Well, I am certified for VB and I'm working on C++, but they really aren't meant for beginners game-wise. There are a lot of design tools out there, but my personal favorite is Multimedia Fusion.
Basically, you program the game in psuedocode, then MMF compiles it into C++ (or java, if you prefer). If the program ever can't do something you want it to do (A.K.A., you can't find it bc MMF can do anything), you can make your own extension in C++. Also, it's worth noting that MMF has a built in spritemaker and animator, a function that raw coding bases don't have.
When you go to the company's site, their prices can be a bit shocking. They sell various versions of MMF, starting at TGF (the games factory) and leading up to MMF2 Developer, what I use. That program can run for about $400.00. Here's the secret- There's another site called Creation Engine that sells cheaper versions of media development software to students and teachers. You can get MMF2D there for $130 as long as you can provide a student ID photocopy or a note from your place of employment. Much better.
Of course, you don't have to shell out over a hundred dollars. you can get TGF for around thirty bucks. It may not be as powerful, but it sure is cheaper.
The clickteam products also have a lot of really strong communities. The biggest I've seen is The Daily Click. They are always willing to help out fellow programmers, there are tons of engines and tutorials ready for download, and they constantly hold competitions with real-world prizes.
Here's the sites I've mentioned:
www.clickteam.com - the makers of the klik products, aka MMF and TGF. they have 30 day trials here.
www.creationengine.com - cheep cheep deals on the klik stuff, they've got a lot of other good stuff too like adobe and corel
www.create-games.com - The Daily Click, the top kliker forums on the web
Hope this helps.
