Ya know, I bought DBPro to do prototyping for games that I plan to do in C++/OpenGL. I grew up programming BASIC for the Commodore and then in DOS with BASIC and QBASIC. I have the hardest time wrapping my brain around C/C++, especially Windows Code. There are a ton of programs, engines, and tutorials on the web to teach you game programming with C++. Although, like lcfcfan said... don't expect to just jump into it like you can DB. DB is simple, it's easy, and it's <ahem> BASIC.
Why don't you let them get C++ (cracked or a free compiler.. suggest the free one to avoid legal stuff)and you get DB(I'd get PRO), and in about 6 months compare what you've gotten done. I think it'll probably take them that long to get the hang of creating and resizing a window.
Now, if Lee would just get out from under DirectX and use OpenGL so we can go cross platform.... but hey... beggars can't be choosers, huh.
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