Anyone with recent Actionscript (Flash) experience?

[rhoenix]

I was recently introduced to the Flash web-based games DragonFable and MechQuest by Nitram and Tev, and even play them semi-regularly still. However, in playing both, there are many little things that I think I would do differently. So, given a rare flash of insight, I decided I'd like to try learning Flash, and trying to see if I could indeed do better.

My programming background now is a semi-casual relationship with PHP and SQL, with longer experience with HTML and CSS. I am currently planning on getting a used copy of Adobe Flash CS3, and several books to get me started, with the end project result being a polished, finished Flash-based RPG.

So, I ask for any and all advice freely given, and give my thanks in advance for it. Moreover, I have the following questions:

- Are there any good books or websites you'd recommend to assist me with this? This Amazon wishlist is a collection of all the books I was looking at buying, though I'd like to narrow that list down, if possible.

- Is there any overwhelmingly good reason I should save up and buy Adobe Flash CS4 in November, instead of just getting Flash CS3 used now?

- I'd like to build this game with the intent that content be added over time. Are there any special considerations I'd need to make conceptually or otherwise when designing and programming this game with the above in mind?

My thanks in advance for your thoughts or advice.

[Enigma]

Anyone here have experience programming or making stuff with the modern Flash versions; and if so, could you recommend any books or websites to study?

Ever since Nitram & Tev got me hooked on Dragonfable, I've been wondering about this, especially since I'd like to take a shot at making a web-based flash RPG game.

What is your characters name?

Mine in Adventure Quest is Edward Nigma
In DragonFable it is PooP Buster or Crum Bum (yeah yeah I know, childish but I don't care. )
In MechQuest it is Crusty Bumcrunch
AdventureQuest MMO it is Crusty Bumcrunch

[rhoenix]

...Somehow half my OP got eaten. Not sure how that happened, but I've reposted.

What is your characters name?

Mine in Adventure Quest is Edward Nigma
In DragonFable it is PooP Buster or Crum Bum (yeah yeah I know, childish but I don't care. )
In MechQuest it is Crusty Bumcrunch
AdventureQuest MMO it is Crusty Bumcrunch

I only activated my AQ account to use the Guardian Class in DragonFable. Veritas is my level 30 warrior's name.