Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Stencyl VS OpenBOR

Compare Stencyl VS OpenBOR and see what are their differences

Stencyl logo Stencyl

Make iOS (iPhone/iPad), Android, Flash, Windows & Mac games without code using Stencyl.

OpenBOR logo OpenBOR

Download openbor for free.
  • Stencyl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-17
  • OpenBOR Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-25

Stencyl features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Stencyl features a drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible for beginners and non-programmers to create games.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    Stencyl allows you to publish games across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and HTML5.
  • Extensive Documentation
    The platform offers a wealth of tutorials, guides, and community support to help users navigate its features and troubleshoot issues.
  • Integrated Graphics Editor
    Stencyl includes built-in tools for creating and editing game assets, which is convenient for users who do not want to use external software.
  • Free Version Available
    Stencyl offers a free tier, allowing users to explore the platform and create games without an initial financial investment.

Possible disadvantages of Stencyl

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While great for beginners, Stencyl may lack some advanced features and customization options that experienced developers might need.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported performance issues, especially when creating more complex games, which can affect the game's final quality.
  • Cost of Full Version
    The more advanced features and publishing capabilities come with a subscription fee, which might be a barrier for some users.
  • Learning Curve
    Although easier than some other engines, Stencyl still has a learning curve, particularly for those completely new to game development.
  • Limited 3D Capabilities
    Stencyl is primarily focused on 2D game development, which might not meet the needs of developers looking to create 3D games.

OpenBOR features and specs

  • Open Source
    OpenBOR is open-source software, allowing developers to modify and improve the engine according to their needs, fostering community collaboration and constant updates.
  • Cross-Platform
    The engine supports multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and various consoles, making it versatile for developers targeting different audiences.
  • Customizable Content
    Developers can create their own custom beat 'em up games with unique storylines, characters, and gameplay mechanics using the OpenBOR engine.
  • Strong Community Support
    With an active community offering forums, tutorials, and resources, developers can find help and share knowledge easily.
  • Legacy and Proven Engine
    As a mature engine originating from the Beats of Rage project, it has a proven track record and a wealth of existing games and content.

Possible disadvantages of OpenBOR

  • Learning Curve
    While documentation and community support are available, new developers might face a steep learning curve in mastering the engine's specifics.
  • Limited to Beat 'em Up Genre
    The engine is specifically tailored for creating beat 'em up games, which might not appeal to developers interested in other game genres.
  • Potentially Outdated Technology
    Given its age, some aspects of the engine may not utilize the latest technology or features available in modern game engines.
  • Dependency on Community
    While community-driven, this also means that official support is limited, depending heavily on community contributions.

Analysis of Stencyl

Overall verdict

  • Stencyl is a good choice for aspiring game developers, particularly those who are new to coding or looking for an intuitive tool to quickly build and publish games. Its ease of use and extensive support make it a solid platform for hobbyists and indie game developers.

Why this product is good

  • Stencyl is a popular game development platform known for its user-friendly interface and robust capabilities. It allows users to create games using drag-and-drop mechanics, eliminating the need for extensive programming knowledge. The platform supports cross-platform publishing, enabling developers to deploy games on multiple systems such as iOS, Android, Windows, and more. Its comprehensive library of resources and active community provides ample support for new and experienced game developers. Moreover, Stencyl integrates well with popular tools like Adobe Photoshop and Tiled, streamlining the design process.

Recommended for

  • Beginners in game development
  • Indie game developers
  • Educators teaching game design
  • Hobbyists interested in creating 2D games
  • Developers looking for cross-platform publishing options

Analysis of OpenBOR

Overall verdict

  • OpenBOR is a solid, free, open-source game engine for creating 2D beat 'em up games in the style of classic arcade titles like Streets of Rage and Final Fight. It has a long-standing community and extensive customization capabilities, making it a good choice for retro-style game development, though it requires technical know-how and lacks modern polish or official support infrastructure.

Why this product is good

  • Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
  • Specifically designed for classic beat 'em up style games with proven engine mechanics
  • Large library of user-created mods and games demonstrating its capabilities
  • Highly customizable through scripting, allowing detailed control over gameplay
  • Long history and established community with shared resources and tutorials
  • Cross-platform support including Windows, Linux, and various handheld devices
  • Active mod community continues to produce new content and engine updates

Recommended for

  • Indie developers wanting to create retro-style 2D beat 'em up games
  • Hobbyists and fans of classic arcade brawlers looking to make fan games
  • Developers with programming experience willing to learn the engine's specific scripting system
  • Retro gaming enthusiasts interested in preserving or recreating classic gameplay styles
  • Small teams or solo developers on a limited budget needing a specialized game engine
  • Modders interested in customizing existing OpenBOR games or creating total conversions

Stencyl videos

Stencyl 4 Game Engine Released -- Hands On with the "No Code Required" Game Engine

More videos:

  • Review - Stencyl vs Construct 2
  • Review - Stencyl Pros and Cons

OpenBOR videos

openBOR Games You Need to Play

More videos:

  • Review - Double Dragon Gold (OpenBOR) Review | MAXIMPACT24 |
  • Review - World Heroes Supreme Justice Extra (OpenBOR) Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Stencyl and OpenBOR)
Game Engine
97 97%
3% 3
Game Development
97 97%
3% 3
3D Game Engine
95 95%
5% 5
Gaming Software
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 Stencyl and OpenBOR

Stencyl Reviews

Trending 10 BEST Video Game Design & Development Software 2021
If you have fairly good programming skills and a proclivity for 2D games, then you can rely on Stencyl. The softwareโ€™s record speaks for itself. Stencyl has a long list of number one and top-ranked games on Google Play and App Store to its name.

OpenBOR Reviews

We have no reviews of OpenBOR yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Stencyl seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 5 times since March 2021. 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.

Stencyl mentions (5)

OpenBOR mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of OpenBOR yet. Tracking of OpenBOR recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Stencyl and OpenBOR, you can also consider the following products

Unity - The multiplatform game creation tools for everyone.

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

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

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

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

GDevApp - Create your own games with GDevelop: an open-source game creator. No programming skills are required! Quickly build and share your games on mobile (Android and iOS), desktop and on the web.