When comparing jMonkey3 vs AppGameKit 2.0, the Slant community recommends jMonkey3 for most people. In the question“What are the best 3D game engines?” jMonkey3 is ranked 12th while AppGameKit 2.0 is ranked 13th. The most important reason people chose jMonkey3 is:
Java is a well-optimized just-in-time compiled language. It's faster than languages without an effective native-code compiler such as Python or Ruby, similar in speed to other just-in-time compiled languages such as C#, while slightly slower than compiled languages such as C or C++ (with some low-level and numeric [benchmarks](http://benchmarksgame.alioth.debian.org/u64q/java.html) being similar to C++). Java also has a wide variety of high-class IDEs available.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Java is a great development platform
Java is a well-optimized just-in-time compiled language. It's faster than languages without an effective native-code compiler such as Python or Ruby, similar in speed to other just-in-time compiled languages such as C#, while slightly slower than compiled languages such as C or C++ (with some low-level and numeric benchmarks being similar to C++).
Java also has a wide variety of high-class IDEs available.
Pro Multiplatform support
Code can be ported to mobile (iOS is in the works) and other Android supported devices with minor changes to the code (just change some implementations that vary on the platform such as inputs and user interface). It can even run on certain Raspberry Pi devices.
Pro Free and open-source
jMonkey is completely free, meaning it's possible to develop and release a game with no fees or royalties. Because it is open-source, jMonkey has plenty of people fixing bugs and, adding to the engine as well as creating a variety of plugins that can be used in the engine.
Pro Not limited to using its own IDE
Unlike some engines, jMonkey doesn't force its own IDE. You can use its Netbeans-based IDE, but you can also set up a project to work in another IDE such as Eclipse. You can still use the special tools from jMonkey's IDE in such projects.
Pro Engine modifications can be made using Java
Because jMonkey is implemented in Java, the same language its apps are typically developed in, developers will have an easier time modifying the engine to their needs.
Pro Has everything
jMonkey3 handles input from computers and mobile devices. It handles networking, physics, rendering, terrain, and cinematics.
Pro Ease of extensibility
Engine is modifiable.
Pro Freedom of choice for architecture
The user is not compelled to use any programming architecture nor standard in order to make a project working. JME allows the freedom to use what is best for a game.
Pro Offers both low-level and high-level ways of editing shaders
Modifying shaders can be done either via a visual tool called Shader Nodes or via GLSL that allow you to make your own shaders without the engine getting in the way or having to hack around to do so.
Pro HTML5 support
The AppGameKit Basic can now export to HTML5.
Pro Cross platform
Supports developing games for Android, iOS, PC, Mac, Linux and now HTML5.
Pro You only need to to pay for the license only
There is no charge for upgrades, or for extra platforms (the HTML5 version just appeared in the latest version), there are no subscription fees or other usage charges. If you publish onto either Apple or Google's stores you will have to pay their costs, of course, but the makers of AGK do not take a cut of this themselves.
Pro Plugin support for Windows
Plug-ins can now be added to the Windows platform. Create your own Tier BASIC commands and call them using the AppGameKit Basic script language style.
Pro Instant testing on multiple devices at once
AppGameKit supports instant testing on all connected devices. With the push of a button you can run your game on any device connected to the development machine.
Pro Excellent documentation
Every function is fully documented with examples and exercises. The Tutorial PDF is a full Introduction to 3D game programming with integrated references to every functionality and its most important usecases. The documentation is regulary updated.
Pro Easy basic programming
Program in tier 1 BASIC programming for every 3D game need.
Pro Raspberry Pi free version available
A Raspberry Pi version is available and free. Users just need to register with the developer and then they can download.
Pro Very fast compilation
It is a compilation based language, but the compilation is very fast. A project of about 1800 lines of code, for example, can compile almost instantly. (That's because it does not compile, it's an interpreter)
Pro Support
Informed, timely and intelligent feedback from the AGK forum.
Pro Fast development
There are plenty of functions which facilitate development and deployment. For example, the AGK player immediately plays the updated bytecode on Android devices then the online site helps with building an APK file for Google Play Store in minutes.
Pro Uses a powerful scripting language built for game development
Software produced with the App Game Kit is written in a language called AGK Script. This language has powerful inbuild commands including commands for 2D graphics, physics and networking. The commands make use of the platforms' native functions to improve performance. They are also designed to enhance code readability. The AGK Script commands have extensive online documentation.
Pro C++ and Basic, you have the choice.
It runs fast with BASIC but if you want more you can use C++, it's also easy to use.
Pro Can be used for advanced games programming in C++
Libraries which provide the same functionality are available for the five platforms, so you can code in C++
Pro Comes with an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
AGK comes with an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) based on the Code::Blocks IDE for writing AGK scripts. A key feature of the IDE is its ability to broadcast compiled programs to other devices for testing.
Pro Performance
Cons
Con Terrible API reference
The methods are not defined.
Con Not an engine for total beginners
While it's clear that you need to know Java first before using this engine, it is recommended that you have some programming experience as well. Most performance issues and memory leaks are more due to bad programming practices than the engine itself.
Con Slow release cycle
jMonkey3 lacks manpower to have a fast and decent release cycle.
Con Relies on archaic tool chain
jMonkey Engine uses Apache Ant for build automation, which is archaic and backwards, even by Java standards.
Con Restrictive virtual buttons
"AppGameKit" does not grant editing the very basic parameters of virtual buttons such as font and text size. The only method some people suggest is to use an image for every single "button".
Con Terrible scripting language
MS Basic from the 70's has more features. Procedural, no OO, inheritance, basic user defined types with overloading. Nothing. It even has GOSUB.
Con BASIC language
Even though it supports C++, it's mostly C++ mapped to BASIC without OOP.
Con Can almost only do trivial games
The editor is rather limited, not fully polished, and 3D is missing some key functionalities (3D is work in progress).