When comparing Moai vs TIC-80, the Slant community recommends TIC-80 for most people. In the question“What are the best 2D Lua game engines?” TIC-80 is ranked 7th while Moai is ranked 9th. The most important reason people chose TIC-80 is:
Free version already includes most features but a paid version is available.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Helpful community
The Moai SDK Forum is active and users will go to great extents to answer queries, post code snippets, beta test, and even purchase and give feedback on each others' games.
Pro Helpful and detailed documentation
Although the Moai SDK is very advanced and uses complicated features, the documentation wiki thoroughly and clearly explains how to use these features, such as the Moai Cloud(a service that provides web services for your game), and multiple ways to build from source.
Pro Free
Free version already includes most features but a paid version is available.
Pro All tools in one place
The app contains tools for coding, sprite editing, map editing, sfx and music editing.
Pro Many Scripting languages' supported
Use awesome scripting languages like: Lua, Wren, Moonscript, JS, Ruby, etc.
Pro Export
Exports easily to Windows, Windows-XP, mac, Linux and HTML.
Pro Retro-styled and restricted environment
Pixelated Software with a good retro style.
Pro Noob underdog
You can imagine this engine Shiva Lua scripting language making 2d side scrolling Megaman style games a Bandai trademark.
Cons
Con Not for beginning developers
The Moai SDK has very advanced features which allow it to create powerful games. A drawback from this is that it is not very suitable for beginners.
