Flash may be a good place to start. It’s not free but it’s worth it.
Just as a note, some people in my class got a bunch of Unity3D game prototypes working pretty well, even if their game concept was 2D (ie, 3D graphics, 2D play, like Super Smash Brothers or Trine)
My team used ActionScript, and it went so fast that we actually got to the “maybe” part of our to-do list.
I’ve been lurking this particular thread and the Unity site and it’s sounding really good… almost too good. Are there any actual disadvantages to it?
Yeah. there are some disadvantages to it… I looked at it after he downloaded it, and it didn’t look easy to use. That could be me. Also, You don’t get much unless you get the pro version. But since he is just testing ideas, that is ok…
Screw it, i’ll be the first to say it
I’m almost certain there is no friend in the situation, and it’s just you asking for different kinds of engines to use.
Anyways, yea i’d go with the unreal engine, jsut because of its potential
No, it’s not just me. I am the story behind his idea, not the tech. Why screw it? And why the sudden burst of rage?
Thank you, I will tell him that the Unreal engine has been recommended, several times now, with enthusiasm.
I couldn’t give less of a damn about creating a game, even if I tried. I just like to make the stories behind the face of the art.
Game Maker 8 for sure if you are just starting out like me. I’m making a free top down shooter called fresh dead. Check it out here-> https://www.lcrazykidgames.webs.com
Looks like its gonna be a good game 
At the rate we are going, we might get several of these suggestions, just to see what will work to what he wants. I don’t actually know what his idea is exactly, but it is probably going to be first person or like yours, just to start.
I am just in charge of the story behind it, dialog, voice acting(if it is needed) and that stuff. I am actually not taking part in the actual creation part. He is the sole developer. I am just his lackey XD
Multimedia fusion 2 for reaaal simple start, and you COULD use the Cube 2 engine, that’s not to hard i think.