Possibility of Eclipse to a normal user.

[Laeresh]

Eclipse seems like the thing i wanted, i'm used to working with rpg maker on a small scale.
Been using FPS creator to make quite some enjoyable shooters for both me and others.
And then i looked if there was something like those for a 2d mmo,
I came across 3 options so far.
-Eclipse
-Elysium
-Xtremeworlds
Since nr 2 is nowhere to be found and nr 3 has no open source code ( making you dependant on the developer team ) and also kind of ugly interface, Eclipse seemed like the possible solution for me.
The problem is 99/100 times the answer in creating something is "learn to code" which is NOT true.
If you go over forums like solarsoft.nl and thegamecreators you'll see many amazing games made without writing a single line of code !!.
And it's more of how much effort you put into it, then your skills in programming, someone dedicated in rpg maker XP will make a nicer game then an advanced vbasic programmer tbh.

So my question here is, is that also possible with Eclipse.
I suck at learning coding, i'm currently trying PHP for the past 2 month's and it's a pain in the ass ( probably due to i suck in learning languages in general ).
Does it has a decent way of editing items, creating skills and quests ?
Everything you expect in a rpg maker like mmo game ^^.
I don't need some hardcoded AI bot which can spike with several skills as a dungeon boss ( would be a good idea though  ;-d ) but i'd like some general options as a NPC store, guide, quest etc, bringing item from one to another to receive some money, perhaps even work with factions ( team 1 npc guards attack team 2 players entering a team 1 town, with team being a faction ).

Last one is probably too much to be asked, but i think you'll understand what i'm asking here.

Best regards, Robin

[Jamesl]

Im making a game with eclipse and its fully guied and you edit npc's shops and items from the admin panel. You only need to edit the source if you need to add fishing or mining. Althogh you dont really need to know vis basic to add this. Only a small knowledge is required.

[Robin]

It doesn't matter how much time and effort you spend creating a game, if you don't know enough about programming to make Eclipse at least presentable it won't work. Referencing games made with _other_ programs means nothing.

Calling Eclipse an engine is a misnomer. It's actually just an empty game which you can build upon.

Also, don't steal my name. :(

[Guest]

I can't code or script. I have learned enough about scripting to be able to copy and paste scripts and change them to work as I want. I chose Eclipse over other possibilities becouse of its ease of use to a non coder/ scripter like myself.

  I started with a dream, created my own custom graphics and just stuck with the basic Eclipse engine and learned to use it without messing with its code.

  After about 3 months I familiarized myself enough with the scripting to be able to really screw things up. But some of the advanced Eclipsers here saw my dedication and thought my game had a chance so they started helping me out as well.

  I will never regret having chosen Eclipse. I still can't code and I can still barely script but the friends and people who have come forward to help out a dedicated Eclipse fan has been great.

  Trust me, no matter what engine you go with sooner or later your going to want something in your game to do something that needs to be at least scripted after a while. Just stay true, stay polite, and stay dedicated and you will be surprised at how many people will begin to try to help you out.

Good luck

[Marsh]

It can definitely be done you just need to put some time into it. A game i used to play that was originally made on playerworlds was great fun for me. They dont have skills like mining or any of that it is basically a simple game. Its all in the community and the amount of content / fun things to do. Theyre are workarounds for certain things. They may have a quest system but i am not sure how it works as i have never done one.

http://www.secretsofmirage.com/

You should check it out, i havent played in awhile so im not sure how active the community is but it has been going for years.

[Homicidal Monkey]

Eclipse's best feature is that it is extensible; with open source you can add anything that can be done in VB6\. The main thing that you gotta do to create a successful game would be to just have determination.

[DrNova]

at the MINIMUM  you need to learn scripting. You can work on your project as you learn, isnt neccesary to begin with it, however once you get some world area and want to start adding content, scripting is a must.

Its pretty simple to learn though. Not near as intimidating as it looks.

[Laeresh]

@Ambard:

> I can't code or script. I have learned enough about scripting to be able to copy and paste scripts and change them to work as I want. I chose Eclipse over other possibilities becouse of its ease of use to a non coder/ scripter like myself.
>
>   I started with a dream, created my own custom graphics and just stuck with the basic Eclipse engine and learned to use it without messing with its code.
>
>   After about 3 months I familiarized myself enough with the scripting to be able to really screw things up. But some of the advanced Eclipsers here saw my dedication and thought my game had a chance so they started helping me out as well.
>
>   I will never regret having chosen Eclipse. I still can't code and I can still barely script but the friends and people who have come forward to help out a dedicated Eclipse fan has been great.
>
>   Trust me, no matter what engine you go with sooner or later your going to want something in your game to do something that needs to be at least scripted after a while. Just stay true, stay polite, and stay dedicated and you will be surprised at how many people will begin to try to help you out.
>
> Good luck

That is a story i can relate to and i'm very happy to hear that such things can be done here.

Now for my last question, does it involve a quest editor, such as for the items ?

Then i'm done asking/complaining  :P and will get to work.

@Robin, i can't help it we share the same name  XD

[Marsh]

There is no quest editor included no, though it can be scripted.

[azure]

Zetta, Nova, and Ambard have great points. You can do a lot with eclipse you just need to be determined enough to learn. If you learn enough you'll end up like Robin and make an engine that's all your own. You need to stay at it, and try to learn. I know a lot more now than I did hen when I first used playerworlds and elysium.

[Swordsower]

With only good art and cleverness, it's possible to make a good game.  With good art, cleverness, determination and free time, you can make a great one.  With all of that, some scripting knowledge or a good scripter working with you, you can polish it up and make it shine.

Don't be afraid to ask questions about scripts.  As long as what you're asking makes sense, someone will find a way to do it.

[Laeresh]

Then i'm off to using it now.
You'll hear of my encountered problems soon enough,
Thanks for all the help, Robin ( no the other one  XD )