When comparing BlitzMax vs WiMi5, the Slant community recommends BlitzMax for most people. In the question“What are the best 2D game engines?” BlitzMax is ranked 52nd while WiMi5 is ranked 70th. The most important reason people chose BlitzMax is:
You can compile on Windows, Mac and Linux. Nothing to change. There are solutions to compile on the same machine for 2 targets.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Multi target
You can compile on Windows, Mac and Linux. Nothing to change. There are solutions to compile on the same machine for 2 targets.
Pro Modular
There are many modules to extend the features of the language: you can create PDF (via a Cairo module), or just download/upload files (via LibCurl), playing streaming sound (via BASS) and so on (databases, xml, xls...) User can create their own module (they could be written in plain BlitzMax)
Pro Easy syntax
Based on BASIC syntax. Supports OOP, collections (array, list and map)
Pro Stable language and source code
After many years the language it self is very stable. The packages contains the source code of ALL modules (excluding the source of the compiler).
Pro Easy to start, high productivity
BlitzMax is just ready after the installation. Open the IDE, write your code and just press F5 to see the results. You don't need to install other things to use the language. Of course if you want to change the language itself - or modules - you need to install MinGW or other libs, but guidelines are provided and easy to follow.
Pro Fast compiler
With comparison to the some of the other languages Blitzmax compiles source files fast enough.
Pro Compiles to native code
Good performance thanks to native code on each of the target platforms.
Pro Garbage collected language
The language is garbage collected in two modes: reference counting or using the Boehm-Demers-Weiser conservative garbage collector.
Pro GUI for apps
BlitzMax provides the MaxGUI modules that allow to build GUI desktop applications for Windows, Mac and Linux (FLTK or GTK via a module). You also could create your own 'gadgets'.
Pro Great community support
the forum is plenty of examples and solutions! Community is strong and still working, available for getting an hand
Pro BLIde
BLIde is an integrated development environment for Blitz Max, designed to work very close to the project file management performed by BlitzMax engine.
It’s inspired by the .NET IDE and some other great tools, It’s been designed for hobbyist and professional coders.
Pro Versatile flow diagram script model
WiMi5 integrates a powerful visual scripting solution based on Blackboxes that allows you to create the logic flow of the game. You don't have to code (if you don't want) but you can also do it. WiMi5's actions and behaviors resemble flowcharts where each box represents a function or value, with connections between them representing program flow. This provides a better at-a-glance indication of game logic than a simple list of events, and makes complex behaviors easier to accomplish.
Pro Integrated servers
WiMi5 provides integrated back-end services, with tools available to save game session data, manage rankings, etc.
Pro Free development
The WiMi5 platform is free to use, supported by post-publication royalties.
Pro Built in monetisation tools
WiMi5 provides features to manage in-app purchases and micropayments. Virtual Goods management is integrated into the Logic Editor.
Pro Publication partnerships
WiMi5 maintains partnerships allowing simultaneous publication to a number of Web and mobile stores, all managed through the WiMi5 platform.
Games can also be downloaded and publish it wherever you want: in your own server or with your own partners. Just check the Download feature in the settings of your game.
Cons
Con Outdated and abandoned
The author neglected BlitzMax and works on Monkey2.
Con No mobile targets
Only desktop targets available: Windows, MacOS, Linux.
Con 30% royalties
For filling the engine, publisher, and back-end service roles, WiMi5 takes 30% of game revenues.
