What does it take?

[Level 1]

Well I'd start out with like a Pong clone, and just go from there.

Well yeah that sounds simple, specially if it's your first project, start with that, make sure you have the basics, a good way to control the game, an objective, a way to achieve that objective, and a way to lose. Then from that add new elements, new items, or power ups. Always think "How can I improve this?".