Question: I want to make a very simple "escape the room" game. I was hoping for something that looks something like [this](http://www.escapetheroomgames.net/play-11952-raysroom.html). You would see images of some room and you click around to move or to add things to inventory. Then, you can select something in your inventory to use that item with something on the screen. During the whole game there would be a text box describing what is happening (probably in really broken English instead of Japanese).

I am looking for something that can be quite simple. I would prefer to have the ability to play sound (probably mp3's) when something happens. It can be web-based or a downloaded executable or .jar file. It doesn't have to be perfect, just a proof-of-concept really.

What is the best approach to get this game working with minimal effort? Are there some libraries that can help? I have plenty of Java experience and some C++, PHP, and others. I'd rather avoid Windows-based technology as I primarily run Linux. I am willing to learn other languages if they have a huge advantage.

Ideally, if someone could point me to an example program that I can modify. I'm not expecting to sell or distribute this game.

Answer: 
You have plenty of Java experience? Use Java.

[Famous games written in Java](https://gamedev.stackexchange.com/questions/3789/famous-games-written-in-java).
If you plan to stick with C++, you could give a try to Allegro ( <http://www.allegro.cc/> ) Simple to learn and suitable for what you need. Technically tough, I see this easier to build with PHP and some Javascript, without any libraries except maybe jQuery. It's all up to which language you're more comfortable with.