Equipped with a robust engine and simple interface, RPG Maker 3 is poised to become the best in the series.
Still, I opted to buy the game. The first thing I noticed were the graphics. I know it is nothing compared to what we are used to in our next-gen gaming world, but the graphics are a vast improvement over the last game. RPG Maker 2 resembled PSX graphics, and it was rather lackluster. Where as RMK 3 provides you with a variety of colors, environments, characters, and buildings, all of which are rendered in full 3D.
Of course there are some set backs as well. The custamization is not quite as robust as the earlier titles, due to the simplified interface. Also, the scripting of characters etc is more limited. Still, i found the sacrifice of higher level custamization ok because it allowed for an easy interface and control.
I felt much more at ease while playing RMK 3, than when I played RMK 2--or worse, RMK 1. Still, this lack of customization may ward off hard core experts of the series who are familar with the system and would like to create a more in depth game.
Most events play out in a new 'Storyteller' mode. Which reminded me very much of the recent Fire Emblem game I had just played. The Storyteller cutscences are basically just conversations between characters to further the plot--although you can add much more depth to them than that.
The sound is all right. It isn't grand, and some of the actual Sound Effects could have been much better--and much more varied. Still, i was happy with the selection of Midis and pleased with some of the ambient sounds for areas such as forests.
The editors for feild maps are perhaps the most creative new addition. You simply draw the map you wish your chracter to walk upon, and then add things like trees, caves, or oceans. To make it more realistic and true to it's 3d roots, the editor is also able to create 'depth' of the landscape. Similar to how one can check the sea level of land on a geographical map, you can also raise and lower the land on RMK3, making hills or mountains.
The bottom line when wondering if RMK3 is right for you, is your Ievel of expertise and what you expect from the game you want to create. If you are a master of scripting and want a more impressive game story/system wise--and the graphics of RMk2/1 don't bother you--then I would suggest sticking to the previous titles. However, if you have a low level of expertise--like me--or just really expect better graphics in your game, then I highly reccomend RMK3, its a great way to create the RPG you've yerned for.