For some time i'm using free game making software called 'Construct' which is absolutly stunning. I mean you can achive anything as far as 2d goes. Construct uses Direct X, so the technologies in modern 2d indie games such as hardware acceleration, pixel shaders, scaling, rotation, blending effects, alpha channels, are all available to you too. Check it out is you seriusly thinking about 2d game making.
Links:
Official Site
Forum
Screenes
Links:
Official Site
Forum
Screenes