{"version":"1.0","provider_name":"Rainbow Dash Network","provider_url":"http:\/\/rainbowdash.net\/","type":"link","title":"sb42 (sb42)'s status on Friday, 09-Mar-12 03:27:06 UTC","author_name":"sb42 (sb42)","author_url":"http:\/\/rainbowdash.net\/sb42","url":"http:\/\/rainbowdash.net\/notice\/1065751","html":"I'm really in a quandary right now. See, I really want to learn how to make a 2D game. I know C++ (only console), Java (some console, mostly Swing, and a little bit of Applets), and I'm studying Objective-C for iPhone programming. I know many games are made with Flash and ActionScript. How hard is it to learn? Really, I think Flash is a good platform, but before I study anything too in depth, I'd really like to know what is the best choice. C++? Java? Flash? I have many ideas for 2D games, but I think I should consider my options instead of running in blindly. I have seriously pondered over this for a while, yet I cannot reach a conclusion. What language is the best\/most powerful? Also, would you recommend a game engine or not? I have heard that they make it much easier, but they also limit you don't they? I see really amazing games like And Yet it Moves, Story of the Blanks, etc, and I really want to do something like that. I know it's very hard, but I think I can if I try hard enough"}