Beginner to Pro: Game Programming

As mentioned in my introduction, I've created a list of available game design platforms that require little to no programming knowledge. I will inevitably be testing as many of these that I can, and link a review to each.
List progresses from completely free to the most expensive.

Cost: Free, unless you plan to sell or distribute your game. Then you must purchase the upgrade. 

Difficulty: 2/10 Jumpcraft's engine is very easy to use and quite simple. It's just a matter of filling in your title name, choosing colors, and clicking wherever on the grid you want your dirt/water/ladder/tree to go.

Quality: 3/10 The graphics are very simple. It's a 2D side-scroller game (think Super Mario style) with very plain graphics and animation. It does the job, but I wouldn't use it for attempting any sort of story-oriented game designing. Works well for your typical level-based adventure game. The design has a Super NES nostalgic feel to it. 

           update this if the error is fixed.




3. Gamemaker 8

          
        Cost: From their site: "The Lite Edition is meant for those taking their first steps on the path of developing games. It can be used for free but is limited in its functionality. When you are using Game Maker regularly you are strongly recommended to upgrade it to the Pro Edition for $25."

        Difficulty: 3/10 Very easy to follow and simple to use. The tutorial is wonderful for basic introduction, yet the engine is powerful enough that a beginner could easily learn the operations of game development and triggers, objects, etcetera. A great tool for learning.

        Quality: 6/10 While true to your typical top-down 2D game, these graphics aren't bad, and you can add your own to make it even better. The interface is rich and easily capable of making a variety of games, to include story-based RPGs. I plan to play with these a bit more at a later time.

        Screenshots:  Interface (top) and gameplay (bottom)