Metroidvania

so, I'm completely new at programing... then, what is the best way to make a decent metroidvania game (example: doukutsu, lyle in cibe sector). I'm not saying I want to make a game worth to be compared to konami's games or doukutsu... also, is there any easy way to make good shmups?

it doesn't necessarily have to take that long.  it depends on how smart he is and how much effort he puts into it.  (and how much free time he has.  school and work ftf)