Hello!

I love the old school type game, 2D, side scrolling, collecting coins, sprites, no 3D. 

I would love to learn the mechanics of programming that type of game but I have had no luck finding a good tutorial or book.  Most books I've found teach you how to make things like pong and space invader.  None of the fun stuff like moving of characters, walking, running, jumping etc. 

I have done a ton of research but have not yet found anything I can use.  Its like its sacred hidden knowledge or something.   I figure that someone here is bound to have worked in the industry and can point me in the right direction.

So, any recommendations? It doesn't matter what language the books or tutorials are in, C++, Actionscript, as long as its not drag and drop,  I just need to learn the general mechanics.

Thanks!