Making games especially for a beginner can easily get overwhelming. This is something nearly any proper game developer will tell you. For, to make a game, you must learn to master many different aspects, from storytelling, puzzles, basic coding, and character sprites. So naturally, one may look for easier methods of learning each aspect. This is what Sprite Basic 2 Game Engine, developed and published by Pix Arts, promises to provide.

But does it achieve in its goals? Could it possibly be a bridge on learning how to make the RPG game of your dreams? Unless you already know a thing or two about coding, it only makes it more confusing. Allow me to elaborate.

The Tutorial is a Lie 

When you open a game engine of any variety, you’d likely expect some sort of beginning tutorial; navigating you through its vast landscape. This game engine doesn’t even do that. Instead, it leaves you staring at a black screen, with a most unhelpful blue pop-up. So, with nothing else to guide you, there’s only one reasonable reaction: press everything and anything! A fun pastime for some like me. But where it led to caused my brain to hurt.

All I see are Numbers and Symbols

Now for someone more versed in coding you might recognize this as an html script. One of the many types of script commonly used in game design. But for someone like me it was an overwhelming mess of code; instantly ridding me of any urge to learn how to create sprites. There was little indication of what any of it even meant, ensuring that any who are not already well versed will want to throw the not so beginner-friendly engine out of the window.

Final Thoughts

Calling this game engine a good beginner guide is like trying to teach someone to plant, and all they’re given is a bucket and a dandelion. You would be better off learning how to make sprites through YouTube tutorials. At least they don’t cost twelve bucks and threaten your creative aspirations.