JRaiKetchum

SDK = Software Development Kit. Tools and resources needed to build a program that runs in the engine. So in other words, the programs and the manuals that are bundled with it can be used to develop your own visual novels that run in RealLiveMax, just like Sekai Project's release of planetarian. The SDK comes with the following: RealLiveMax manual in CHM, HTML, and TXT format Sample game which demonstrates the capabilities of RealLive(Max) 34 part tutorial on building a basic game and customized system menu. Script compiler (Tpc2000Max) Image file converter [PSD-->G00] (G00PackMax) Image file viewer (G00LibMax) Audio file converter [WAV-->NWA] (NWApack) Audio file tool (NWAlib) Voice file tool (OVKPack) Mouth animation tool (KoeAnm) Database tool [CSV-->DBS] (CSV2DBS) These tools can be used by translation groups in compiling their own code and graphics back into the games that are being translated for RealLiveMax. Or illustrious hackers can hack the compiler to make it compile for earlier versions of RealLive. So I figured that translating the materials in the SDK would be beneficial for translation groups as well as people like me who want to do some development at some point. **To get around the license file check, just copy the "MAXCODE0000.lic" file from another game that uses ReaLiveMax (e.g. planetarian on Steam) to where the RealLiveMax.exe files are located. Or try, as I have and still waiting, contacting VisualArt's through their doujin circle licensing page and obtain the free license through them.

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't been around a lot lately like I wanted to. Life kinda got in the way a bit. So, who wants to help me with translating what is one of the biggest, most desired visual novel SDK's (at least to me! )? Since VisualArt's released the SDK to the public a few years ago under a free license agreement, it is all available for use! The included files give key insights to how RealLive(Max) works. The only thing different is really the bytecode the Seen.txt file is compiled in. For those who don't know what RealLive is, RealLive is the engine all of VisualArt's studios used prior to the newer SiglusEngine introduced with Rewrite. I compiled a presentation a few years ago in it using RLDev and stumbled around and couldn't do HALF of what I wanted. (Visual novel introduction panel, running in a visual novel engine! Sure Ren'py was available, but not nearly as powerful!) The manual and tutorial are all in HTML format, extracted from a CHM file distributed within the SDK. There are also other text files that are helpful that can be translated as well. And, all of the seen script files that are distributed with the sample game/tutorial are HEAVILY annotated as to what each section of the script does what and the function of different commands. Currently, I have been using Nifty Web Translation and smoothing out the output a little. Not too much has to be rewritten. So? Any takers? -Rai

Finally playing Kanon after 5 years! -Rai

I like to play SIF for fun as well. When an event comes by, I do get pumped and a little competitive. But then I remember how much enough love gems to get ANYWHERE near a decent ranking costs and that competetive edge starts to dull. I did that once before with event for the Umi in her pajamas. No more O_O;; I more just grind experience on all my favorite songs so I can continue unlocking and reading the story. Especially baby maybe, Koi no Button. ^^ And OriginalRen, I do feel your pain with Milky Holmes. XoX - Rai

Currently trodgging through the rest of the trophies to platinum Dynasty Warriors Gundam: Reborn on my PS3! (OH GOD THE REPETITION!!!) Playing Hopeless Masquerade and Scarlet Weather Rhapsody on my PC -Rai

Hi Minna-san! Probably to one topic I have the most interest in when it comes to VN's are the anime and/or manga adaptations. So I am curious, what games that you have seen adapted into anime that were *mimics Demetri Martin* good, bad, and interesting. Please feel free to explain your reasoning. I will start it off with mine *grabs a Large Pad on an easel* Good: Kanon (2006). The staff at KyoAni left no stone unturned and remained as faithful as they could. They found a way to tell everyone's story and give each heroine merit. Combined with the high visual and audio quality that is commonplace in their works. (If you want to see a good example of their quality shining through, check out AIR, their first solo production which made kagikko cry out for Kanon) Bad: Tsukihime. The staff completely derailed the plot. The story was a jumbled mess trying to weave together the plots of each character from the two different "sides of the moon". The adapatation was so bad that Type-Moon now requires that they are part of the planning process for any adaptations. Interesting: Yosuga no Sora. It was the first time I had seen a series trying to preserve the same structure as a VN. I personally enjoyed in the previews where they would mention which point the branch occurs. And being broadcasted on satellite channels ment that they could push the boundaries to keep as many scenes in as possible. Ja, ne -Rai

Hmm.. classic romance stories... Can never go wrong with another Key work. Also try ONE ~kagayaku kisetsu e~ (https://vndb.org/v51). It was done by the same team who went on to become Key.You can see where they are starting to develop their own style. As someone had already mentioned, Tsukihime (https://vndb.org/v7) is another good one. May I also throw out there ef (https://vndb.org/v88) as another good romance. It is more drama heavy. If you are looking for something closer to Key, check out Mizuiro (https://vndb.org/v192) by NekoNekoSoft. The only patch out there translates the Hiyori route, which closely resembles the style of Key's works. If you are looking for RPG elements, Tears to Tiara (https://vndb.org/v238) straight up. Koihime Musou (https://vndb.org/v369) is another good choice. It is a more tactical RPG. Hope this helps! -Rai

I try to buy VN's when I have the money and/or the access. I'm kinda old-fashioned in that I prefer physical copies over digital. I like having something tangible that I can display and handle. I have used many sources to acquire my library. My first games I bought were from an old site called HimeyaShop. .Then I started using a proxy service. I have also bought stuff from Hen Da Ne at conventions, even commissioning them to find one for me. And of course when I went to Japan...XD More recently I have been buying English games released by JAST and MangaGamer to help support some of the more well known publishers when they get their games. Currently I physically own: Kanon, Mizuiro, Wind ~a breath of heart~, planetarian ~chiisana hoshi no yume~, ONE ~Kagayaku kisetsu e~, Triangle Hearts 1-2-3 DVD Edition, Koihime Musou, Deus Machina Demonbane, Saya no Uta, Heart de Roommate, Family Project, Da Capo, and Kira Kira. On the digital-only side: ef ~the first tale~ (though that will soon become physical here in a month! XD) And I just dumped a couple hundred into the CLANNAD Kickstarter for all of the physical goods and copy of the game. Probably be doing the same when Grisaia kicks off as well. ^^;; -Rai

Hmm. That is a tough question. Out of the games I've played, I've gotta hand protagonist over to Shiki Tohno. He's a more well-rounded character. He can be sarcastic and also an all around nice guy. For supporting characters, it would be Kouji in Saya no Uta. That guy was just amazing. I love how he never took no for an answer and was basically the action hero! Being voiced by Yasunori Matusmoto of Gourry fame didn't hurt in that department either. I think he shone above everyone. -Rai