I know something good that I've been using for ages. It's called Game Editor and it's a Game Making program that uses a point-and-click interface and optional C-style scripting to make simple platformers, action games, etc. It is also very well supported and has many tutorials, so you always have help with the program.

Also, all games made can be exported into Windows, Linux and PocketPC versions. The program is also avalable for all of these versions except the latter, PocketPC. The only downfall is that the Windows versions are only 30-day trials, after which you must pay to continue using it (however exported games can be played even after trial is over). The linux version is freeware however.

Version 1.2.9 is out now, get it at www.game-editor.com

It may not be as easy to use as Game Maker, but in the long run it is better, as there are many more features. In fact, a recent testimonial said that there is a family where the father uses Game Editor and the child uses Game Maker. The child admitted he was impressed at the games his father was making and found himself unable to match them with Game Maker.

It's maybe better then GameMaker, but there are lots of gamemaking programs that are better then it. Problem is that they aren't free. And for the things I saw about it you can spend you money better with buying something else, or download GameMaker.

In response to that "child father testomonial" don't you think maybe the father had more experience in using a Game maker than what the child did? And he probably understood the languages in both programs more than the child did.

Why that has to be? I know a lot more about programming then my father does and don't think my father don't know anything about computers, he is a systemmanager.

unclebob, that thought did dawn on me, but as warbird says, you can't be sure that is the case. After all, I'm a 14-year old and I know more about computers than my mother, whos over 40 years old now.

By the way I am just suggesting a good program for wannabe game makers and I don't want critisism. Besides, I find that many people can find this program helpful, as many people like me and a few of my friends and family can't even understand Game Maker!

ok....im looking into making a good puzzle game. any ideas on a program ideal for puzzles?

Hmmm. It looks like there are too many restrictions on the Windows version. I'll try the Linux version though. Maybe I'll get the Windows version too if the Linux version is OK...

Agreed. The Windows version is good, but it is restricted. The linux version is not Restricted (Linux Version is freeware), but I haven't tried it so I don't know whether or not it's good.

Game Editor can be used for Puzzle Games, but these are generally harder to do, so you need a little knowledge of the program. The results can be good ones though, I've seen Puzzles games such as Checkers, Mazes etc. all done with Game Editor.

Of course, you may find that Game Editor does not suit your needs for making Puzzle Games, so my advice in that case is to search the web for a Puzzle Maker. Unfortunately I don't know one off heart.

I would definitely recommend Game Maker to anyone wanting a drag and drop interface for easily making simple games. It prodcues excellent 2D games and has some very limited 3D capabilities (actually it's not the software, it's how the sprites work.)