Hello. I am trying to make a tactical game very similar to tactics ogre and I am not sure where to begin.
I know very little about programming. All the knowledge I have programming is from Warcraft 3 map editor where I made fairly simple triggers and scripted a few AI for a game called Archery Tactics. I understand simple variables but not so much variable arrays. If then else conditions as well. I do not however know any programming languages but am more than willing to learn.

I think I want to stick with 2D graphics and make it isometric in appearance 3D
I want to make it for the PC
I want it to be on a program or written with a code that would someday allow me to bring it online for multilayer
I think I will stick with sprites but want to have the option to upgrade to other formats someday if possible
Tile grid with elevations and such for the game play maps.

So what I am wanting to know is what programming language and programing program I could use that will fill all these needs. And also any other information that might be helpful to me getting to where i want to be.

Almost any language will allow this, with the possible exception of Fortran

Seriously though, I recommend C# and XNA 4.0, as they are pretty easy to learn, and quite flexible.
If you are serious about wanting to make that game, you are going to have to put a TON of time into it.

Lastly, I'd scrap the multiplayer idea, since you are an absolute beginner.

I do know the time that it takes to program vaguely and I know i do not want a career in it XD , I have a ton and a ton of idea's i want to implement into the game. But first I want to make a simple turn based game with basic units and simple abilities. Flat map and all of that jazz. Core elements of the game. Once I have established that I plan to slowly implement my more advanced functions to the game once I have amassed knowledge and skills in using a programming language.

But for now, I want to make sure I learn a language that will allow for my end goal should I ever make it that far. Multilayer online is one of my last goals and I realize this will be years, especially if I undertake it as a solo project.

Also, C# vs C++. I dont really know the major differences between the 2. Would C++ be better to learn up front or would I be best off learning C# first and then learning C++ later if need be.

If possible could you briefly describe the advantages of each?

Of course! Keep in mind, I'm a C# programmer, and a noob at that.

- C++ is very old, and is used a lot by the major game companies. Its quite hard to learn, but there's a huge amount of engines and libraries to choose from. IMO, not for a beginner. It is natively multi-platform though, so that's something to think about. Let me stress this again, C++ is HARD. Especially for someone who's, never programmed before.

- C# is not that popular for game programming, but it's very easy to learn. Compared to C++, there a limited amount of game engines and libraries. If you do use C#, I recommend the XNA framework. It is arguably the best way to make games with that language.

Overall, for a one-man army, go C#. It allows fast prototyping, implementation, etc. You can probably learn the basics of C# in a couple weeks, whereas C++ is a bit more complicated.
You could also try Python, but I barely know anything about it.

Thank you very much! I downloaded Visual C# 2010 and am currently watching tutorials! I also looked up a youtube wideo on XNA and read up on it and C# and they do look like the way to go. And if nothing else at least I'm learning hehe. I feel much less overwhelmed and but realize it will be a while learning the program before I can do much with it so I'm starting there. Got to put my dreams on hold for just a bit

Thank you very much sir!

No problem

Also, try making smallish games, like asteroids, breakout, etc. It helps to boost your creativity, and you can put your own spin on things.

For learning to program, Python is also a good choice for a first programming language. (And it scales very well, you can make big applications with it too.)
Since one of its design goals is act as glue between libraries, it supports many libraries, including game-oriented libraries.
It runs at Windows, Linux, and Mac boxes.

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