Hi, I've started making my own game a while ago, but I'm really new to RMXP (and mapping, for that matter) so I need all the help I can get from you guys :)
Below's how Route 1 look like. Since it's Route 1 and it isn't planned for any significant storyline, I wanted it to be linear. Is it overly so though?
One thing I didn't like on my map was the rocks.. they looked somewhat weird on the map, but I dunno what I want to replace them with (without them it seems too empty, and I can't find any appropriate rocks to replace them).
I didn't show the NPCs on the map - currently there are 4 trainers. Too little? Too much? If so, about how many NPCs should be on a map of this size?
Any criticism is welcome - thanks :)
For just having started, I'd say the map is very well done.
There are a lot of things that you should learn, though.
First off, the top area is WAY too big. You should make the the "paths" where you place wild grass a maximum of 5-6 tiles wide.
Also, don't use the "random wild-grass placement".
It doesn't look very good using the standard Pokémon tiles, so stick to the regular grass-placement. (Check original maps from FRLG)
Furthermore, the entrance area to the top left is VERY uninteresting and way too big. Make it a maximum of 4 tiles high. The same can be said about the south path, although the size problem isn't as big there. It's still very uninteresting. Add a path and some flowers or things like that.
And lastly, before making a map altogether you should make a concept-map showing the path the player is supposed to take through the map.
In your map it's kind of confusing as to where the player wants to go. You're also using the ledges wrong. Ledges should be used to give the player an easier path to use when backtracking to earlier maps.
Check Route 1 from FRLG here.
The path the player should take is marked out by the sandpath showing him the way between the grass.
The ledges are placed so that the player can return to Pallet Town, without stepping in grass.
In my opinion, the best way to make a map isn't to make it realistic. It's to make it good gameplay-wise.
It should be easy for the player to find his way through the map (unless it's a maze or puzzle, ofc) and it should be easy for the player to remember the map. Make it distinct from the other maps in the game.
I wish you luck with your game!