If you want retro graphics and sound, just create them that way. Most available engines don't have dedicated 8-bit modes, but all you need to do is restrict your palette to 16 or 256 colors and only use music that sounds like 8-bit, and nobody will be the wiser.
To create the graphics, use a pixel art program like ASESprite or GraphicsGale.
Here's a site I found that has 8-bit tracker music programs: http://woolyss.com/chipmusic-chiptracker...
As for the engine, I recommend looking at Gamemaker, or maybe Construct2. Creating a platformer with those should be relatively straightforward, but you'll probably have to script RPG elements yourself.
Terraria was written in C#, using the now abandoned XNA Framework.
I didn't find dev info about Shovel Knight, but I assume it's also written from scratch.
Final note: you will probably feel severely overwhelmed (if not crushed) once you realize what a huge challenge and how much work creating a game like this is. Do not expect to create this game inside of a couple of months.
Im currently making a game in udk, and im making objects (called static or skeletal meshes) in autodesk 3ds max.
Some popular game making software is:Unreal Engine used to create gears of war, bioshock, goat simulator and amnesia, udk which is a free version of unreal engine and then theirs unity, im pretty sure halo was made with unity (not 100% sure)
If you want a free game engine go for udk:bit.ly/1tedLXI but it costs money if you want to sell it, if your willing to pay personally id go for unreal engine: bit.ly/1fUAsJ4
3ds max is a great 3d modelling software with good graphics and you can export the model to nearly any file: autode.sk/1pSPecG
but again ill say that making a game is really hard, your going to be spending a lot of time watching tutorials, if you can try and get some people to help you or else it is going to be a work in progress that will go on for ages
Unity, Game Maker, construct 2...
That 8bit is just an art style. A ton of engines support it.
Unity3D maybe?
So I'm looking for some game making software that lets you make 8-bit style games, with 8-bit style music.
When I say 8-bit, I'm not referring to the Super Mario Bros kind of 8-bit, I'm talking about the kind of 8-bit style that Shovel Knight and Terraria have.
Price is not an issue, but I'm looking for something that I can learn how to use by myself, via video tutorials or text tutorials or such.
I'm looking for a program able to make a 2D sidescrolling freeroaming kind of game, like Terraria, but with RPG and puzzle platformer elements mixed in, like a level up system and such, like The Elder Scrolls but 2D. It's like a mix of The Elder Scrolls and Metroid
Any good program is appreciated, as long as I can learn to use it without school aid or such. Thanks.
Also, if you can, could you add the name of the software used to make Shovel Knight and Terraria?
