Question To use DX or not to use DX...

[KrazyGamer]

I've been planning and designing a relatively small 2D side scrolling RPG, similar to Mario Bros, for about two weeks now and I;m ready to start programming.

My problem is, I'm not sure what would be the most efficient thing to use as far as graphics layering/display. I'm using Microsoft Visual Basic 2008 Express Edition. I've heard both good and bad things about Direct X as well as BltBit(sp?), but I've never used either.

The game world and levels are going to be tile-based [32x32], and I'm thinking of having 3 layers. One for the background, one for the main tiles, and one for the character/NPC's.

Which would be more efficient for this?
Thanks!

 

[Hack]

Since all you have done thus far is "hear" good and bad things about DirectX, I would suggest you look into more deeply. I would fall on the "good things" side, but I doubt I could tell you anything you haven't already heard.

Give it a shot and decide for yourself if it will work for you.