Gamemaker 8 is free with basic functionality.

But I prefer RPG maker myself. I use XP, because I'm cheap and it's only $30 rather than $60, and I like the graphics better than VX.

ok i finally got my mom to let me download them. now which one should i start out with? which is the most supported one?

My suggestion is to download both XP and VX, and use their 30 day free trial to fiddle around with them. That way you can see which one you like best.

i cant do xp because it keeps me from playing due to the fact it wont let me install a certain file but i dont know what it is. help. all i can do is ignore it.

If you don't know which file it is disallowing you to install then we can't help you very much. Try getting the error message next time it happens. And please post any troubles with installation, or ANYTHING not related to this thread in a new topic in Game Making Questions forum.

Actually I think Rmvx and Rmxp are pretty much the same. It's only a matter of how you use them.
For instance, if you say the graphics of Rmvx are kinda chibi, why not use MACK SPRITES then? Or you could convert Xp Graphics to Vx.
Another thing-Parallax mapping.
You don't necessarily have to use the RTP default graphics from Rmvx. You can just put in a parallax to beautify your maps.
In conclusion, I just think that you should just use the RPG maker that you're comfortable with.

never mind i fixed it. now back to the vs! i actually think xp is easy both ways! it has a lot i can do with it. i made about 23 maps with qick pro easy! so i might recommend it.