When comparing Phaser.io vs RPG Maker, the Slant community recommends Phaser.io for most people. In the question“What are the best 2D game engines?” Phaser.io is ranked 11th while RPG Maker is ranked 28th. The most important reason people chose Phaser.io is:
There are plenty of great learning resources available for Phaser.io.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Good tutorials, courses and books
There are plenty of great learning resources available for Phaser.io.
Pro Super-simple loading of assets
Pro Excellent tools for sprites
Pro Very fast to develop with
If you're browsing Slant, you probably already have a JavaScript enabled browser, which is most of what you need to get started learning JavaScript. The requirement to run a server locally on your computer while developing might make things a little more difficult
Pro Animating is easy
Pro Support for Arcade Physics, Ninja Physics and p2.js
Pro Great community resources
Pro Easy to learn
Pro Built-in Arcade Particle system
Pro WebGL and Canvas rendering modes
You can choose WebGL or classic HTML canvas element for game rendering.
Pro Very active development
This is one of the most developed frameworks right now.
Pro No install required
All you need to do is attach Phaser script to a HTML page even without installing any extensions.
Pro Easy to understand if you have used flash
Phaser provides a similar approach as to that of Flash games, where you can load assets and place them on a stage, and even improves upon the shortcomings of actionscript. It is very easy to shift from flash to HTML5 development because of this approach.
Pro Has separate versions maintained by developer and the community
The creator of phaser(photonstorm) has given the older(Phaser 2.0) source code to the community for their own maintenance, and has made Phaser 3.0 with a different style and approach, trying to make it easier for beginners to learn.
Pro Easy to jump into using an intuitive WYSIWYG editor
It's possible to create a game with absolutely no art or coding skills, so even complete beginners can make something.
Pro Large and active community
The engine has seen multiple iterations since 1995, so a large online community exists that is always willing to help each other out.
Pro Ruby / Javascript support provides depth to more experienced developers
With a script editor that uses a modified version of Ruby, it's possible to go well beyond the traditional RPG with this engine. Note: XP and VX use Ruby, the latest version "MV" uses Javascript for scripting.
Pro A cheap license that allows using the software commercially
There are several versions of RPG maker, with MV being the latest and most fully featured: MV ($79.99), VX Ace ($69.99), VX ($59.99) and XP ($24.99), 2003 ($19.99).
Pro Greater Map layers
MV Mapping uses an additional layer to create better depth.
Pro Multi-platform
MV supports HTML5 exports, so it is easier than ever to make your game work on iOS, android, OSX,Linux or Windows.
Pro MV has HTML5 export
You can now HTML5 export your projects, so you could theoretically host your game on your webserver, and have your friends play the game without ever having to install a single thing.
Pro It's an open engine
It's possible to use custom editors from the community, edit libraries,include libraries,etc (MV Only)
Cons
Con Poor performance
As long as your map is not larger than 600*400px, everything is fine.
Con Developer ignores community needs
Con Extremely many bugs
Con No 3D support
None of them have 3D support, it is possible only with manual scripting which could be difficult for beginners.
Con MV Does not have a "REAL" Android export.
MV has an export to HTML5 - which can run on any browser including android. It is however not a "native" app export.
Con Inconsistent included visual assets
Included visual assets within MV have inconsistent presentation. Though RPMMV does contain enough to make a small basic title, the visual assets don't often look like they should be mixed on-screen.
Con No built-in realtime battle system
RPG Maker series has only turn based battle systems, unless scripts/Plugins made by the community are used.
Con Conversion to MV difficult
Older iterations of RPG Maker use smaller sprite sizes that require manual conversion to use older RTP assets and older assets are more robust.