My game is a top down shooter in the perspective of games like Link to the Past or Chrono Trigger. The characters pieces need to move independently of one another (Legs run in certain direction, while body turns to aim, and arms recoil when shooting). What is the best way to go about this? What programs might help? Planning on using the Gamemaker engine. Links to videos would be helpful if you know of any!

I don't see how this is a Game Design question. Moving to Visual Arts.