MV - Naima's Melody - A Zeldalike Action Adventure Game (DEMO!)

Even though this project was abandoned from failing to meet its Kickstarter goal or pick up a publisher, I feel this is a great proof of concept of a pretty polished action game in RPG Maker and showcase of what's possible to make in the engine outside of standard turn-based RPGs. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in making a similar game for inspiration or ideas, or even just what's possible to do in the map scene while never using the battle scene.

At its core, Naima's Melody is a 2D Zelda clone and doesn't try to hide it. You play as a swordsman who can also use a bow, and it even has rupee drops that are the same colors and values as Zelda rupees. It also has bombs that work the same way as they do in Zelda.

It has smooth movement due to its use of Altimit Pixel Movement, and you can ride a horse around for quicker travel. The day and night cycle brings some variety in available interactions and enemies.

The mechanical foundations of the game are solid, it replicates Zelda gameplay pretty well, although nothing you haven't seen before. It would have benefited the game to strive for more and try to provide a new experience to players. The story is barebones: Monsters have been increasingly attacking a formerly peaceful village. The graphics are Time Fantasy premade assets: simple and cartoony. Some custom art maybe would have made the game stand out more. Perhaps a more original setting or premise also would have drawn more interest. Even some gameplay mechanics that you don't see in Zelda could have provided a unique hook.