RPG Maker MV

RPG Maker MV on Switch is a stripped back and limited version of its PC counterpart that removes the ability to integrate your own custom elements as well as the use of plugins. There's also very little in the way of help or tutorials and the UI can be clunky and slow to navigate. However, if you can make peace with these limitations, what's here is still a vast, hugely flexible bit of game-making software that provides those with the patience to get to grips with its systems almost limitless potential for RPG-making fun. We can't wait to see what players come up with over the coming weeks and months ahead and the free RPG Maker MV Player means that all Switch owners get to share in the fun and perhaps be inspired to join in down the line. If you're hugely serious about RPG making you may do best to stick to the PC version, but, if you just want to have some creative fun within the limits of the assets provided here, you'll have a blast.

RPG Maker MV has everything it takes to make an RPG. However, the complexity makes it unenjoyable and often frustrating, especially for players that are not well-versed in the ways of creating RPGs. It is simply too much effort to create a single map, not because of the work needed to design it, but because of endlessly trying to figure out how to achieve certain goals. While the simple portability of this title, due to the nature of the Nintendo Switch, is definitely a positive, this title cannot easily be recommended to newcomers in RPG creation.

Like before, the RPG Maker Player app does make buying the full game for play purposes feel a little redundant, and the region locking is incredibly stupid, but I can gladly say that even newcomers will find fun reasons to tinker around and just goof off, and this game did the series justice on Switch. I really can’t believe the tutorial is unaccessible after the first attempt, though, since that is a mind boggling design flaw that will no doubt frustrate newcomers, but if you somehow can get past all that and are willing to become creative, this is a enjoyable tool to take up learning if it interests you and you have no access to a PC.

If you’re a total beginner, the barrier to entry will seem quite steep and I suggest searching online for helpful guides to assist you with the creation purpose. You are confined to the games art style and tools so don’t buy this expecting to make a platformer. You will also need a lot of time free as game development is a long process requiring a lot of patience and persistence. The tools here are not quite as pick up and play as say Mario Maker but there is enough depth and complexity that, provided you have the creative mind, you can develop something pretty awesome. Who knows maybe it’ll lead you on the long journey of game development as a whole. Overall my rating comes from my gut instinct and that is …..I Like It

If you've been eyeing up RPG Maker for a while, then MZ is the best version of RPG Maker. Just don't expect MZ to do everything you want or even need it to do to match your vision.

RPG Maker MV is not the latest and greatest in this series, and it is sometimes an awkward fit due to using a controller over a mouse. Additionally, there is a lack of flexibility in the system due to the nature of console versus computer, but all of these things were expected on my part. RPG Maker MV delivers an experience unlike anything else on the PlayStation 4 that JRPG enthusiasts such as myself should find hundreds (if not thousands) of hours of fun with.

RPG Maker MV provides plenty of tools, but the least possible direction on how to use them. The tutorial is embarrassingly bad, and a help section is nonexistent. Unless you're experienced with this series, skip this Switch port.

There is no doubt that RPG Maker MV, due to its characteristic of being software adapted for consoles, requires patience beyond normal for amateur game designers. Still, it is a powerful and fascinating tool, with many great functions that allow the creation of great 2D RPGs with isometric view and strong nostalgic appeal.

EXCELLENT - Being able to create your own RPG on the Switch for other players is absolutely in a league of its own with nothing else coming close to this kind of exposure or amount of tools available to realize your dream of becoming a game designer, writer, and developer. The advantages of taking the Switch everywhere you go and “code” at a moment’s notice is a game changer.

Does this extensive development tool make building RPGs a breeze on the Switch? We take a look to find out.