TIC-80 vs PICO-8

Struggling to choose between TIC-80 and PICO-8? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

TIC-80 is a Gaming Software solution with tags like retro, fantasy-console, game-development, emulator.

It boasts features such as Pixel art editor for sprites and tiles, Map editor for world/level design, Code editor for writing Lua scripts, Sound editor for composing SFX and music, Cartridge format for sharing games, Emulated fantasy computer environment and pros including Free and open source, Easy to use interface, Active community support, Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux, HTML5).

On the other hand, PICO-8 is a Gaming Software product tagged with retro, fantasy, console, lua, tiny-games.

Its standout features include Retro 8-bit aesthetic, Built-in code editor, sprite editor and sound effects editor, 128x128 pixel screen resolution, Lua programming language support, Cartridge sharing format (.p8) to easily share games, Mouse, keyboard and gamepad controller support, Export games to stand-alone executables, and it shines with pros like Easy to learn and use, Active community support, Very affordable, Cross-platform support, Encourages creativity with limitations.

Feature	TIC-80	PICO-8
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Gaming Software	Gaming Software

Product Overview

TIC-80

Description: TIC-80 is a free and open-source fantasy computer and game development environment that allows users to create, share, and play retro styled games. It has built-in tools for development like code, sprites, maps, sound editors and runs games in an emulated environment.

PICO-8

Description: PICO-8 is a fantasy console for making, sharing and playing tiny games and other computer programs. It feels like a regular console, but runs on Windows, Mac, Linux and inside browsers. Programs are written in Lua and share cartridges in .p8 format.

Key Features Comparison

TIC-80 Features

• Pixel art editor for sprites and tiles
• Map editor for world/level design
• Code editor for writing Lua scripts
• Sound editor for composing SFX and music
• Cartridge format for sharing games
• Emulated fantasy computer environment

PICO-8 Features

• Retro 8-bit aesthetic
• Built-in code editor, sprite editor and sound effects editor
• 128x128 pixel screen resolution
• Lua programming language support
• Cartridge sharing format (.p8) to easily share games
• Mouse, keyboard and gamepad controller support
• Export games to stand-alone executables

Pros & Cons Analysis

TIC-80

Pros

• Free and open source
• Easy to use interface
• Active community support
• Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux, HTML5)

Cons

• Limited to simulated retro hardware
• Steep learning curve for coding
• No native networking support

PICO-8

Pros

• Easy to learn and use
• Active community support
• Very affordable
• Cross-platform support
• Encourages creativity with limitations

Cons

• Limited resolution and color palette
• No 3D support
• Limited distribution options
• Steep learning curve for total beginners

Pricing Comparison

TIC-80

• Free
• Open Source

PICO-8

• One-time Purchase