It’s true that Flash a complete tool, because it let us create high level animations. It can be a little bit complicated at the beginning. Especially when you try to do a “simple animation.” Here I will introduce you to some other alternatives.

Amara Flash Menu Builder:
This is a great tool to create menus. I t can be used to create both horizontal as well as vertical menus. The too will allow you great personalization like: font change color, tipo de font type, effect, sound, etc. Download trial version.

SWISHmax:
It’s very similar to Flash  in the outlook because it also has a time linke and scripts. Though these are not so complicated as Flash. Effects are simplier to implement, just by clicking at “Add Effect” you’ll be able to choose your effect. Download Trial here.