With the recent release of RPG Maker 2, many wannabe game makers are taking on the task of creating their ultimate masterpieces. I had the opportunity to chat with one of these game makers and pick his brain a bit about what he is attempting with the new system. His name is Josh Schwartzkopf but many people know him as merely "Velcro". And over a lengthy conversation on AOL Instant Messenger, this interviewer had the chance to find out what is in the works for Velcro.

After an initial repartee between myself and Velcro,
I finally got down to the serious questions that actually involved making games.

Ix: So what game are you planning to create as your first contribution to the RPG Maker 2 community?

Velcro: Well, I've been considering doing a sequel to my RPG Maker 1 game, Purgatory, which is aptly entitled "Return To Purgatory" but I'm finding the scripting a bit difficult at this point. So, I've decided to take on a different task for the moment. I'm making a "learning" game right now called "Mytharia" which is your basic hack 'n slash RPG. But, once I'm more familiar with RPG Maker 2 I'm definitely going to make "Return To Purgatory".

Ix: Mytharia, eh? What's it about?

Velcro: A group of heroes arrive in a quaint village surrounded by monsters. They must explore the area, defeating monsters (in non-random battles, mind you) and rebuild an old sorceresses lair. Like I said, it's just a "learning" game for me. I doubt very much that I'll be releasing it for anyone to play.

Ix: What aspects of RPGM2 do you find the most difficult?

Velcro: It has to be variables. I never tried RPG Maker 2000 for PC and I understand that variables are also used in that one. Still, I'm slowly catching on and once I get them figured out I know I can pull off some pretty cool stuff.

Ix: Well, then, what's your favorite part about RPGM2 thus far?

Velcro: It has to be the keyboard feature. I cannot tell you what a relief it is to be able to enter text using a keyboard. I have a Logitech and it also has a built in controller so it's a dream come true. As for actual applications, I love the fact that you can customize almost every single thing in the game. This makes possible for an unlimited amount of games with the exception that each game will have basically the same character and item sprites but since you can customize their appearance that makes it a
bit better.<br><br>

Ix: Ok. Let's talk more about "Return To Purgatory". What's the story this time?

Velcro: Well, it revolves around the demon Belzebub again. In the first game, Belzebub defeated Satan and became the ruler of Hades. In this one, Belzebub gets defeated. Here's a synopsis: Belzebub thought he had
defeated Satan...but he was wrong. The big, red guy returns and boots Belzebub out of Hell. He is now stuck in the mortal realm...and this time in the form of a little girl named Fiona. So, as Fiona he has to earn enough Prank Points in order to get back into Hell and defeat the vile Satan once and for all. But, this time he's in for a surprise as Satan sends out his henchmen to destroy Belzebub before he can complete his quest. So, Belzebub will have to enlist the help of loyal underlings and build an army to dethrone Satan or else he will suffer for eternity in the form of a little girl.

Ix: Interesting. What are some of the features you're going to include in this game?

Velcro:
-Custom Prank System (pull off simple to elaborate pranks in order to win points)

-Prank Phone Calls (call people up and prank 'em! Except I haven't seen a phone sprite this time)

-Defeat Satan's henchmen by any means neccessary and build an army for yourself

-Day/Night System affects how well Belzebub can fight (he fights better at night and gets weaker during the day time)

-Happy, Fun Ball (a goofy little mini-game about a manic-depressive ball that explodes when he's pissed off.)

-Smart Aleck (a gameshow similar to "Street Smarts" as seen on late night television)

-Job System (Take on various jobs in Purgatory in order to earn Experience points and Money)

RM: What's Smart Aleck?

Velcro: If you've never seen the television game show "Street Smarts" then you're missing out. It's a game where a player gets three people to choose from. These three people are asked questions (some of them mind-numbingly
easy) and you have to guess which person will get the question right or wrong. It's all about knowing how people think. I actually made a similar game in RPGM1.

Ix: Sounds like fun. Now you mentioned that you'll have to build up an army. What kind of characters can be gathered?

Velcro: Well, one of my favorite characters thus far is a ghost named Paradigm. He has the ability to possess people and that's how he travels around. I may create an entirely different game just about him and his escape from the Haunted House that he is trapped inside. Then, there's
Super Gus. He's a fat, couch potato who thinks he's a superhero and Belzebub can make his dream come true...for a price. Also, most of the old characters from the last game will return but they're not playable.

Ix: When do you think you'll be able to get this game finished?

Velcro: Well, I'm picking things up pretty quicky in RPGM2 so who knows? Maybe this coming Spring. I've already figured out how to do prank phone calls (without a phone, of course) and I can do basic trivia games with prizes so I don't imagine it will be too long before I can start creating Prank Scenarios.

Ix: What type of pranks can we expect to see in "RTP"?

Velcro: I plan to do a lot of setting people on fire pranks. With the effects editor, I just know that this will be a fun prank to pull off. Maybe a dating game prank. I definitely plan to make some throwbacks to the old game so expect to see plenty of pranks on the cross-dressing priest, the irate principle and I would like to add some pranks that can be pulled on the demons themselves.

Ix: Well, thanks for the interview but before I go I have one more question to ask you.

Velcro: Shoot.

Ix: Would you touch my monkey?

Velcro: No, but thanks for asking.



So, there you have it. Look for "Return To Purgatory" coming to a Playstation 2 near you! But, while you wait, take a jab at "Purgatory" for RPG Maker 1. It's a riot to play!