Summary
- RPG Maker is more than just a beginner's tool; it can create complex and incredible games that stand the test of time.
- Seraphic Blue, OFF, and OneShot are standout games made with RPG Maker, offering stellar experiences and impressive storytelling.
- To The Moon, Corpse Party, and Omori are emotional and gripping RPG Maker games that are beloved for their unique stories and memorable characters.
There was a time when most people considered RPG Maker to be nothing more than a beginner's tool for solo developers to get a taste of what it felt like to engage in game development before they would move on to more complex software. However, the RPG Maker dev tool is deceptively complex, with some people managing to make some truly incredible games that have stood the test of time.
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Posts 1From full-blown epic RPGs to linear adventure games that feature some truly incredible stories and characters, the sheer level of love and effort people put into their games on this platform is truly astounding in every sense of the word. Here, you can check out some of the best games made via RPG Maker.
Updated May 29, 2024 by Quinton O'Connor: Need more info on these landmark RPG Maker titles? Good, because we just so happen to add more info on these landmark RPG Maker titles.
11 Skyborn
Skyborn is an evolution of the RPG genre that doesn't involve heavy grinding or cumbersome inventory management, perfect for players who want a more casual experience.
The game might not be the longest title on this list — most players finish the title in around eight hours or so —but the quality of its combat and storytelling makes it a stellar experience regardless.
Studio
Publisher
Purchase Link
Why We Love It
Dancing Dragon Games
Komodo
Skyborn
- Atmospheric soundtrack
- Steampunk done right
10 Ib
During the boom of horror titles made on RPG Maker, there were a ton of games that were released to mixed reception. However, Ib is nothing of the sort, and while it might fall into some of these tropes, the story told in this classic is brilliant in every way, shape, and form.
From the intricately designed puzzles to the brilliant atmosphere of the game, there's very little in Ib that's wasteful, making for a brilliant experience through and through.
Developer
Publisher
Purchase Link
Why We Love It
Kouri
Playism
Ib
- There's just something about the colors in this game that works ridiculously well
- Character designs are both creepy and charming
- Great puzzles and multiple endings
9 OneShot
Most developers are inclined towards making adventure and puzzle games on RPG Maker nowadays, as opposed to full-blown RPGs. OneShot is no exception to this rule, but what makes this title stand a cut above the rest is how brilliantly it executes most of its elements.
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PostsThe charming narrative of this game is undoubtedly its highlight, but any fan of brilliantly designed indie titles should definitely give OneShot a shot.
Developer
Publisher
Purchase Link
Why We Love It
Future Cat LLC
Komono
OneShot
- Simple yet compelling premise
- Emotional impact
- Well-designed puzzles and smart solutions
8 Star Stealing Prince
A free indie RPG Maker game that is full to the brim with amazing content in the form of a great art style, an excellent story, and enjoyable combat — Star Stealing Prince is a title for any fan of RPG Maker Games.
The snowy backdrop serves up a delectable premise that will keep you hooked all the way to the very end. And, if 'snowy backdrop' sounds like it might outstay its welcome, worry not; it's done that well here. There's even a web-novel sequel.
Creator
Available
Why We Love It
Ronove
Star Stealing Prince (Free)
- A winter-clad atmosphere that never gets dull
- Simple but strikingly effective battle system
7 Ara Fell
For those of you who want to enjoy a classic RPG experience without any modern nuances that can be interpreted as irksome, there's no better game to try out than Ara Fell.
Of course, to just call Ara Fell a tribute to the RPGs of the past would be a massive injustice to the quality of this underrated title — the story and combat are great in their own right, with the classic art style being the perfect cherry on top of a well-rounded package.
Studio
Publisher
Purchase Link
Why We Love It
Stegosoft Games
Dangen Entertainment
Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition
- A well-told, intentionally straightforward, story
- Several engaging overworld mechanics
- Terrific monster designs
6 To The Moon
It's close to impossible to talk about brilliant RPG Maker games without mentioning the emotional rollercoaster that is To The Moon. The game was instantly successful upon its release, and understandably so — To The Moon told one of the most beautiful and melancholic stories ever told in a video game.
Freebird Games absolutely knocked it out of the park with this title, establishing themselves as the masters of emotional narratives with this release.
Developer
Publisher
Purchase Link
Why We Love It
Freebird Games
Freebird Games
To the Moon
- A one-of-a-kind premise, perhaps not even just in the gaming medium
- The music is so good, even the developer's aunt had to compliment it
5 Corpse Party
In modern times, Corpse Party has become one of the most popular titles in the horror game market, with its blend of visual novel design coupled with some truly gory horror being wholly familiar yet unique at the same time.
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PostsHowever, long-time fans of the series are more than aware of the humble roots of this franchise, with the first game in this series being developed on RPG Tsukūru Dante 98. This one game sparked the emergence of a classic horror franchise that still remains relevant to this day. Corpse Party even has an anime adaptation!
In our information table for Corpse Party, we'll be including developer and publisher listings for the entire franchise. After all, the original Corpse Party has been remade enough times on its own to be worth all the references, plus there's the side material!
Developers
Publishers
Purchase Link
Why We Love It
- Kenix Soft (1996)
- Team GrisGris (2008 onward)
- Mages (2010 onward)
- Kenix Soft (1996)
- Team GrisGris (2008-2011)
- Mages (2010 onward)
- Marvelous USA (2011 onward)
- GrindHouse (2013 onward)
- Corpse Party (2021) (Steam)
- Corpse Party (2021) PlayStation
- Corpse Party (2021) Switch
- Corpse Party (2021) Xbox
- Lasting legacy in the indie horror sphere
- Gripping, harrowing, frightening, yet thoughtful
- You can find this game on darn near every remotely modern platform
4 Off
While there are many cult classic games made in RPG Maker games, one can argue that none of these has the quality of Off. Any connoisseur of surreal games should make it their utmost priority to try out Off at least once.
A turn-based RPG with an absolutely off-the-rails plot, Off quickly became an indie sensation, with its story, characters, and setting all being praised through the roof for their sheer uniqueness.
Developer
Creators
Available
Why We Love It
Unproductive Fun Time
Martin Georis, Alias Conrad Coldwood
Off (Free)
- There are somewhat surreal games, and then there are games as surreal as Off
- Symbolism abounds
- Pastel and bold-colored art style
3 Impostor Factory
Impostor Factory is truly a unique experience. This game is brought to us by Freebird Games, who also brought us To The Moon. Yes, that means that this RPG will have a deep story that is bound to leave a lasting impression on you.
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PostsIn Impostor Factory, you are invited to a mysterious mansion that, somehow, has a time machine in the bathroom. From there, the story spirals into a complex narrative. It's scary, it's tragic, it's comedic, it's mysterious... heck, Freebird Games themselves outright label it a 'time-loop tragicomedy murder mystery', so full disclosure, we're hardly earning our wages just typing out the obvious here.
Developer
Publisher
Purchase Link
Why We Love It
Freebird Games
Freebird Games
Impostor Factory
- That irreverent wit from 'To the Moon' is back full-force
- Freebird Games has positioned itself as a developer capable of juggling multiple genres nigh-effortlessly
- Their aunt says it's too scary, but we believe in her, and recommend she tries again
2 Seraphic Blue
For those who want to get into a deep and hardcore RPG that's full to the brim with massive lore, extremely long cutscenes, and a story that feels as epic as a Final Fantasy title, Seraphic Blue should be right up your alley.
The story starts off on a small scale, before evolving into a conflict that's so massive that the high-stakes plot will leave fans reeling by the end of this adventure. In other words, it's got those peak JRPG vibes. You should look into the creator's other works while you're at it - unfortunately, no one has heard from them in several years. Hope you're doing great, Tempura!
Creator
Available
Why We Love It
Tempura
Seraphic Blue (Free)
- An epic scope
- Great anime art
- Story is at the forefront, but gameplay doesn't disappoint
