RPG Maker XP
RPG Maker XP is the fourth PC version of the RPG Maker programs by Enterbrain and published by ASCII. It is the first PC version to be officially translated into English and released outside of Japan.
Graphics
RPG Maker XP, also known as RMXP, is the first RPG Maker since RPG Maker 95 to feature a resolution of 640x480, compared to the 320x240 resolution of RPG Maker 2000 and RPG Maker 2003. This meant that RMXP graphics are less grainy, and of higher-quality than those of previous versions in terms of pixellation and detail. Due to worries about hardware compatibilities, Enterbrain decided to perform the rendering in Software-mode only.
Ruby Scripting System
RMXP was the first in the RPG Maker series to feature the Ruby programming language, which adds great flexibility and enhancement to the RPG Maker scripting system. To make it easier for beginners to customize their project the RMXP uses a kit, the so called RGSS(Ruby Game Scripting System), of predefined classes and program code for the standard functions of a RPG-like game.
Some good English language resources for tutorials and scripts for the RGSS are the Creation Asylum and the RMXP.org Forum.
RMXP - A Vast Community
The developing of RPG Maker XP projects has grown vast internet communities, where developers can share their scripts, games, and graphics. The most prominent of these is http://www.rmxp.org. RMXP.ORG has a large base of materials, games, and scripts for you to use to create your own unique games. Though, because of recent hackings at RMXP.ORG the community has been pushed back to September, the most recent uncorrupted back-up.
There are many more RPG Maker XP sites to scour for materials, many are Japanese. By using AltaVista's or Google's translating service you can easily find materials on foreign pages.
The Materials of RPG Maker XP
RPG Maker XP uses a wide array of different graphic resources. These include, title screens, game over screens, character sets, tile sets, transition effects, battle animations, battle icons, item icons, backgrounds, and window skins.
Controversy
There has always been controversy surrounding PC editions of RPG Maker, with 2000 being translated by Don Miguel, and 2003 by RPG Advocate. XP was translated later by RPG Advocate, but in the form of an 'English patch' rather than the whole program being pirated and available for download. Postality Knights is an 'upgraded' version of RPG Maker XP, in conjunction with the claims that the programmers made when releasing what is essentially a full working version of XP, for free download.