Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Construct 2 VS GemRB

Compare Construct 2 VS GemRB and see what are their differences

Construct 2 logo Construct 2

Scirra Construct is a 2D game development engine with a focus on building games visually.

GemRB logo GemRB

GemRB is a portable open-source implementation of Biowareโ€™s Infinity Engine
  • Construct 2 Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-21
  • GemRB Landing page
    Landing page //
    2026-07-12

Construct 2 features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Construct 2 offers a drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible for users without programming skills to create games.
  • Fast Prototyping
    The visual scripting system allows for quick iteration and experimentation, enabling rapid development and testing of game concepts.
  • Cross-Platform Export
    Games developed in Construct 2 can be exported to multiple platforms including HTML5, Android, iOS, Windows, and more.
  • Extensive Documentation and Community Support
    Construct 2 has comprehensive documentation and an active community, which provides tutorials, forums, and asset stores that help in learning and improving game development skills.
  • Performance Optimization
    Construct 2 is built to optimize the performance of games running on various devices, ensuring smoother gameplay experience.

Possible disadvantages of Construct 2

  • Limited 3D Support
    Construct 2 is primarily a 2D game engine and lacks the capability to handle 3D game development efficiently.
  • Licensing Cost
    While there is a free version, more advanced features and export options require purchasing a license, which can be costly for some users.
  • Performance Overhead
    Games built with Construct 2 can have performance overhead compared to those developed with native code, which can affect the performance on less powerful devices.
  • Limited Customization
    While the visual scripting language is powerful, it can be restrictive for advanced users who need more control and customization over their game logic and performance.
  • Dependency on HTML5
    Construct 2โ€™s primary export format is HTML5, which may not be suitable for all types of games, particularly those that require high-performance or native features.
  • Secondary Focus on Newer Engine
    Construct 2 is not the latest engine from Scirra; Construct 3 is its successor. Newer updates and features are likely to prioritize Construct 3, potentially slowing down the development and support for Construct 2.

GemRB features and specs

  • Cross-platform compatibility
    GemRB runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, and various other platforms, allowing users to play classic Infinity Engine games on systems that wouldn't otherwise support them, including some mobile and handheld devices.
  • Preserves classic gameplay
    It faithfully recreates the engine behind beloved games like Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment, allowing fans to continue enjoying these titles with accurate mechanics and feel.
  • Open source and actively developed
    As an open-source project, GemRB benefits from community contributions, transparency in development, and the ability for users to modify or extend functionality according to their needs.
  • Enables modding and customization
    The engine's open nature makes it easier for modders to create new content, fix bugs, or enhance existing games beyond what the original proprietary engine allowed.
  • No cost to use
    GemRB itself is free software, so users only need to acquire the original game data files, making it a cost-effective way to experience these classic RPGs.

Possible disadvantages of GemRB

  • Requires original game files
    GemRB is just an engine, not a complete game, so users must legally own and provide the original game data files from titles like Baldur's Gate, which can be difficult to find or purchase for older titles.
  • Compatibility and bug issues
    Since it's a reimplementation of a complex proprietary engine, some features, animations, or game mechanics may not work perfectly, leading to occasional bugs or inconsistencies compared to the original.
  • Steep learning curve for setup
    Configuring GemRB properly, especially linking it with the correct game files and settings, can be technically challenging for less experienced users.
  • Limited mainstream support
    As a niche open-source project, GemRB lacks the polish, customer support, and marketing of commercial re-releases like the Enhanced Editions of these games.
  • Development pace can be slow
    Being a volunteer-driven open-source project, updates and bug fixes may take longer to implement compared to professionally funded software, potentially leaving some issues unresolved for extended periods.

Analysis of GemRB

Overall verdict

  • GemRB is a solid, actively maintained open-source reimplementation of the Infinity Engine that lets classic BioWare/Black Isle RPGs run natively on modern systems and platforms the original engine never supported. It's a great tool for preserving and extending access to beloved classic RPGs, though it's a niche, community-driven project rather than a polished commercial product.

Why this product is good

  • Free and open-source under GPL, with full source code available for inspection and modification
  • Enables classic Infinity Engine games (Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale, Planescape: Torment) to run on platforms lacking native support, including Linux, macOS, Android, and other systems
  • Actively maintained by a community of contributors with regular updates and bug fixes
  • Allows modding and tweaking of game mechanics beyond what the original engine permitted
  • Improves compatibility with modern hardware and resolutions compared to running original executables
  • Supports fan-made and total conversion modules built on the Infinity Engine framework

Recommended for

  • Retro RPG enthusiasts who want to replay classic Infinity Engine games on modern or non-Windows systems
  • Modders and hobbyist developers interested in tinkering with or extending Infinity Engine game mechanics
  • Linux, macOS, or mobile users seeking native compatibility without relying on emulators or compatibility layers
  • Preservationists interested in keeping classic CRPGs playable long-term
  • Users comfortable with open-source software and occasional rough edges typical of community-driven projects

Construct 2 videos

Construct 2 - How To Make a Game - Review

More videos:

  • Review - Construct 2 = Easiest Game Maker EVER!

GemRB videos

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Construct 2 and GemRB)
Game Development
95 95%
5% 5
Game Engine
95 95%
5% 5
3D Game Engine
91 91%
9% 9
Gaming
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Construct 2 and GemRB

Construct 2 Reviews

The Top 10 Video Game Engines
What better than an HTML-based engine to wrap up the list? Construct 2 doesnโ€™t hinge on your ability to code. Sign me up!
The Best 15 Mobile Game Engines / Development Platforms & Tools in 2020
Construct 2 is a HTML5 platform for creating 2D games. It is very easy to use as coding is not required and it has many features that will help you in developing visually appealing games in a short time. It also allows for multiplatform export so your project will be ready to be launched in different devices at once.
Source: thetool.io

GemRB Reviews

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Construct 2 and GemRB, you can also consider the following products

Godot Engine - Feature-packed 2D and 3D open source game engine.

GDevelop - GDevelop is an open-source game making software designed to be used by everyone.

microStudio - microStudio is an all-in-one online game engine that enables you to create games, develop programming skills, have fun playing what you have created, share with others, and prototype.

Unreal Engine - Unreal Engine 4 is a suite of integrated tools for game developers to design and build games, simulations, and visualizations.

PixiJS - Fast and flexible WebGL-based HTML5 game and app development library.

BYOND - BYOND is the premier community for making and playing online multiplayer games.