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iPhone coding: Engine Guide

Written by Administrator Wednesday, 29 December 2010 16:22

Each time when any iPhone developer starts new project regarding apple games or any business applications he asks himself a question about which technology is more applicable to it. No doubt the best way is to create everything by himself, but sometimes it is better to use already done engine which will save time and resources.

In theory everything is quite clear, but let us review the most popular iPhone engines:

1. iTorque
Platform: Linux/Mac/Windows
Price: 750$-900$
As for any indie developers that engine provides really great possibilities. Unfortunately it is only for 2D now, but 3D version of this engine is currently in development. It uses "Torque Game Builder"  for prototyping of the projects on Windows and Mac  with ongoing adaptation for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Furthermore is has his own  WYSIWYG 2D editor,  multitask and accelerometer support, recognition of sensory images support, compression of PowerVR textures and so on. Also it is simply in using and porting into devices.

2. Cocos 2D
Platform: Mac
Price: Free
First of all, Cocos 2D it is one of the popular set of development tools, oriented for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch oriented for games creation. Originally it was made for Phyton language. Now for developers it is attractive by free using and wide area of possibilities in development and availability for experts as well as quite newbies.

3. SIO2
Platform: Mac/Windows
Price: from 364.99$
If we are talking about 3D engines based on OpenGLES, SIO2 is one of it. What are the features? It provides all the modern functionalities which allow you to build qualified game. Fast and flexible SIO2 engine allows creating state for AAA games for many kinds of mobile platforms as well as iPhone and iPad. Good choice for good price.

4. Unity 3D
Platform: Mac/Windows
Price: from 1500$
For now – it is like classic already. Everybody knows that if you need quality – the best way is to use Unity 3D, because it is the development environment that gets out of your way, allowing you to focus on simply creating your game. Unity – is the strong tool for games creation.

5. ShiVa3D
Platform: Mac\Windows
Price: form 169$
Cross-platforms 3D engine with lots of features and good choice for 3D developers for iPhone and other mobile platforms.