FAQ - RMXP

Frequently asked questions - RMXP
By Zeriab - Version 2.2

[SIZE=8]Table of Contents:[/SIZE]

• What is RMXP?
• What is a switch?
• What is a variable?
• What is a script?
• What is RGSS?
• What is the Database?
• What are layers?
• What is compile game disk?
• What is RTP?
• What is RPG Maker XP RTP?
• What is the maximum...
• What are the default width and height of the game window?
• What music types are supported by RMXP?
• Where can I learn to script RGSS?
• How do you set the player's starting point?
• How do you make an NPC?
• How do I make a quest, where you have to find an item?
• How do I import maps, made on another computer?
• How do I import new resources?
• How do I send my game to my friends?
• How do I distribute my game without the RTP?
• I added a call script, now a popup box with "????????" or "Syntax error" occurs.
  
• I don't hear any sound, while my speakers are on and my sound card drivers are set.
• I get an error message saying "Failed to initialize DirectX Audio" when I try to start up RMXP. What do I do?
• I have inserted a new script and the font doesn´t show up. How to fix this?
• I have problems with my map. The player can walk over solid stuff. How do I fix this?
• I have used 'Erase Event' to remove an event, but when I come back later it has appeared. How can I solve this?
• It says "Incompatible versions". What should I do?

|

• Sources
• Special thanks

|

• Help

______________________________________________________________________


What is RMXP?
RMXP, short for RPG Maker XP, is a game making tool made by Enterbrain
You can find their english website here: http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/tkool/RPG_XP/eng


What is a switch?
A switch is an object that can be true or false, on or off. To learn how to use switches, look at this tutorial by Dubealex: http://www.creationasylum.net/index.php?showtopic=6


What is a variable?
A variable is an object that contains a number you can change with events.
To learn how to use variables, look at this tutorial by Dubealex http://www.creationasylum.net/index.php?showtopic=65 or this tutorial by Yami http://yamisiterawr.com/variables.php


What is a script?
The term 'script' have many different meanings (cf. Google and Wikipedia). When used in context with RMXP the general meaning is:
"This is a programming term that refers to a set of instructions (a program) that is executed by another program rather than the computer's processor." - http://www.satellite-tv-hq.com/telecom-glossary-s.htm
This basically means that a script is being interpreted and not compiled.


What is RGSS?
RGSS, short Ruby Game Scripting System, is a set of commands written in an interpreted language to automate certain application tasks or a type of computer code than can be directly executed by a program that understands the language in which the script is written. Scripts do not need to be compiled to be executed.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby_Game_Scripting_System


What is the Database?
The Database can be found under Tools\Database (F9). You can also get to this by pressing F9.
The Database is the Menu that contains all the game specific settings, such as:
what imported tilesets are used for what;
what items are in the game, and how they interact with the characters;
what monsters are in the game, how they fight, how strong they are, how they look, what groups they travel in;
it also stores character data such as how they look, what their stats are and how they improve as the char levels.
This is also where you setup common events, and other settings that affect the whole game such as the battle music or the tileset for the menus.
This is also where you set what picture is used for the title screen and game over screen, but this is not where you import graphics, here your just picking which already imported graphic to use.
The Resource Manager is used to import graphics.


What are layers?
Layers are the multiple levels in which you are to place objects. The first layer is for putting down the ground usually. The second layer is for putting down the rest the objects. What is unique about RPG XP is the third layer, which is basically just the second layer, over the second layer. Then, finally, you have the event layer, where you basically place events.


What is compile game disk?
It is an option under File in the editor.
It compiles your game into 1 file that you can run on another computer.
If you press it a dialog show appear asking you for an address. For a folder to be more explicit.
This is your output folder where the file will be placed after creation if you accept the dialog. (Click ok)
You have the option to create an encrypted archive.
This means that you can't get access to the game through the editor nor access to your resources when installing the game from the created file.


What is RTP?
RTP means Run Time Package. A package required to run a program, often filled with data used by much programs of the same kind.
For RMXP RTP, look below.


What is RPG Maker XP RTP
RPG Maker XP RTP is a system for reducing the total size of a “game disk” made with RMXP. RPG Maker XP RTP contains the graphics, music (MIDI, etc.)
and DLL files used when creating a game with RMXP ? basically a collection of common materials. When a game is created with RTP data, once it is
finished, you won’t have to add this data to the actual “game disk,” which consequently allows you to significantly reduce the game file size.
Source: http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/tkool/RPG_XP/eng


What is the maximum...
...number of maps : 999
...number of events per map : 999
...dimensions of a map : 500 x 500
...database items : 999 each (tilesets, common events, actors, skills...)
...height of a tileset : Unlimited. However, lag increases when it is bigger.
More limitations can be found here: http://www.creationasylum.net/index.php?showtopic=204


What are the default width and height of the game window
640 pixels width, 480 pixels height.


What music types are supported by RMXP?
By default, RMXP support .MP3, .WAV, .MID, .WMA and .OGG. MP3 and WMA are streamed, this means they are loaded while playing. OGG is usually much smaller, but can not stream, so need to be loaded fully before playing.

Additional formats like the Playstation PSF and miniPSF can be played with scripts.


Where can I learn to script RGSS?
Look in the sticky topic located under Rpg Game Making\RGSS Scripts located here: http://www.creationasylum.net/index.php?showtopic=8327


How do you set the player's starting point?
Go to the event layer (F8).
Right click on a tile.
Select 'Player's Starting Position' from the drop down menu.


How do you make an NPC?
Go to the event layer (F8).
Make an event somewhere by either double clicking on a square with the left mouse button, right clicking and selecting New Event... or selecting the square and pressing [Enter]
This will open the event dialog. To the left there is a white field with 'Graphic:' in words just above it.
Double click on this (left mouse button) and select the graphic you want.
When this is done go to the big white field to the right.
Here is all the event commands listed. Select it and insert a new command.
Here you can make the NPC do what you want it to do.
Remember that you can a short pop up message by right-clicking and pressing What's this?
You can also get this by pressing F1. You will get the description on the button you have select.
You can move the selection with the arrow keys.


How do I make a quest, where you have to find an item?
There is a bazillion ways to do this. I will try to cook the general concepts down into an example.
If you don't know what a switch is or are unsure of how to use them you should read What is a switch? before continuing.
Phase 1: Activation of the quest
Let's say you talk to this person who gives you the quest. If the quest is given you let the event turn on a switch.
We could use switch 21 - Quest Start and turn it ON. (This could be any switch)
You should make sure that the person does not continue to give the quest. (This is strictly speaking not necessary)
Make a new event page and set as precondition the switch 21 - Quest Start. (Should be the same as the switch you turned ON in the previous page. Remember to set the event graphic)
Here you can set the action for when the Quest is active, but not finished.

Phase 2: Getting the item
Let's say that you could not get the item before.
The event from which you can get the item shall like the event starting the quest have a condition for when the quest start. That is. New page, Precondition set to 21 - Quest Start (2nd page)
Here you should turn another switch to ON. Let it be 22 - Item Gotten. You can make some actions. (Tell the player a story or whatever)
Make a new page (3rd). Set Precondition to 22 - Item Gotten.
Here you can set actions if the player tries to trigger the event again.

Phase 3: Ending the quest
Go back to the event that starts the quest and make a new page (3rd). Set precondition to 22 - Item Gotten.
Here you should tell the player that he or she has completed the quest. Afterwards turn switch 23 - Quest Finished ON. New page (4th). Precondition set to 23 - Quest Finished.
For the item event. New page (4th). Precondition set to 23 - Quest Finished.
Here you can make actions for when the player triggers the events after the quest is completed.

Final notes:
As you might notice a lot of switches are used.
You could actually add an event and then check whether the player has it or not with a conditional branch during the quest. This will eliminate the need for the 22 - Item Gotten switch.


How do I import maps, made on another computer?
Copy both projects on 1 computer.
Open both of them.
In the project tree window to the lower left:
Right-click on one of the maps you want to copy and press copy in the dropdown menu.
Now go to the other project and select a map in the tree structure.
Right-click and press paste.
The map will then be copied into the allocated place in the tree structure.
Keep doing this until you have copied all maps over.
Note that the Player's Starting Position is not copied over.
Also note that the map id most probably changes.
This means that you might have to change some events.


How do I import new resources?
There is an Icon near the little music note, it is the folder with 3 documents (icon). This'll take you to the import/export system.
You can also access the import/export by Tools\Materialbase (F10).
Here you click the Import... button and find the file you want to import.
Here you left click on the color you want transparent.
You can also right-click for a semi-transparent color.
Click OK and you are done.


How do I send my game to my friends?
Look at What is compile game disk?
Send the resulting file to them.
They may have to install the RTP found here: http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/tkool/RPG_XP/eng/download.html
Look below if you want to know how to distribute it without the RTP.


How do I distribute my game without the RTP?
Dubealex has made a tutorial about this, which can be found here: http://www.creationasylum.net/index.php?showtopic=1303


I added a call script, now a popup box with "????????" or "Syntax error" occurs.
You have made an error in the syntax from the call script. Please note that everyline will be interpreted as a new script, unless you have the fix for this.


I don't hear any sound, while my speakers are on and my sound card drivers are set.
Press F1 while in game. Make sure the thirth (Play BGM and ME in game) and the fourth (Play BGS and SE in game) are set.


I get an error message saying "Failed to initialize DirectX Audio" when I try to start up RMXP. What do I do?
Just install/reinstall your Sound Card Audio Driver.


I have inserted a new script and the font doesn´t show up. How to fix this?

Open the scripts and go to MAIN. Find this line:

Code: [Select]

$scene = Scene_ ... .new

and just before that line add:

Code: [Select]

Font.default_name = $fontface = $defaultfonttype = "Tahoma"
Font.default_size = $fontsize = $defaultfontsize = 22

Still having problems? Try installing the font files located here:
Fonts.zip


I have problems with my map. The player can walk over solid stuff. How do I fix this?
You might not have set the 'passabilities' in the Database > Tab Tileset.
If you still have problems try to use a dummy tile. Make one of the tiles, that are completely transparent, unpassable and use it to disable passability on the map on the 3rd layer.

If you want to check the passibilty in your map, just choose some "visible" dummy tile and fill with the bucket tool one area in the map. A little trick to actually "see" passability/unpassability on your map. After you finished editing just bucket it back with a passable/unpassable tile.


I have used 'Erase Event' to remove an event, but when I come back later it has appeared. How can I solve this?
First you must understand what Erase Event does.
When you enter a map it is loaded into the memory. Erase Event removes the event from this temp map.
The state of the map is NOT stored when loading another map. (The same as going to another place).
When you now go back again the map will be loaded with the events in their original positions.
This is why it doesn't work.
To solve it simply use switches.
Turn on a switch where you have your Erase Event-command.
Then make a new page and put the switch you just turned on as a precondition for the new page.
Problems with switches? Look at What is a switch?.


It says "Incompatible versions". What should I do?
Make a new project and replace the Game.rxproj inside the demo with the new one. If you still can't start it, open Game.ini and change RGSS102E.dll to RGSS100J.dll. If it already is RGSS100J.dll, change it to RGSS102E.dll.



Sources:

Official English Site
- http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/tkool/RPG_XP/eng

Creation Asylum
- http://www.creationasylum.net

Google
- http://www.google.com

Oxford English Dictionary
- http://www.oed.com

Wikipedia
- http://www.wikipedia.org

Special thanks:
Aus "ace" Wallace
Blizzard
Constance
deadly_diablo
kitramos
Marlune
Me™
zuzagi


Help:
I need YOUR help in making this FAQ better.
Have anything else to add? New questions with or without answers?
Please do post tell me and chances are that I will post it.

Is anything wrong? Some information doesn't work or is in fact wrong? Or does it just need an update?
Getting this kind of information is valuable as well. The information as good and as accurate as possible while having good depth.

Something wrong with the terminology? Wrong terms used?
Is it not called a 'Conditional Branch', but a 'Fork' instead?
If people try to find a button they think is named something different that what it actually is... A lot of time is a wasted.

As you can see there might be a lot you can help with, but before posting your help there is something you must know:
By contributing to this FAQ you agree that distribution of this work in parts or as a whole is left entirely at my discretion.
You also agree that once integrated you lose the right to demand your work's removal.

Nice faq man , someone should sticky this, it'd come helpful to the ppl who are new to rpg making

Nice faq man , someone should sticky this, it'd come helpful to the ppl who are new to rpg making

Somebody did!

That it will be helpful for newcomers is the reason I made it.

You should complete the "How do I make a quest where I have to find an item" question. Although it's extremely simple.

1. Turn a switch on at the end of the event that gives you the quest.
2. Make a second page of that event with the switch enabled as it's precondition.
3. Make a new event with the switch enabled as it's precondition, the event being a treasure chest. Use Change/Add Item function to give hero item.
4. Turn on a NEW switch at the end of this event.
5. Make a new page with the switch enabled as it's precondition.

Or is that not descriptive enough?

I am going to alter it a bit. And write a little more.
Thanks for helping me!

Edit:
I have added the part now.
Thanks to you the FAQ is now officially finished. Version 1.0 I tell ya.

 - Zeriab

You deserve a big bowl of awesome sauce

Wow this tutorial has helped me LOADS i was trying to figure out how to make a quest like that for ages lol, thanks again. 10/10!!

I cant figure out how to set a "starting party point". Could oyu tell me how?

man that is a very sexy way to keep people from asking the same questions over and over...

Updated to version 1.1

Updated to version 1.2

Changed the explanation in "How do I import maps, made on another computer?"

Hey Zeriab, update the font thing with this instead:

Find every line that says:

Code: [Select]

self.contents = Bitmap.new(...)

and add below:

Code: [Select]

    if $fontface != nil
      self.contents.font.name = $fontface
      self.contents.font.size = $fontsize
    elsif $defaultfonttype != nil
      self.contents.font.name = $defaultfonttype
      self.contents.font.size = $defaultfontsize
    end

If there already are lines like

Code: [Select]

self.contents.font.name = SOMETHING

and/or

Code: [Select]

self.contents.font.size = SOMENUMBER

just replace them.

Still having problems? Try installing the font files located here:

LEAVE YOUR LINKS HERE.

Thanks Blizzard. 
*updated to version 1.3*

Add this:

Make a new project and replace the Game.rxproj inside the demo with the new one. If you still can't start it, open Game.ini and change RGSS102E.dll to RGSS100J.dll. If it already is RGSS100J.dll, change it to RGSS102E.dll.

 

Updated

Thanks for the Q and A, dude, it helped me a whole lot. I was kinda confused on the event layer and some other things, but I think I know how to do it now.

Thanks Indignos 

Resticky, please?

Q: I have inserted a new script and the font doesn't show up. How to fix this?

A:

Open the scripts and go to MAIN. Find this line:

Code: [Select]

$scene = Scene_ ... .new

and just before that line add:

Code: [Select]

Font.default_name = $fontface = $defaultfonttype = "Tahoma"
Font.default_size = $fontsize = $defaultfontsize = 22

Thank you.

*updates*

No point. Also, could you remove the hard returns in the first post? It looks kinda akward  . As in, lins breaking where they should not  .

I think you should aff to the what is a switch/variable answers with a brief, perhpas one line description, like this:

What is a switch?
A switch is an object that can be true or false, on or off. To know how to use switches, look here for a tutorial by Dubealex.

What is a variable?
A variable is an object that can contain data, like a number, numbers, plain text etc.
[..]


The definition giving is in RMXP / RGSS not completly acurate
A set of commands written in an interpreted language to automate certain application tasks or A type of computer code than can be directly executed by a program that understands the language in which the script is written. Scripts do not need to be compiled into object code to be executed. would be more accurate as RGSS is a interpreted language. Note: this is a suggestion, not a fix or something.


What is RTP?
RTP means Run Time Package. A package required to run a program, often filled with data used by much programs of the same kind. For RMXP RTP, look below.


Shouldent you add here:
I have problems with my map. The player can walk over solid stuff. How do I fix this?
You might not have set the 'passabilities' in the Database > Tab Tileset


It says "Incompatible versions". What should I do?
You tried to open an project made with a newer version (=legal) of RMXP. Open the config.ini of that game and replace RGSS102E.dll by RGSS100J.dll. Also, copy a game.rxproj (just one) from an illegal game (ex: your project) to the project you want to open. Click yes on: would you like to overwrite this file.

(I would not say the opposite, as the legal version can ALWAYS open the illegal projects )



I added a call script, now a popup box with "??" or "Syntax error" occurs
You have made an error in the syntax from the call script. Please note that everyline will be interpreted as a new script, unless you have the fix for this.


I don't hear any sound, while my speakers are on and my sound card drivers are set
Press F1 while in game. Make sure the thirth (Play BGM and ME in game) and the fourth (Play BGS and SE in game) are set.


What music types are supported by RMXP?
By default, RMXP support .MP3, .WAV, .MID, .WMA and .OGG. MP3 and WMA are streamed, this means they are loaded while playing. OGG is usually much smaller, but can not stream, so need to be loaded fully before playing.

Additional formats like the Playstation PSF and miniPSF can be played with scripts.


What are the default width and height of the game window?
640 pixels width, 480 pixels height.


What is the maximum...
...number of maps : 999
...dimensions of a map : 500 x 500
...database items : 999 each (tilesets, common events, actors, skills...)
...height of a tileset : Unlimeted. However, lag increases when it is bigger.


I just typed some small things which people ask often. You can add them if you want 

I thank you for you help.

Perhaps I should say a bit more in what a switch/variable is.
I think people generally have more trouble understanding how to use a switch/variable, but as they ask what it is rather than how to use it I consider it as a good idea.
I like the idea including horizontal bars in the design.
I also am grateful for your questions and answers.
I think I will revised the whole FAQ along with your comments.

You help is much appreciated.
 - Zeriab

Change whatever you think is good. I am glad I could help, if there is more you want to add, but don't know how to say it, go ahead, and Ill see what I can do.

Me™

Updated to 2.0 

Hmmm some one should make and  FAQ for RM lingo. Some one asked me to do it, but I'll only do it if every one else is too lazy.

Hmmm some one should make and  FAQ for RM lingo. Some one asked me to do it, but I'll only do it if every one else is too lazy.

I'm too lazy and I also ask you to make one.