Simulation RPG Tsukūru

Simulation RPG Tsukūru (シミューレーションRPGツクール) is a tactical role-playing game maker and part of the long-running RPG Maker (RPG Tsukūru) series. Although it lacks an official English translation, it is also known as "Sim RPG Maker" due to its fan translation.

Releases
There have been two versions of Simulation RPG Tsukūru. The first was a console version released on September 17, 1998, for the Sega Saturn and Sony Playstation in Japan only by ASCII. The PlayStation version was re-released in 2001.

The second, Simulation RPG Tsukūru 95, was released for Windows on May 29, 1998 and re-released in 2003, also by ASCII and in Japan only. The 1998 computer version was translated to English and distributed via the internet under the name Sim RPG Maker 95 by Mike Weir aka Phoenixx2. A more updated translation based on the 2003 release version, version 1.10 VALUE!, was released by Elemental Crisis. While containing the latest bug fixes, this translation features a complete 100% English translation and the original RTP commonly known as the "Fantasy RTP".

Gameplay
Simulation RPG Tsukūru 95 was released a year after RPG Maker 95 and allowed the user to create tactics like RPG's similar to the Fire Emblem series. While Sim RPG Maker 95 retained the user friendly layout and design of RPG Maker 95, it required a basic understanding of the program to properly use. This style of game is classified as a tactical RPG similar to Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Ogre Battle.

The program is somewhat limited and inflexible in comparison to other RPG Maker games. It comes with a run-time package (RTP) with built-in graphics for animations. Custom graphics can be added, but this is more difficult than in other programs from the RPG Maker series. Graphics are limited to 256 colors, which can cause distortion if two graphics with differing pallets are used on the same map. Files must follow a strict naming convention using letters to designate the type of file, followed by numbers to differentiate the file. For example, a walking graphic for a character class using picture ID 007, could be named CA03_007. The first two letters, "CA", correspond to "character animation". The first set of numerical digits correspond to the animation slot used in the animation editor, slot 03. The final set of numerical digits correspond to the picture ID being used, 007. One advantage Sim RPG Maker has over others in the series is that it does not require the installation of the RTP to run a game created by the program. Only the installation of the game is necessary. However, the graphics can only come in BMP file format, creating larger file sizes than the other RPG Maker programs.

A game typically involves several maps, each with a starting event or cutscene, the main battle, and an ending cutscene. In between maps, players can be sent to the camp, where they may purchase items, switch out party members, change equipment, or check stats of characters. Maps can be designed with different objectives in mind. The most common objective is defeating all enemies or a specific boss character. In addition, players may have to survive a set number of rounds, move past a specified location, or prevent specified characters from dying. Some maps may even be used strictly for cutscenes, with no battles taking place. Maps are progressed through linearly, but it is possible to send the player to maps out of order, enabling multiple/alternate storyline forks. It is also possible to send the player to a previous map.