Unity is a great 3D and (pseudo) 2D game engine, with many games on the market, support for nearly every modern console and OS. I'm offering some classes coming up soon, but you have to be near Hartland, WI for them. The rest of this post gives you a way to get started now.
1) Get the latest version of Unity. http://unity3d.com/unity/download
2) Watch this 15 minute video, which walks you through the creation of an Island, with a character running around.
Unity can do a lot with out needing to work on code. Basically you can add existing components (scripts) to objects in the game to give them abilities.
3) Visit the unity store to find all sorts of additional scripts, models, shaders and more. Many of them cost, but many are free as well. https://www.assetstore.unity3d.com/
4) To start getting real power out of Unity, you will need to do some coding in your game. C# and Java both work for it. I've heard that the Java used in unity isn't really Java, but only very much like it. C# on the other hand uses the Mono.Net framework, and follows standard C#. If you want to learn how to program, I have a book available online you can try: http://learnbuildplay.com/Training/IndieGameDevBook
Unity is a great program, free to use and very powerful. The pro version ($1500 purchase or $75/mo) has many great additional features.
Get started on it today!
