Game creation software

[Tetsuo]

Can anyone recommend some good game creation software that is downloadable for free? I'm looking to start a project for a 2D game/interactive peice of software (something not too disimilar from this: http://www.ntsc-uk.com/review.php?pl...imagesoundplay)

I know of BlitzBasic, but, like a few other programs I've stumbled across, there are only demo versions availible which offer reduced features etc. Is this the best?

I'm looking for something that can:

* Create Exe. versions
* Able to modify code (my programming skills are weak)
* Offer tutorials, demos
* 2D games, not 3D

This (http://underwaredesign.com/prod_detail.php?id=42) is almost perfect for what I'm after, but again, it offers only the demo, which doesn't give me the option to compile and create my own .exe (If anyone can, *ahem* point me in the right direction of the full game, hit me up with a PM)

Otherwise, where should I start downloading?

[Magnakai]

You could try http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/
There've been some astonishing games created in it.
No idea if it'll do what you want or not, but I think you can hack it into most shapes.
Try poking around their forums if you get stuck.
Good luck!