In the RTP VX/Ace Style
Introduction
Welcome, dear apprentice, visitor, and maker, to my tutorial on RTP VX/Ace in the Pixel Art section. Here, I will discuss both theory and practice. I hope you understand what I want to convey and practice for those who are learning.
What is RTP?
RTP, or Run Time Package, is a simple yet comprehensive resource package used in Makers, containing graphics and sounds. Each graphic follows a pattern, which I will explain here regarding the RTP VX/Ace pattern in characters, so pay attention, my dear apprentices.
Which Colors?
Firstly, RTP VX/Ace uses a specific number of colors for each part of the body. Take a look at this frame of an RTP char:
If you look closely, you'll notice which colors are used. For the skin, there are always 4 colors; for hair, there are 5; for clothes, there are 3 to 4, but this can vary according to your preference. The most frequently used color is black, as it highlights the area used and functions as shading on the character—pay attention to where black is applied. However, you can remove it if you want, as I did in the image below; see the difference:
I didn't remove it from the eyes to emphasize them, of course. But this will vary according to
taste. Now, regarding accessories or objects, they range from 3 to 4 colors like clothes. I hope
I have explained this part well.
Shading, Do You Know How to Use It?
This part is the most important—shading, something that is quite useful and makes the project beautiful. There are various types of shading, depending on the light direction on your character. In RTP VX/Ace, this light comes from the upper left. See some examples:
Did you look closely? Did you notice that the left side of the helmet and the hair of the characters are lighter? This makes a significant difference, making the character look more natural. But wait! Don't think it applies to the entire body; it's preferably for the head. In the body, it's different; both sides receive the same type of shading, so if you do one side and flip it, it will look like the other.
Let's Get to Practice, Shall We?
Well, enough theory; now let's get our hands dirty. First, let's take a model to start with and a color palette, preferably vibrant colors, which are essential in VX/Ace. You can create or edit characters; the easiest way is to edit, but of course, to give it an original form, I'll do it through editing because it's easier to present in this tutorial. The palette will be this:
Which Bases Should I Use?
To create a character, you need to know how to use the right base to make character editing even easier. I'll take Actor5-3 to make an edit, turning it into a character known to RMXP users. Let's see if you can figure it out as the tutorial progresses.
Steps for Frankenspriting
1 - I will use the base Actor4_3, and with its right side, I will edit it to show the face and increase the size of the cape. Copying the right side and flipping it looks like this:
2 - Since it will be a female character, I have to make her look more feminine. So, I take the slimmer arms from the female template and flip them again. See how easy it is?
3 - Let's start editing the clothes of the frame, and then we'll work on her hair. For the shirt, I use the one from the Actor and recolor it completely in white, adding 2 brown details.
After that, I move to the cape and change its color to pink, adding some brown details. Did you notice? Then, I move on to the legs and modify them to achieve the character I want. Do you already know who it is?
4 - Now, the hair. I'll take it from the base of a cover character from VX/Ace, as it's quite similar. Just a few edits, and voilà. After some adjustments and edits to get what I want, she's ready. Our character is no longer bald. If you observe, I added an accessory to her hair.
Simply repeat the same process for the side and back frames, and you'll achieve the same result.
Guessed already? If not, I'll tell you it's the cover of RMXP—similar, isn't it? I hope you understood and liked it. I apologize for not showing the other sides, as they are easy to make; it's the same procedure. Remember, this is an edit; if possible, I'll show how to do it from scratch.
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank Enterbrain for RPG Maker VX/Ace and the RTP VX palette, you for reading this tutorial and following it to the end. The owner of チョコミントの木 (Mint Chocolate Tree) for the hair base.
From 2023
"This version 2.0 of the characters and other characters on the RMXP cover can be found in
the 'Characters' folder." ~ New and edited sprites included in the Art Material [2010 ~ 2023] package
