Generic RPG Maker XP Game

[Xelrog T. Apocalypse]

It doesn't. Switches, self switches and variables don't really make a difference (though you're right in that self-switches are the easiest). The problem was the page order - the opened chest was set as the first page while the closed chest and the item collection took place on the second. Both conditions were met, but the second page was the one that was taking priority instead of the first - the help text for the Conditions tab of the event map says that it's supposed to run from the lowest-numbered page to the highest when it's actually the highest to lowest, so it was a mix-up on their part.

EDIT: Download link updated with the fixed version of the game. Also note the new mini-site link - click it and pleasure the viewing of your eyeballs.