As a programmer in 3dgs I can tell you that you can come very close to finishing a game without ever needing help. I do this quite a lot. There are lots of models already made that can be used as place holders. Quick bmaps of the size you need with little more then "i am the background" written on them so you can see what they are for is also an idea I use quite a lot.

Most of the stuff you asked for is window dressing and always ALWAYS comes last. First make your game, then make it pretty.