No doubt C++ for me

and a game engine like Irrlicht will help you tonnes so dont forget that

Actually, SDL already has sound capability, among many other things, you just need OpenGL for the 3D.

I highly recommend you start with the basics, something like DarkBASIC Pro (I believe the free dll's people make for it improve this product substantially), BlitzMax, or Torque. Another solution would be to use Python combined with pygame (uses SDL engine with Python, for your 2D, sound, ect) and PyOpenGL (gives you direct OpenGL access through Python, for your 3D), which are all free. However, learning OpenGL is no easy task, as is learning C++ and using libraries. Just remember, OpenGL=multiplatform.

I am more preferred creating games using c++.. for me it is the fastest language that can manage the speed you want for your game..

Many ppl told C++ is the best language for Game Programming ... well i dont agree with them ...

As per today, the best game programming languale is "Microsoft Visual C++ in Visual Studio 2008" [well, nothing is Visual there ]

Its simply because Microsoft DirectX.
Maya\3D Studio Max also boost the Game as well.

Desktop Programming : VC++ (Windows), C++ (Linux)
Web Programming : J2EE (Mainly JSF 1.2 & Ajax) .. Flex is on the way of Web 2.0

Browser Based Game : Flash ... but now Java is also going to capture the market after getting the Open GL Support.

There are so many languages out there to use, and so many components to acctually make a game.

As soon as I realised how much work was needed to make your own game, I jumped the boat!.

I usually stick to web development now, i tried learning Java, but it wasn't going anywhere because I didn't have any ambition to use it.