When comparing Polycode vs Melharfi, the Slant community recommends Polycode for most people. In the question“What are the best 2D game engines?” Polycode is ranked 32nd while Melharfi is ranked 108th. The most important reason people chose Polycode is:
Polycode uses Lua and C++ to create native applications for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Mobile platforms are planned for the future.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Can create portable native applications
Polycode uses Lua and C++ to create native applications for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Mobile platforms are planned for the future.
Pro Free and open source
Polycode is free and open source (released under the MIT license). The source code is freely available on GitHub.
Pro IDE for 3D editing
Recently, the editor and its integrated tools have been released in compiled form. Features coding and scene editing in one application.
Pro C++/Lua
Polycode is distributed in a C++ form as well as with IDE. And there's an additional LUA-based scripting system.
Pro Mouse events built-in
All objects/graphics have a mouse events like MouseClic MouseDoubleClic MouseDown MouseUp MouseOver MouseMove MouseOut
Pro Network support
Lidgren Network Library
Pro Path finder built-in
Uses the A* algorithm or pathfinding
Pro GUI
It use a GDI to draw on windows forms. You can use all windows self GUI (controls) for your game like TextBox, Button Label ..., you don't need to install a third party or use an ugly controls.
Cons
Con Abandoned
The project does not seem to be maintained anymore: there has been no new release nor commit since mid-2015.
Con No mobile support
Doesn't have support for Android or iOS.