Hello RMRK.net, I have an important question. I apologize if this topic isn't in the right spot or if its not allowed(I read the rules, didn't see anything about it). I'm planning on making an Open-Ended style RPG like TES. I have played with Rpg Maker 1, 2, 2k, 2\3k, and XP. I was a kid and always dreamed of making games but sucked at it. But I'm older now and I think I'm going to actually make one this time. Its going to be very basic, nothing to fancy since its my first game and I want to get a hold on everything before I start adding custom things. In fact, I'm probably going to be using 85% RTP graphics for this project.

My question is, what editor should I use? I have the most experience with 2k/2k3 and a little bit with XP. This game will use the default battle system and probably everything else will be default. My focus with this game is going to be on gameplay and getting the concept of game development ingrained in me. I'm not afraid of learning new things, so using XP/VX won't be a problem. If this project is very successful and I enjoyed the finished product, Ill most likely make a sequel. The sequel will probably have a basic, but in-depth custom battle system. So should I get familiar with XP/VX now since it seems more indepth script-wise, or should I just use Rm2k3? The most important factor in deciding which RM to use is game play. I want the one that would be best for an open-ended game were you made your own character and controlled his stats. If I feel up to it, I would have no problem with making a custom leveling system in my first game.

Which do you recommend? Any thoughts?

EDIT:Feel free to ask for specifics about the game if that helps you give advice. So far, the game will have only one hero(YOU). It will have basic special effects like fog and maybe an overhead map.

EDIT 2: I forgot about VX, your thoughts on that one?

Well, I guess that the most important thing to know before choosing, is how you want your game to work and look.
Different RPG makers have different style in the tilesets, characters etc. It also depends on if you want to have script in your game. Editors below XP haven't got any script editor. XP script editor uses RGSS while VX script editor uses RGSS2.
I checked what scripts and resources there were for XP and VX before choosing.
Myself I'm using XP since I don't quite like the VX style.

That's the most important things that comes to my mind.

For the first game, I don't have any plans to do any scripting. But my second game will probably have some script in it eventually. As for the looks of my game, I like the old Rm2k RTP, but XP doesn't seem that bad either.

Oh, and thanks for reminding me about VX, Ill be sure to look into that. I don't know anything about VX however, what are the advantages/disadvantages of VX vs XP?

Im beginning to think I might do XP/VX simply because if I make a sequel to my game, it will be more advanced and may require the use of scripts in a few ways + whatever other features XP/VX has.

So I guess the question now is, VX or XP? Your thoughts?

I don't think I can answer to that. The easiest way is to just test them both and check what they can do. The main thing that are seperating those two are the graphics style.