When comparing jMonkey3 vs GameGuru, the Slant community recommends jMonkey3 for most people. In the question“What are the best 3D game engines?” jMonkey3 is ranked 12th while GameGuru is ranked 38th. 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 Designed for ease of use
Simplicity and accessibility are the core design goals of FPS Creator Reloaded.
Pro Active and helpful community
Users share ideas, help, and advice through the official forums. The community also provides a wealth of free assets, and the GameGuru Assets Store sees constant additions.
Pro Continuous development and updates
News and improvements are released on a monthly schedule. Interaction between The Game Creators and project backers is excellent.
Pro Awesome tech support
Pro Easy to use your own custom assets
Easily import your own 3D models with the built-in importer and create custom characters with the Character creator. Custom weapons are much more difficult, though.
Pro Massive community of users
The gamer creator forums have a large number of users, developing games, making models for sale and to give away for other users. They answer questions, help each other with problems in their games, and can make using this software so much more fun and easy.
Pro Royalty free
Games you publish with GameGuru can be sold without any restrictions or commissions.
Pro Easy to use editor
An easy 3D editor to create your own maps in seconds with drag-and-drop function.
Pro Friendly GUI
Awesome friendly GUI, and quite easy to use.
Pro Building editor
Currently in development but already looking very good! Easily create big and customized buildings with default building blocks and share them with others.
Also very easy to use in the designer: The buildings are treated like entities but still directly available in the 'building editor mode'.
Pro Powerful scripting language
Uses Lua.
Pro Large asset store
A store where you can buy various assets for your games like sounds, 3D models, weapons... Very good prices and a lot of assets are even free.
Pro Feature priorities are chosen by the community
The Game Creators team frequent the forums and ask the community for feeback and suggestions both there and via an open poll on the website. They have a great history of reading suggestions, viewing screenshots, and generally working with the community.
Pro Optimised engine for editor
The game engine is optimized for efficient use of memory.
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 Slow
Everything takes ages..feels like Unreal 4
Con Lack of user-interface
Although you can customize a lot, the user-interface does not show that. But plans are in place to improve this with some front facing GUI into the LUA scripts so you don't need to code as much.