XNA could be used by Blitz Basic people or Dark Basic
C# it's a so easy language i've used alot.

And if you want latest features, customize engine for the features you need ,
yes XNA is the way but you'll have to
- make your engine
- make your level editor
Don't know if you'll have time for 3D art that is as big time consuming.

Little projects it's ok , but if you target some big RPG with different characters , environments, effects,particles etc ...
Don't think you'll have time to progra mnew things each time you need in the level editor ?

You can't be strong programmer and string 3D artist or you're an exception
A team is the best thing like always

For lonewolves : target beat em up,arcade ,little games that can have great success.
With team and a programmer fro the level editor target more big games like some RPG or other !!

Well , but i recognize it's a great thing indeed
it's the recognition by a worl wide big comapny of the interest of indie
game making : lonewolves or team based : )


For my part in this moment it's lonewolf game making, i just need basic 3D with some shaders on some objects or level parts.
So no time for prgramming a level editor and 3D features, i need ready to use script high level functions and a level editor ready to go