Want An Easy Way To Build Video Games? - Game Maker 8 Review

When I discovered Game Maker 8 (by Yo Yo Games), I was blown away. This program, practically takes your hand and tells you – anyone can make a game.

Offering, two different ways to accomplish this feat. A simplistic interface where you can set up necessary functions in the game using buttons and drag-and-drop. Think, a more advanced RPGmaker interface, if your familiar with Enterbrain's franchise. A little more complex and much more flexible. It begins to make more sense the more your work with it.

For a more advanced user, you can code. The internal language is similar to C++, but somehow feels more friendly. What's more, is it's not hard to find out what the code is for the buttons in the simple interface. So really, you can learn programming as you go.

In fact, anyone who follows the first tutorial can build their first game in fifteen to twenty minutes. At first I had my doubts when I read that. But after I completed it, I was impressed.

The games you can build, are nothing to take lightly either. There are numerous clones of existing games such as Sonic, Mario, Mario Cart, Pokemon, Final Fantasy-like old school RPG's, GTA 3-like games, and etc. Built, by users.

However, there are also plenty of original games too. That you can find on the Yo-Yo site. What's more, is most of the engines for existing 2D games and some 3D games can be found on the website. So, that's a plus if your hobbyist or want to learn from someone's code.

The whole thing is very simple to build a game up. From scratch for those seeking to build something original to sell or for fun, should consider creating a team.

You'll need a lead programmer, a writer, artist, and a music composer. Sure, you can have people take on multiple tasks. Just know, it's going to take longer. Of course, if you can find more volunteers for programming, art, and music you'll have less to worry about.

For hobbyists, it's probably enough to do your own spin on telling a story with existing engines or building your own. Perhaps modifying existing art, some of an existing engine code, adding existing music, and etc. There's nothing wrong with this (at least so far), you just need to give credit where it's due and obviously know your game is non-commercial.

I think this tool is invaluable. It encourages those new to game design to build games. I for one, think schools should be using Game Maker 8 in their teaching curriculum. Since it really makes a great launching pad for wanting to design games.

It kinda reduces the intimidation C++ gives most newbies to coding. As at some point, a more passionate game designer is going to want more control over his/her vision. Which is something only programming in code can do.

That's not to say the user friendly interface of pushing buttons is weak, you can still do plenty with it. But, there really are things you can only do in coding. And Game Maker 8, is more likely to spark a fire in some.

If nothing else, you can always go to the Yo-Yo website to download and play games. There is plenty there to keep you busy on a boring day. Even many of the clones of your favourites, often find new ways to experience the engines you remember.

Of course, I don't recommend playing anything below four stars in this particular case. Just think of three out of five, as livable but not really fun. Two, as why the heck did I play this again? One, as the equivalent of nails running down a chalk board for an experience. Unrated games, are mystery. In which you must decide for yourself, if they're worth playing. I will check them out the rare time, if the screenshots look good. Just remember, four and five ratings are ideal for finding a game that's fun.

Perhaps the only con is the limited frame rates among a few other things. This is minor though, especially for fledgling game designers and hobbyists. With Game Maker 8 pro edition priced at $25, this is perhaps the best user friendly game builder out there for the PC.

Everything you can do with Little Big Planet for PS3, is theoretically possible with this and even more likely to surpass it. With new versions of Game Maker always being worked on, it's clear this experience is only going to get better.

Game Maker earns itself a 4.5 out of 5.

Gyldenboy copyright 2011

Edited 05/03/2011

Additional Credits: Credit goes to rinkuhero on the youtube video. With this you should get an idea what you can do with Game Maker. You can support him by checking out his channel.