Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

ct.js VS TIC-80

Compare ct.js VS TIC-80 and see what are their differences

ct.js logo ct.js

ct.js is a 2D game editor (desktop app) based on web technologies.

TIC-80 logo TIC-80

TIC-80 is a fantasy computer where you can make, play and share tiny games.
  • ct.js Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-11
  • TIC-80 Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-20

ct.js features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Ct.js offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that is accessible for beginners. It enables users to create their games without extensive coding knowledge, thanks to a visual editor and an organized layout.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    Games made with ct.js can be exported to multiple platforms, including HTML5, Windows, MacOS, and Linux. This makes it versatile for developers aiming to reach a broad audience.
  • Modular System
    Ct.js uses a modular system that allows users to add various predefined modules to their projects. This fosters a customizable development environment, supporting a range of functionalities without the need for external plugins.
  • Active Community and Support
    Ct.js has an active community and provides ample support through forums, documentation, and tutorials. This helps new users quickly get up to speed and resolve issues efficiently.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source tool, developers can inspect, modify, and contribute to the ct.js source code. This transparency fosters innovation and continuous improvement in the tool’s capabilities.

Possible disadvantages of ct.js

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While ct.js is great for beginners and small to medium-sized games, it may lack some advanced features and tools found in more established engines like Unity or Unreal. This can be limiting for more complex projects.
  • Performance Constraints
    As a JavaScript-based engine, ct.js can experience performance issues, particularly with larger and more resource-intensive projects. It may not be as optimized for performance as some other engines.
  • Steeper Learning Curve For Complex Features
    Although the basics are easy to grasp, some more complex features may still have a steeper learning curve and require a deeper understanding of JavaScript and game development principles.
  • Smaller Ecosystem
    The ecosystem around ct.js is smaller compared to major game engines. There are fewer third-party plugins, assets, and community contributions available, which can limit resources for developers.
  • Limited Professional Use
    Ct.js might not be widely recognized or adopted in professional game development environments. For developers aiming for a career in larger studios or high-budget projects, proficiency in more mainstream engines might be preferred.

TIC-80 features and specs

  • Portability
    TIC-80 can run on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and even web browsers. This allows for a wide range of accessibility and convenience.
  • Integrated Development Environment
    TIC-80 offers an all-in-one IDE with code editor, sprite editor, map editor, sound and music editors. This integrated environment simplifies the development process by keeping all the necessary tools in one place.
  • Retro Aesthetic
    It provides a nostalgic development experience with its retro-style visual and audio capabilities, appealing to fans of old-school gaming.
  • Free Version Availability
    A free version is available with most features accessible, making it easy for beginners and hobbyists to get started without any initial cost.
  • Community and Resources
    TIC-80 has an active community and a growing number of tutorials and resources, which can be very helpful for new developers to get support and learn new tricks.

Possible disadvantages of TIC-80

  • Limited Resources
    Due to its retro hardware constraints, TIC-80 has limitations on resources such as memory and performance, which can be a restricting factor for more complex or resource-intensive projects.
  • Learning Curve
    While it is beginner-friendly in many aspects, the environment and API have unique characteristics that may require some time and effort to get used to, especially for those unfamiliar with retro-style development.
  • Feature Restrictions in Free Version
    Although a free version exists, it comes with some feature limitations compared to the Pro version, which might be necessary for more advanced projects.
  • Niche Audience
    The focus on retro-style game development may not appeal to everyone, particularly those looking for modern development tools or more powerful engines.
  • Limited Market Share
    Compared to more established game development platforms, TIC-80 has a smaller user base and market share, which might limit exposure and collaboration opportunities.

Analysis of ct.js

Overall verdict

  • Overall, ct.js is a highly regarded game development platform due to its balance of ease-of-use and powerful features. It is continually updated and improved, reflecting the developers' commitment to maintaining a robust tool for game creation. As a result, it is considered a good choice for those interested in game development.

Why this product is good

  • ct.js (ctjs.rocks) is a game development tool designed to be user-friendly and accessible for beginners while still offering extensive features for more advanced users. Its visual editor allows users to create games with little to no programming knowledge, and it supports JavaScript for those who want to dive deeper into coding. The platform offers a range of modules and plugins to extend functionality, making it a versatile tool for creating 2D games. The community is supportive, and the documentation is comprehensive, aiding both new and experienced developers.

Recommended for

    ct.js is recommended for beginners who are looking to make their first games and are interested in learning the basics of game design and development. It is also suitable for hobbyists and indie developers who want to rapidly prototype and create 2D games without investing in more complex and costly software. Additionally, educators and students can benefit from using ct.js as a learning tool in educational settings.

Analysis of TIC-80

Overall verdict

  • TIC-80 is a well-regarded tool for hobbyists and indie game developers looking to create retro-style games. Its simplicity combined with a comprehensive feature set makes it an excellent choice for both learning game development and creating polished projects. If you enjoy the challenge and charm of retro game design, TIC-80 is a great option.

Why this product is good

  • TIC-80 is considered a good fantasy console because it offers a complete suite of development tools within a retro-style environment reminiscent of early gaming consoles. It is particularly appreciated for its ease of use, cross-platform compatibility, and active community support. The console provides an 8-bit system with built-in tools for coding, drawing sprites, creating music, and designing levels, making it a perfect choice for developing small games and creative projects. TIC-80 also has a straightforward scripting language (Lua), which is accessible for beginners while still being powerful enough for more experienced developers.

Recommended for

    TIC-80 is ideal for beginners in game development who want to learn in a fun, manageable environment. It's also suitable for experienced developers looking to quickly prototype game ideas or participate in game jams. Fans of retro gaming aesthetics and developers interested in mastering an 8-bit style will find TIC-80 particularly appealing.

ct.js videos

Ct.js -- An Awesome 2D Game Engine/Editor (That's Open Source & Cross Platform!)

TIC-80 videos

RetroArch TIC-80 Core | Let's Play

More videos:

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to ct.js and TIC-80)
Game Development
51 51%
49% 49
Game Engine
39 39%
61% 61
3D Game Engine
56 56%
44% 44
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 ct.js and TIC-80

ct.js Reviews

16 Scratch Alternatives
Anyone who wants to learn the programming languages to make some 2D-based games in a much more entertaining environment can check out one of the leading platforms known as Ct.js. This platform lets its users get the enhanced visual editor and the massive library enclosed with the coding documents for ease. It can even permit its clients to have the modern development...
20 Best Scratch Alternatives 2023
A significant difference between Ct.js and Scratch is that with Ct.js, you work with codes. Nevertheless, the code editor is intuitive with editable examples and demo codes.

TIC-80 Reviews

16 Scratch Alternatives
TIC-80 is an online marketplace based on an open source network through which users can quickly get help regarding building, sharing, and playing numerous games. This platform lets its users get the complete development tools, such as code, maps, sprites, sound editors, command lines, and much more. It can even permit clients to have the cartridge file at the end to easily...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, TIC-80 seems to be a lot more popular than ct.js. While we know about 72 links to TIC-80, we've tracked only 3 mentions of ct.js. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

ct.js mentions (3)

  • Web Game – Squirrel shoots nuts
    Mainly ct.js an awesome 2D game editor (https://ctjs.rocks/). Source: over 3 years ago
  • My Windows 11 NordTheme Setup
    The taskbar icons are from niivu's Nord dock icons (they come in .png and .ico formats so you can set your taskbar icon's to those .ico files!), Some taskbar icons, like the ct.js and dragonbones icons are my own edits of the original icon files extracted from the executables! Source: over 3 years ago
  • Blog about gamedev and ct.js, a javascript modern 2D game engine.
    Since 2019, I have a lot of fun with ct.js, so I want to share. : ). Source: about 4 years ago

TIC-80 mentions (72)

  • RPG in a Box
    You'll probably love [TIC-80](https://tic80.com/). - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • Antirez/load81: SDL based Lua programming environment for kids similar to Codea
    And TIC-80 (https://tic80.com/). It can be used with "lua, ruby, js, moon, fennel, scheme, squirrel, wren, wasm, janet or python". - Source: Hacker News / 8 months ago
  • X11-Basic (1991-2020)
    Like this maybe? https://tic80.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • The Fennel Programming Language
    You'll always need to deal with a bit of Lua afaik. If you like fantasy consoles, you can use TIC-80[1] to not have to deal with any Lua. [1] https://tic80.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • Ask HN: What's the most fun you've had developing for an older gaming system?
    Not 100% retro but I've had a lot of fun doing Tiny Code Christmas[1] the last couple of years on TIC-80 [2] For actual retro system. 68000 assembler on the Atari ST is fun or for a slightly different challenge the Amiga [1] https://tcc.lovebyte.party/ [2] https://tic80.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 11 months ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing ct.js and TIC-80, you can also consider the following products

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

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

LOVE 2D - Hi there! LÖVE is an *awesome* framework you can use to make 2D games in Lua.

RPG Maker - Make your own PC game with RPG Maker. Our easy to use tools are simple enough for a child, and powerful enough for a developer. Try it free today!

PICO-8 - Lua-based fantasy console for making and playing tiny, computer games and programs.

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