VX Ace is an amazing tool. You can do a lot without even getting into scripting, if you're capable of thinking outside the box and exploring, and if you learn Ruby, you can really make some cool stuff happen. The great thing is it has a very nice learning curve; sit down with a tutorial and you can learn the basics and really fly. I've got a project saved to my computer for the sole purpose of trying new commands and command combinations to see what happens.
If you hover over an option, it gives you a bit more detail, too.
Well worth the money I paid, IMO. And welcome to the forums!