If you're looking at making a platformer or simple RPG or 2D game, I'd take a good look at Multimedia Fusion 2.
This game is being made with it (a mighty impressive looking game - this would be the extent of what is possible in MMF2 I think, anything more and it'd be easier to code in a 'real' language)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uWS4OZkNyc
This game is being made with it (a mighty impressive looking game - this would be the extent of what is possible in MMF2 I think, anything more and it'd be easier to code in a 'real' language)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uWS4OZkNyc