When comparing Phaser vs ImpactJS, the Slant community recommends Phaser for most people. In the question“What are the best HTML5/JavaScript frameworks for web-based games?” Phaser is ranked 1st while ImpactJS is ranked 6th. The most important reason people chose Phaser is:
Phaser keeps things simple and as such is easy to use by beginners.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Beginner-friendly
Phaser keeps things simple and as such is easy to use by beginners.
Pro 1000s of examples
Thousands of example are on the Phaser website, which show everything you could want to do with Phaser.
Pro Supports WebGL with canvas fallback
If WebGL is unavailable, Phaser automatically switches to HTML5 canvas.
Pro Targets mobile browsers
Built specifically for mobile web browsers.
Pro Extensive documentation available to support development
ImpactJS has an active user community that busily produces tremendous resources including videos, books, tutorials, walkthroughs and more. There are also comprehensive class documentation available.
Pro Excellent collision detection system
Impact provides 2 types of collision detection; static and dynamic collisions. Both of which are easily integrated into game development.
Pro Extendable
Many plugins are available, including one called Impact++ which adds features like pathfinding and dynamic lighting.
Pro Level editor
Built-in map editor with support for tiling, collision layers, and actors.
Pro Optimized
Works with Box2d physics library, comes with all worthwhile elements for actors built in.
Pro Truly cross-platform allowing developers to build for anything
Extending the reach of a game developed with ImpactJS is easy due to the cross-platform nature the framework. There are Considerations around performance, resolution and audio, however all can be appropriately addressed when in development. Works in the browser via Canvas, even on mobile. Easily translatable into a packaged app.
Cons
Con Missing accessibility features
While not a big issue, it may be a dealbreaker for some.
Con Poor code structure
There's little in terms of cohesiveness in classes, methods or patterns.
Con Inactive
The last update was in 2014.
Con Cost of $99
While most HTML5 frameworks are offered as free open source projects, ImpactJS has a one time cost and no free option.