um, first off. you can't just pick up a book at your barns and nobles that tells u step by step how to make a game in php. it's as simple as that. you can go anywhere with making an rpg like game in php. you need a theory book that tells you principles in what you need to have in your rpg. and that's 10 steps back before you even sit down to code. you need to understand what you want to build first. the next step is understand what your going to build it with. you're going to need at least a good working knowledge of php/mysql and if you even want your game to be played by anyone else who isn't a 'mud' fan. you better get some java knowledge down for a good front end. otherwise, no-one wants to play a 'text' based game except for maybe true rpg'ers.
so once you have a good working knowlege of the above. draw out your ideas on paper. design how you want it. setup your dbase to link with all your players, items, weapons, potions, enemies, damage, hitpoints, etc.
