Ditto on the AppGameKit advice there. DBPro is fine for 2D, but really if you add in the ease of implimentation of Box2D in AppGameKit, it makes a big difference. For a lot of 2D projects, collision detection is the toughest problem to solve, and AppGameKit has that pretty much solved for you. Plus theres all the cross platform stuff, like if you want to make straightforward 2D games, or casual 2D games, then you can target all the tablets and smart phones instead of just the PC. AppGameKit would be ideal for making an Angry Birds type game - sadly it hasn't got a map system so tiled maps have to be done manually.
One thing you will probably need is a good art package. I like PaintShopPro9, I use it even though I have Photoshop etc - It's great and easy for making 2D tile sets. I find it much less fiddly for 2D pixel work than anything else, and it has all the layering and effects stuff that you could ever need. Also, a graphics tablet might be a good idea - like a cheap little Wacom Bamboo for instance, something you can put away easily when not using.
Health, Ammo, and bacon and eggs!
