I've been looking into taking advanced courses of software programming and have been wondering where best to start and what programs I should think about using to make my first game... any ideas?

Well for starters look up game maker or level editors

Preferably a decent one that doesn't cost over $100 dollars?

This depends on what you're trying to make.

You need a plan of action.

What type of game do you want to make? What do you want it to be capable of? Once you know what is required, it's easier to select software that gives you the power and flexibility to accomplish your goals.

I want to create a flash game similar to Bleach Training I and II, an RPG with usable skills, items and equipment. Preferably with basic AI that can be improved upon at a later date, with an preferable frame rate of 30-35 FPS

If you want to create a Flash game, you should be using Adobe Flash. While it's not your only option (because third-party knockoffs do exist), it's literally designed for the task. The knockoffs may lack important features or have compatibility issues, so I don't advise using them if you want to make something full-featured.

Now of course, Flash costs an arm and a leg to buy since it's intended for businesses and professional web designers. It actually didn't use to cost so much... but since everyone began pirating it, they had to jack up the price for those who HAD to buy it legally. Only way they could stay afloat.

The best price you can probably get on Flash Professional is $199 on a student discount if you were attending a recognized college.

Failing that, here are some alternatives that you can look into if you at least want SOMETHING that can output .swf files that you can fiddle with in the meantime...

OpenLaszlo (Open source, should support .swf exporting)
Stencyl (Possibly free, should be capable of making Flash-like games)
SWiSH - This is most people's go-to for replacing Flash. It's significantly cheaper even at its highest-end version, though not free. If you dig around the site, you can get SWiSH miniMax for about $70. Not as powerful as the higher end version, but probably sufficient for the needs of a beginner.

Crazy Li : Thanks very much for your help, I'll look into it

Crazy Li, as I have read, has a lot of helpful information. If there are any other questions you may have about what you are trying to get done, feel free to message me or post in here and shoot me a notification. The reason I refer to myself as a great source of information is because I am going to school and getting my degree in Game Production.

At my school I have learned the basics of Actionscript 3.0, HTML, CSS, and Javascript. The programs I have used are Adobe Flash, Flash Punk (free program), 3DS Max (3D modeling program), and most importantly Photoshop. I am proficient in 3DS Max and Photoshop. I am not the best at programming because I have more school to go through, but I understand AS3, HTML, CSS, and Javascript. I know how to use Adobe Flash fairly well for animating.

That said, once again, I don't mind helping you out with some information. So please feel free to contact me. v

Cookieman : I guess I should thank you as well, it's very hard to find decent people to help someone out nowadays.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I don't mind for sure. This is why I enjoy being a part of this community because of the knowledgeable and helpful members that are on this message board. I know I'm not active as much as I use to be years back, but I like to stop in and try to be active and be a positive force on Vizzed Board.

So yeah, hit me up with whatever questions and I'll try to get back to you asap with the best information possible.

Cookieman : well I recently got myself the GIMP 2.8 image modification program to try and help me get into the manufacture of design, colouring, scaling, Background shifting, contrast/ brightness changing. It's all doing my head in and I've been having trouble trawling youtube for 2.8 tutorials.

What level would you put yourself at in your knowledge in this program? Are you in need of basic training on learning the user interface (UI)?

I personally haven't used the program but I can take a look into it. I could probably also find some tutorials on the program that would benefit you. I just need to know your level of knowledge in this program and even if you have knowledge in programs of the similar likeness.

Cookieman : absolutely minimal knowledge, I have only recently begun tinkering with it. Yesterday only...

Alright, well what is it that you want to know? I'm going to get a hold of it and mess with it. It should be similar to programs I have used so I should be able to help you out. I'm a tutor at my school as well so I do this all the time where they present something to me I don't know anything about, they explain what they want to do and I figure it out on the fly and teach them it, lol. So I'll see what I can do man. My next school term started today, so please give me a little bit of time. I'll try and get back to you as soon as possible.


EDIT:


So, I'm a part of a group at my school known as NEUTYPE. It is made up of the best and most dedicated students at my school and we get together and help one another better ourselves in whatever skills we wish to master. We also have a Facebook fanpage that I would graciously ask anyone to subscribe to. The page is:


Neutype Gamers Association


There is another page that is member exclusive that I post in for information that you seek and I immediately received two links for tutorials. Sorry if they are links you've found already. If they are, let me know and I will continue to find more material for you. Here are the links:


From what I have been told by the person you gave me this link, he does fairly good tutorials on the basics of GIMP 2.8. Hopefully you can find this useful.


Jackson Bates: GIMP 2.8 Tutorials


This next one is just a bunch of videos on tutorials of GIMP and Blender. Hopefully you'll be able to pull helpful information from these as well.


GIMP and Blender Tutorials


Let me know if you need help in some of the information given in these tutorials. More importantly, let me know if these are helpful enough, if not I will find more information for you. Remember, feel free to ask me any questions. Hope it helps! v

I have found out that my copy of the program isn't 2.8 but is in fact ver. 2.6.11 which is why I've been having issues with the tutorials I've previously worked with. I'll continue my search with the new information and look for a copy of 2.8 once I have become more proficient with 2.6.11.

I see, well that piece of information is crucial in order for me to find a more specific information that can help you out.
For starters I would suggest removing 2.6.11 and move onto 2.8. I say this due to the fact that later versions can in fact change how things are laid out and also have better, more refined ways to using the program. I have a link for the 2.8 download.


GIMP 2.8 Download


It will have a timer in starting the download or you can click on the link at the top to start it right away. I also want to add that this is for windows, if you do not have windows let me know and I'll get you a fresh link.


Just be sure get the newest version, then these tutorials will be very beneficial to your learning.


I also noticed you stopped by the Neutype Fanpage, that's awesome. Like I said on the page, the person who replied to you is the same person who helped me out with the tutorials I gave you earlier. She's the bomb, haha. But also like I said on the site, if the tutorials aren't clicking for you I can take a look at the program myself and learn it a little bit and get together with you on showing you how it works.


Feel free to let me know if the tutorials aren't quite clicking for you.

Cookieman : well, my download limit is pretty much shot for till the end of the month, I'll have to get it then. My ISP works differently to American Standards so you'll just have to be momentarily patient.

No worries man. As much as I didn't know that about your internet, I understand. Take your time. The entire process of you bettering your skills isn't a quick one. In the meantime, I have other things I need to do on my end for school. Just hit me up when you are able to move forward.

Cookieman : Ears to the ground and the red army marches forward.