The Helios Project

Transform your RPG Maker MZ project into a professional HD-2D JRPG.

The Helios Project is a comprehensive suite of high-performance plugins designed to replicate the deep gameplay mechanics of classic PSX-era titles (like Final Fantasy IX) and a sleek, tech-inspired interface.

🌟 Included Plugins

⚙️ Core & Utility

• Helios Resolution Core: Forces the game to run at a native 1920x1080 resolution with safe boot resizing to prevent black screens.
• Helios Menu Core: The visual backbone of the suite. It provides the unified "Tech" theme, handles HD actor artwork, and overhauls the main menu layout.
• Helios Controller Input: Enables stable, native controller support for Xbox, PlayStation, and generic Bluetooth controllers. Adds proper D-Pad and Analog Stick handling.
• Helios Core Debugger: A utility tool that sits at the top of your load order to catch syntax errors and monitor plugin loading status.

⚔️ Gameplay Mechanics

• Helios Project Plugin (The Heart): Adds three major systems:
  • AP Learning System: Learn skills from equipment (like FF9). Master them to use them without the gear.
  • Magic Stone System: Equip passive abilities using "Equip Points" (EP).
  • Trance System: A battle mechanic where taking damage builds a gauge for a powerful temporary state.
• Helios Battle UI: A complete battle interface overhaul inspired by FF9 Remaster. Features Trance gauges, categorized command icons, and refined status windows.
• Helios Blue Magic: Replicate the "Blue Mage" mechanic. Eat enemies below specific HP thresholds to learn their skills.
• Helios Simple Steal: A robust theft mechanic that tracks specific items per enemy and prevents infinite farming.

🖥️ Interface Overhauls

• Helios Battle Layout HD: A layout fix specifically designed for 1920x1080 resolution. It repositions actors and enemies to fit the wide "cinematic" stage provided by the Battle UI.
• Helios Title Screen: A high-tech replacement for the title screen featuring procedural smoke effects, particle systems, glitch aesthetics, and a custom vignette.
• Helios Victory Aftermath: A classic JRPG victory screen with visual EXP ticking, animated level-up flashes, and a sleek reward layout.
• Helios Status Menu: A detailed 3-column status screen featuring large character portraits, biographies with automatic word-wrap, and clear attribute displays.
• Helios Skills Menu: A hybrid menu design combining a sleek tech header with a classic functional skill list. Fully integrates with the Magic Stone passive system.
• Helios Equip Core: An FF10-2 style equipment screen. It integrates with the AP system to show skill mastery progress directly on the gear.
• Helios Party Menu: Replaces the default "Formation" command with a dedicated visual scene for managing active and reserve party members.
• Helios Item Menu: A sleek, two-column item screen with large detail panels and category navigation.
• Helios Save Menu: A complete visual overhaul of the save/load screen featuring data "cards," party faces, and tech grid backgrounds.
• Helios Options Menu: A centered, HD configuration screen that adds a "End Game" command to instantly close the application.

🎮 How to Use

1. Core Setup

• Resolution: Place Helios_Resolution_Core at the very top of your plugin list.
• Backgrounds: You must have the following 1920x1080 images in your img/system/ folder:
  • MenuBG.png (For main menus)
  • StartBG.png (For the title screen)
  • VictoryBG.png (For the victory screen)

2. Ability Learning (AP)

• Equipment Tags: Add this note to Weapons or Armor to teach a skill:
  • <Teach Skill: [SkillID], [AP_Cost]>
  • Example: <Teach Skill: 12, 50> (Teaches Skill 12, requires 50 AP to master).
• Enemies: Enemies must provide AP in their rewards.
  • Note Tag: <AP: 5> (Gives 5 AP at end of battle).

3. Magic Stones (Passives)

• Skill Setup: Create a skill with the "Passive" Skill Type (Default ID: 9).
• Note Tags:
  • <EP Cost: 5> (Costs 5 points to equip).
  • <Passive State: 14> (Applies State 14 when equipped).

4. Blue Magic (Eat)

• Skill Note: <EatThreshold: 0.25> (Enemy must be at 25% HP or lower).
• Enemy Note: <EatSkill: 10> (Teaches Skill ID 10 when eaten).

5. Steal System

• Skill Note: <StealSkill>
• Enemy Note: <StealItem: [ItemID], [Chance]>
  • Example: <StealItem: 1, 0.5> (50% chance to steal Item #1).

📦 Installation Order

For best results, arrange the plugins in your manager as follows:

1. Helios_Resolution_Core
2. Helios_Core_Debugger
3. Helios_Menu_Core
4. Helios_Controller_Input
5. Helios_Project_Plugin
6. Helios_Battle_UI
7. Helios_Battle_Layout_HD
8. Helios_Title_Screen
9. Helios_Victory_Aftermath
10. Helios_Status_Menu
11. Helios_Skills_Menu
12. Helios_Equip_Core
13. Helios_Item_Menu
14. Helios_Party_Menu
15. Helios_Save_Menu
16. Helios_Options_Menu
17. Helios_BlueMagic
18. Helios_SimpleSteal

📜 Terms of Use

• Commercial Use: Yes Allowed
• Non-Commercial Use: Free to use.
• Attribution: Please credit NovaScar if used in your project.

Bring the light of Helios to your world today.

---

✨ NEW VERSION 1.2

The following plugins have received significant visual upgrades in Version 1.2, introducing dynamic animations and refined aesthetics to make your UI feel alive:

• Helios Menu Core & All Sub-Menus:
  • Added animated "Scan Line" effects to all blue headers for a high-tech feel.
  • Introduced a pulsing selection cursor to make navigation clearer and more responsive.
  • Refined the "Dark Transparent Tech Grid" background style, removing borders for a cleaner, modern look.
• Helios Battle UI (v5.0):
  • Fixed critical targeting issues with Attack and Guard commands.
  • Added animated headers to the command and status windows.
  • Resolved an issue where the Attack command was sometimes difficult to select.
• Helios Victory Aftermath (v3.7):
  • Added dynamic EXP ticking animations.
  • Added a pulsing color-cycle effect to the "LEVEL UP!!" text.
• Helios Skills Menu:
  • Implemented a unique "Character Grid" background specifically for the actor status box, differentiating it from the rest of the menu.
• Helios Battle Layout OVERRIDE (v6.1):
  • Reinforced logic to force centered enemy formations for 1080p, ignoring editor placement.