Recs.
Updated
Perfect tool for 2D single player JRPG game creation. Easy enough for a child, powerful enough for a developer, and versatile enough for any platform.
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Large and active community
The engine has seen multiple iterations since 1995, so a large online community exists that is always willing to help each other out.
Cons
Con None of the versions are free
Versions range from 29.99 (for the 2003 version) to 79.99 for the newer ones. Some use a subscription model. However, the products have sales a few times per year on sites such as Steam.
Con Poor cross-package integration.
Users looking to upgrade from VX Ace or earlier to MV will find they must manually convert all graphic assets to a new size; MV uses 48px tiles and icons with 64px character sprites. Additionally, MV now uses JavaScript whereas earlier versions used Ruby. So any scriptlets prior to MV will need to be recoded in a different language. Fortunately Yanfly has a full list of MV ready plug-ins while other commonly adored plugins just as Khans Lighting aren't.
Con Included assets are few and inconsistent
Though the product touts including enough assets to make a full game, the assets included aren't altogether fluid. Further assets from the publisher must be purchased separately. Otherwise, the user can make their own assets, hire someone to make them, or find free assets online at the forums or elsewhere.