My experience playing a game made with RPG Maker on a Windows tablet.

Preface

Up until now, when I played free games, I used my desktop computer at home.
However, I also wanted to play games while lying down in various places around the house, so I had been thinking about buying a tablet eventually.

Just recently, on May 12, 2020, Microsoft released the "Surface Go 2".
I've been wanting to buy a Windows tablet for a while, so I finally decided to take the plunge and buy one.

I'll be writing about my experience playing games made with RPG Maker, as well as my thoughts on the usability of the Surface GO 2.

About the basic performance of the Surface GO 2

There are three models of the "Surface GO 2,"I purchased the middle model this time, so I'll write about my impressions of its specifications.
These are primarily my impressions from the perspective of "playing free games."

The Surface Go 2 comes standard with an Office license key, allowing you to use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
To be honest, since I'm buying this as a gaming tablet, I'd be happier if they removed this software and lowered the price.

I referred to the official website for specifications.

• Dimensions: 245mm x 175mm x 8.3mm
It's slightly smaller than A4 size.
It's easy to put in a regular bag, but it's obviously larger than a portable game console.
However, in my case, I don't intend to use it while traveling outdoors, so it's not a problem for me.

・Weight: 544g
It's a bit heavy if you're playing while supporting it with just your hands.
However, since the intended use is to place it on your lap while sitting, or lean it against your knees while lying down, there were no particular problems.

Screen size: 10.5 inches
There are no problems playing the game.
For someone like me who often plays in windowed mode, this size was just right.

Memory: 8GB
Processor: Intel Pentium Gold Processor 4425Y2M cache, 1.70 GHz）
Since I don't play hardcore PC games, it wasn't a problem for me.
I don't notice any significant lag even when playing with a walkthrough website open in the background.

Storage: 128 GB SSD
Recently, even free games have been getting larger in terms of data size.
However, as long as you don't install too many games and focus on the games you're currently playing, there shouldn't be any problems.

External terminals: USB-TYPE C x 1, 3.5mm headphone jack, MicroSDXC card reader
Since it only has USB Type-C ports, transferring data to and from your main PC is somewhat inconvenient.
I found it easier to transfer files using online storage.

Regarding sound, you can use wired earphones or wireless earphones connected via Bluetooth.

Preparing to play a game made with RPG Maker

Disable S mode

When you purchase a Surface Go 2, it initially comes with Windows 10 Home (S mode) installed.
"S mode" is a mode that restricts the use of only specified apps in order to maintain a high level of security.

In "S mode," you can only install apps from the Microsoft Store, so the first step is to disable S mode.

Please note that once you disable S mode, you cannot revert to it.
Once unlocked, it becomes "Windows 10 Home" and can be used like a regular Windows machine.

Installing the RPG Maker Runtime Package (RTP)

Naturally, to play a game created with RPG Maker, you must install the runtime package appropriate for the game you are playing.

Official websiteNext, let's install each RTP.

Also, on Windows 10, RPG Maker 2000 and 2003 often won't start properly unless launched in windowed mode.
In that case, you will need to force the application to start in windowed mode instead of fullscreen mode.
Furthermore, there are several things you should try, such as running it in compatibility mode or on a single core.

Introduction of "Chi-tan Touch Board"

One thing we mustn't forget is the on-screen software keyboard (screen keyboard).
The standard Windows 10 keyboard cannot be customized and is not very user-friendly.
This might just be my experience, but when playing games made with RPG Maker 2000 or 2003, the keys were unresponsive, making it impossible to play properly.

The solution to this problem is the "Chi-tan Touch Board," which is available for free.
By installing this, you can play comfortably even with a software keyboard.

Customizing it yourself is quite difficult, but by using the "board packages" distributed on the official website, you can utilize a variety of pre-designed layouts.

For example, a layout called "GameController" would look like this:

With a software keyboard, you don't get the feeling of pressing a key, so your fingers can shift position without you realizing it.
However, by reducing unnecessary buttons and splitting the keyboard between the left and right edges of the screen, accidental presses are reduced, making it easier to use.

My impressions after actually playing the game

Games created with RPG Maker MV often have touch panel support, allowing for intuitive gameplay.
However, since the operation is primarily done via keyboard, you will likely need convenient software such as the aforementioned "Chi-tan Touch Board."

Unlike a real keyboard, there's no tactile feedback when typing, so I thought it might be a little difficult to play action games on it.
However, I believe you should be able to play RPGs, simulation games, and visual novels without any problems.

(Added on May 29, 2020)
When not in use, you can put it to sleep by pressing the power button, just like a smartphone.
However, I felt that leaving the game running for extended periods drained the battery quite a bit.
It gets quite hot.
Even with a full charge, the battery will drop below 10% in 3-4 hours when playing games made with RPG Maker, so be careful.

(Added in August 2020)
Many games created with "SRPG Studio" are often difficult to play comfortably without a mouse, so you will likely need to prepare a Bluetooth mouse or similar device.

Also, I think this is the case with all tablets, but the Surface Go 2 gets hot when used for extended periods.
As the device overheats, the CPU's processing power decreases, leading to increased lag and stuttering.
In such cases, it's important to either turn off the power or play in a cool room.
You could think of it as being able to forcibly interrupt long periods of gameplay.
For now, I feel that visual novels are a particularly good fit for me.
It's quite comfortable to play, as it feels like reading a book.

Also, as mentioned earlier in this article, setting up online storage such as "OneDrive" makes it easier to transfer files between PCs.
In my case, I have set up my tablet to save screenshots of games I play to "OneDrive".
By doing so, you can comfortably use screenshots when writing articles on your desktop computer.
The free plan offers a decent amount of storage, so I recommend it.

(Added February 2021)
When playing a game created with RPG Maker, the game screen may freeze if you change the screen orientation between portrait and landscape, or if you go to the lock screen and then return to the lock screen.
Judging from the background music and sound effects, the game itself is running fine, but the screen display is just not working.
This can make it difficult to continue playing the game, so it's important to save before leaving your seat for an extended period or changing the screen orientation.

Other uses for "Surface Go 2"

The Surface Go 2 is a bit pricey, but if you purchase a cover touch panel for around 15,000 yen, you can attach a keyboard very easily.

The mounting part attaches with a magnet, and once attached, it automatically enables keyboard operation.

At this point, it's more like a mini laptop than a tablet.

It wasn't what I originally intended, but I think it still has its uses, so it wasn't all bad.
Unlike the aforementioned "Chi-tan Touch Board," this doesn't operate the keys via software, so the game's performance feels somewhat smoother.
I found it quite convenient because I could place it in front of my desktop PC to play games while simultaneously writing articles on my desktop PC.

summary

I purchased a Surface GO 2 this time, but if you're only going to be playing RPG Maker software, I think a cheaper tablet would be perfectly adequate.

However, I think the usability of the standard Windows on-screen keyboard remains the same.
Therefore, it is important to introduce a software keyboard such as "Chi-tan Touch Board".
If you pay attention to this one point, most Windows tablets should be able to play games comfortably.