Making your own 2D shmups: Where to start?

[Altercator]

I'm thinking of making a 2D shmup ala Raiden or 1945, and I need to know where to start:

Which software to use for a beginner like me who doesn't know computer programming, and it's easy to use?

 

[Iori Branford]

Game Maker 7
http://www.yoyogames.com/make

I tried it a couple versions ago and made a Pong-type volleyball game. It will probably suit your needs for now, but you can only dodge the programming monster for so long if you're at all serious about this game development business.

 

[neems]

They used to have shmup 'construction kits'... I dunno if you can still get that sort of thing, it was a long time ago. Still, you'd think with the technology around now, you could get some pretty decent game construction software.

 

[Terramax]

Altercator, if you do make one, remember to send a copy to me. I lurve 2D shmups. Ever played Under Defeat?