Help with starting to learn the basics of making a simple VN

What should I try to learn?

  • Sugarcube

    Votes: 1 14.3%

  • RenPy

    Votes: 6 85.7%

  • RPGmaker

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    7
R

rewpoi

Member
May 28, 2017
123
60
Hello everyone.
I'm interested in making a simple Visual Novel with rpg elements. With that I mean stats that affect working and dating
I've been learning basic javascript on my own, so lets say it's pretty much none existent.
I was starting to watch tutorials on twine (harlow first and now sugarcube), because I do have a meager knowledge of html, css and javascript. Hoping to use unity with twine at some point


But I think I should instead watch tutorials on Renpy.
That is my question, should I instead try to learn Renpy ? Or maybe RPGmaker? Or should I stick to sugarcube?
Thanks in advance:)

To any mod; I apologize in advance if you have to delete or move this thread if it's braking the rules
 
Dr. Ronald Leopold

Dr. Ronald Leopold

Newbie
May 5, 2020
58
65
In my opinion, all three engines kinda suck, and if you want to do things right, go for Unity.

But hey, the upside of those three is they're way simpler. Here's the lowdown:
  • RPG Maker: You don't even need to know how to code to do basic stuff. But I wouldn't recommend it unless you're planning to add some gameplay mechanics, like RPG elements or something like "Zombie's Retreat," where you can blast zombies. If you've got a clear idea and some skills, it could work. Otherwise, go for something else because RPG Maker's flaws really show if you don't use it right.
  • Sugarcube: Can't remember if it needs some coding skills, but given your background, it might be the closest fit. Not my top pick unless you're feeling super lazy. Can't say there are many standout games made with this engine, but I might be wrong. (My fav is College Daze)
  • RenPy: You don't need to be a coding wizard to start with RenPy; it's probably the most popular choice. In my book, it's the way to go, especially for visual novels. And there are plenty of games out there you can take cues from.
 
  • Haha
  • Like
Reactions: TheMagicalGurl, rewpoi and scrumbles
N

NeonSelf

Member
Dec 3, 2019
209
330
I'd prefer RenPy, because its user-friendly on both ends.
- as a player I like that I can control everything using just mouse, and controls are the same in every game.
- as a developer I've never made games on RenPy myself, but it didnt stop me from fixing some bugs and slightly modifying them.

I have experience in Unity (8 years) and Flash (ActionScript). And honestly Unity wasnt made for VNs, I'd have to manually make all the UI myself, because what it has for UI is garbage. Even figuring out how to show buttons on the screen with all those anchors and pivots is a headache. Sure it works when I place them manually in a scene, but VN needs alot of choices. And I'd waste my time automating UI elements placement, emulating layers, making my own settings menu (all of that already exists in RenPy by default).

The only downside of RenPy for me is python itself. You can easily make a bug just by adding extra space or assigning string value to a number variable (it lets you do it without questioning your sanity).
 
  • Like
Reactions: woody554, Living In A Lewd World, TheMagicalGurl and 1 other person
R

rewpoi

Member
May 28, 2017
123
60
Dr. Ronald Leopold said:
In my opinion, all three engines kinda suck, and if you want to do things right, go for Unity.

But hey, the upside of those three is they're way simpler. Here's the lowdown:
  • RPG Maker: You don't even need to know how to code to do basic stuff. But I wouldn't recommend it unless you're planning to add some gameplay mechanics, like RPG elements or something like "Zombie's Retreat," where you can blast zombies. If you've got a clear idea and some skills, it could work. Otherwise, go for something else because RPG Maker's flaws really show if you don't use it right.
  • Sugarcube: Can't remember if it needs some coding skills, but given your background, it might be the closest fit. Not my top pick unless you're feeling super lazy. Can't say there are many standout games made with this engine, but I might be wrong. (My fav is College Daze)
  • RenPy: You don't need to be a coding wizard to start with RenPy; it's probably the most popular choice. In my book, it's the way to go, especially for visual novels. And there are plenty of games out there you can take cues from.
Click to expand...
NeonSelf said:
I'd prefer RenPy, because its user-friendly on both ends.
- as a player I like that I can control everything using just mouse, and controls are the same in every game.
- as a developer I've never made games on RenPy myself, but it didnt stop me from fixing some bugs and slightly modifying them.

I have experience in Unity (8 years) and Flash (ActionScript). And honestly Unity wasnt made for VNs, I'd have to manually make all the UI myself, because what it has for UI is garbage. Even figuring out how to show buttons on the screen with all those anchors and pivots is a headache. Sure it works when I place them manually in a scene, but VN needs alot of choices. And I'd waste my time automating UI elements placement, emulating layers, making my own settings menu (all of that already exists in RenPy by default).

The only downside of RenPy for me is python itself. You can easily make a bug just by adding extra space or assigning string value to a number variable (it lets you do it without questioning your sanity).
Click to expand...
Thank you both very much :)(y)
 
TheMagicalGurl

TheMagicalGurl

Pregnancy Specialist
Game Developer
Feb 19, 2023
1,084
2,018
Renpy has tons of tutorials around and doesn't have the negative image that both RPGM and HTML games have. Both can be done well by those who work at them, but Renpy is the best of the three and the most commercially viable of your options... but outliers do exist like Karryn's Prison for RPGM, and also Love and Corruption/College Daze for HTML.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rewpoi
R

rewpoi

Member
May 28, 2017
123
60
♍VoidTraveler said:
To learn how to write a good story, is what you should try. Everything else comes long after. :whistle::coffee:
Click to expand...
Well, it’s a story that appeals to me. Hopefully, I’ll find a way to properly convey it and others will like it too. I’m light years away, but I would like to try. Thanks for the advice.

A little update: I found out that what I was learning in SugarCube has not been completely useless. It’s fairly easy to convert the code to Python so it works in Ren’Py, especially with the help of AI. Again, thank you all for the advice
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom