Recently I have realised that you can combat code procrastination with asset creation. By assets I mean art and sound. No more excuses about how you could make a game if you had this or that- I am going to recommend some tools which you can use to make those things yourself:
3D graphics:
There isn't any two ways about it, for free 3d modelling,
Blender is the way to go! Don't run away! Sure, the interface is intimidating, but you're a GOTO using MAN! Here are some things you can read to get you started on learning the interface:
Blender User Interface TutorialBlender 3D: Noob to Pro(Tips: Ignore the unprofessionalism of the tutorials and most importantly, don't skip a page! If you find that what they are saying is impossible, figure it out another way.)
These look good too:
TutorialsAlso, there are some good video tuts out there on YouTube which are good to pick things up quickly and so that you can see what is being said actually works.
2D graphics:
Inkscape is a good vector art program. It works well with Blender, since you can choose to export your UVs as an SVG file in Blender- which makes it easier to texture your models.
For 8 bit graphics,
Allegro Sprite Editor seems to work for me.
Sound:
I am new to sound my self, so I am only learning. I have tried Anvil Studio in the past for midis, but I personally found it hard to produce something that wouldn't give me a headache. I am trying out some "Trackers", which seem to be more like what I am after and can understand. One that I am learning to use at the moment is
FamiTracker, which is designed to produce music for the NES (although I am sure most of you will be looking for something a little more modern- I haven't tried it but
ModPlug Tracker looks like it could be good). FamiTracker has a Tutorial on the main page which you will probably want to look at if you haven't used a tracker before.