Some probably ten months on this site now, and I only just thought to look through the Control Panel page (I was actually trying to see how I might alter my profile since I had long forgotten--haven't had to--but what I found was completely astounding) and I noticed among the downloads on the left side of the page a list of former RPG Maker programs! I got into the idea when I discovered a free trial of Ace, and within a week or two I was up and running with it. Unfortunately the trial was over before I knew it, and I cannot afford the $30-50 sale price, nor can I justify it for my preferred style, and one I feel like I could have the most fun with: third-person, pitting my forces against the opponent and having an all-out brawl/cast fest.
My next step since then was to get a book so that I could learn Visual Basic and write my own from scratch. The unfortunate event is that I do not seem to set the time aside to really focus on it, intriguing as it is (it makes a fine hobby and teaches the concept of general programming all at once, after all).
If nothing else, the Maker programs helped pique my interest and would always serve as a good skeleton and structure, and still an excellent learning tool. But do any of them allow for third-person (possibly animate-able) turn-based battle (rather than time-based)? If not, does anyone have a suggestion for what most/least streamlined in terms of development?

Thanks!

I don't have any experience with RPG Maker, I just wanted to let you know that you can edit your profile by clicking "Edit Profile & Settings" in the top left corner.

tgags123 : Thanks t, feeling kind of blind and forgetful for that one :p
I guess I don't look on that side as much since the only time I have to log back in is after erasing the cache.

Know of anyone who might have other insight? If not that's fine too; after all, I'm only really posting out of curiosity.