So it's as the poll says. There's a lot of room for choice here. The game type can be anything simple, its just to show structure, so if theres any preferences, I'll go for that. Same for the engine, I can lean the engine one way or another if theres any particular preference, but the main part here is whether people want C++ or C#

I should probably state the difference just in case:
C# is a lot easier to swallow, easier to use and you'll get faster results and less problems. You also get some excellent results, potentially up to current standards (if you were really badass), thats just how flexible it is
C++ you're going to get the same results as the stuff above, but it'd be more like serious development, and more useful for people considering it as a job.

Bottom line:
C#, easier, same results, quicker, hobbyist.
C++, better experience, longer, better for people considering professional work

personally i would start with a shmup in c# + xna, as the gameplay and controls can be really simple while also supporting scoring/stats which appeals to the rpg making audience.

guess C++ if i had to pick anything. but then again i have no programs like that anymore. just simple rpg maker. lol.

EDIT: Well you learn something new every day. I guess now that i know that these bad boys are free I would go with C#. It would be a good point to start.

C# is more flexiblethan C++. You can use C# in ASP.NET websites as well as .NET programs.

People seem to keep reading this wrong. This is about game development, not learning a programming language. It's going to be a shmup with XNA and C# anyway.

Tutorial 1 is almost done, which will be on structuring your game, some basic object orientation, the 360 controller/keyboard, and drawing sprites.