it for whatever, just don't claim it as your own'

Cons:
Some venues/shop types are not present
Some common mall things are also not present
Mostly nitpicky stuffs, including a lack of a demo for those that prefer to have tile passability set for them (if this is done I usually end up modifying it anyway)
The EULA is pretty much 'use it for whatever, just don't claim it as your own'
(I definitely see that as a double-edged sword)

Conclusion:
Ultimately, if you're looking to have more modern-esque shops, this will boost the content of them by a lot, though it may clash with other graphic packs, keep that in mind. If you have the Always, Sometimes, Monsters asset pack, this will go well with it, and with some other Modern Interior assets.

Rating: 8/10
Bring us a boutiqué, a gag shop, sign templates, and an escalator, 9/10

Note 1: Game Key received via a Key giveaway.
Note 2: This is the first time I have heard of and thus, played any of the game series.

Remember King's Quest? I remember getting to watch more than I actually got to play, but the story and game mechanics I do remember, and that's the vibes I get here, a little. It's point and click, all interactions are short animations with accompanying sound cues, and that's about it. This is a game that could probably maybe be backported to Windows 3.1, as simple as it is in scope.

Simple in scope, but fun, you bet. Despite some of the naysayer reviews (of course-they likely have more experience with the series as a whole than I-the time spent in game is the amount of time I've played the entire series but that doesn't mean that they should be so bleeding salty about it), and that this is essentially a resource cultivating, skill building simulator (it is-I noticed that within an hour but a lot of RPGs are-so what), I think that this is most certainly a worthwhile game, definitely worth getting for some downtime (which a lot of us seem to have-at least as I'm writing this due to the planned economic crisis that they are not wasting).

I'll likely eventually get the other games at some point. Since my potato PC can run this, I'm almost certain that the entire series would have no trouble running.

I might also make a Trader Profiteer's Guide for the game when I'm done.

Short Review: I wanted this, like, four years ago...

Standard Review:

It's an excellent graphics asset pack, well made, and...it goes well with any modern/futuristic game, or even one that falls in line with apocalyptic gameplay. Fact is, if you're looking for the best modern/futuristic/apocalyptic graphics asset pack, then this here is right up your alley. However...

One thing to note is that there's only the graphics, no readme or other instruction files (the readme that it comes with is just the milktoast RM EULA stuffs we likely have hundreds of by now), and there's no graphics notation files that state what each tile is (not common with asset packs though I've seen some). You're basically on your own with figuring out what each tile is, and then setting passability for each tile manually (at least for B-E since the editor tends to auto-assign passability for A tiles). There's also the layering and tiling with some of the tiles that doesn't completely work together without editing, and there's also the fact that both indoor and outdoor tiles are combined together. Whilst possibly convenient, it might be to the end user benefit to separate the indoor and outdoor tiles into separate map types.

All in all, this is an excellent asset pack, and for full price, it is worth getting, but if you don't get this when it is on sale, then you're an ignoramus. I did get it on sale, yes, and it was worth the purchase. Sweet Mercy.

Addendum:
If you're going to use this, it does require editing.

Tileset B has it arranged so that the top-left part of the stairset is in a place that is designed to always be blank, and set above character, for that tile is tile zero. If one tries to set the tiles up in a way that would make sense with the graphic, you won't be able to move properly with it.

I still recommend this, but the tileset absolutely must be edited from the get go, else it's partially unusable at best.

It's still great, and well-made, no question.