Suggestions for an Engine for a 2D platform? Thread

Hey! I'm very new to all of this but I'd like to make a simple 2D platformer kinda game. Or at least mess with some engine that will let me create a 2D game. Any suggestions as to one that's good for beginners? Preferably cheap or free if possible. I'd like something that will allow me to port in my own art and things like that. It can be either pixel or 2D. Thanks to any responders!

You could use GameMaker? Very easy to use. I'm personally not a fan of GameMaker, but it might be worth looking into if you're really a 'beginner'.

A few more choices:
- Unity Basic with one of the 2D addons, like 2D Toolkit (since Basic is free, the cost would be only that of the addon which is around US$70).
- LibGDX with Java (free).

GameMaker mentioned above is really good as well.

Edited by: RNavega

cybertorn wrote: I used to be into 2D art but I quit because I would rather be playing the games and critiquing them then spend time making games.

Yes. My post was completely irrelevant.

Edited by: cybertorn

Thank you so much, I'll definitely look into both of those. Do people normally use engines? Or mainly just code it all themselves?

RNavega wrote: A few more choices:
- Unity Basic with one of the 2D addons, like 2D Toolkit (since Basic is free, the cost would be only that of the addon which is around US$70).
- LibGDX with Java (free).

GameMaker mentioned above is really good as well.

Edited by: Moobii

Sorry I'm a bit late to this party. I think you would do well if you used either FlashDevelop using the flixel or flashpunk libraries. They are very good for prototyping quickly and have a great tutorial and community. Unity 4.2 which is coming out soon (or is out already) has a huge 2D update which makes throwing sprites and getting them up and running a lot easier.

I came here to inform me of the issue and helped me much help I thank all who have responded and who wonder what.