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Best Engine to Use for a Solo/Independent TPRG Project

A topic by FEA_Player created 13 days ago Views: 186 Replies: 4
Viewing posts 1 to 2

Hi, I'm an aspiring game designer who wants to make his own Fire Emblem-inspired TRPG. I was wondering what the best engine for such a game would be if I were to factor in both the complexity of the engine and how compatible it is with a grid-based game (I know pretty much any engine could technically make such a game, but I'm sure some would work better than others).  For reference, I have learned some Unity (I found out that Fire Emblem Engage was actually made with this), I'm decently experienced with Python, and I have made a lot of small game with Scratch, which I'm certain is too basic for any real full-scale game. So far, I have only finished designing a plot for the game, the classes for the characters, and about half the levels, though I know how I want all the game's mechanics will work. I still have to create the weapons and equipment before I can think about starting to code the game, but I would still appreciate some suggestions.

If you want to focus on the game itself, it's best to look for a specific engine. One option could be RPG Maker with a plugin like MZ3D.

If you want to use a generic engine, based on what you've said, I'd recommend Godot over Unity, since its GDscript language is very similar to Python, making it easier for you to adapt.

How well do you think RPG Maker works for specifcally Tactical RPG's, though? I'm sure it will probably feel less overwhelming for me than a full-fledged engine I've never used (even if it has similarities to laguages I know) and that it can very much still be done, but from what I know RPG Maker leans more toward Final Fantasy-styled game than TRPG's. I read that there are some plugins that would help, but I was still wondering if they really give enough freedom to make a grid-based game however the creator wants.

It's possible to modify RPG Maker to create the TRPG you want, but the problem is that modifying it requires a certain level of proficiency with the tool. If you use someone else's plugin (for example, I found one here: https://himeworks.itch.io/grid-battle-system), you'll be limited to what that plugin allows unless you know how to modify it.

If you search, you'll likely find templates for Unity and Godot. I found this one for Godot 4:
https://github.com/ramaureirac/godot-tactical-rpg

Exactly which path is easier depends on you and your prior knowledge. Personally, I would spend a few days with each option to see which one  are more comfortable or which one  as having more potential.

Good to know, thanks!