I don't go into any RPG, even one that's a sequel, with a set idea of what kind of character I want. I don't ever know that until I've mucked around with the new system to find out which kind works the way I'd like it to. Some games I like wizards; some games rangers, warriors, etc. But I never know until I try.
Personally, I'd like it if CRPG developers designed one character class INTENDING it to be for first-time players. A Jack-of-all-trades that gives you the flexibility to play pretty much any way you'd like. A class that's not necessarily more powerful, but "easier" to play in terms of making sure you can get through each part of the game. One that would let you experience a full cross-section of every aspect of the game, playing pretty much any way you wanted to, but still leave open avenues that only a more specialized character can explore upon replay.
Especially for an indie game, why not spend a great chunk of the design and playtesting effort making sure that ONE class plays really, really well. And then spend as much time and effort as you can spare designing a few extra nuggets for the "specialized" classes. This may sound crazy, but I'd suggest spending as much as HALF of the class development time working on that one class, and then the other half working on all the others.
'Cause, let's face it, not many people are masochists. And most people won't play a game a second time (or maybe even finish at all) unless you make FIRST playthrough as polished, accessible and enjoyable as possible.
I will likely start as a mage, then move to monk. By monk, I mean a Fighter or Ranger with a focus on unarmed and/or staff, if there isn't an actual Monk class included. In games where there is only one character, and I have a choice, I almost always move towards a magic-user. In MMO's the only types I play are magic users. My next shot, if available, is the Monk. Alternately, a Fighter using a staff, because I study the quarterstaff in my spare time.
All I really know is, after burning the last two weekends away on Book 1, I can guarantee that I'll be buying Book 2 at launch if possible.
Well I did book I as a pure magic user... I'm going to try book II as a pure fighter/warrior.
Then for book III, I'll try a combo character.
Playing any RPG as a fighter has proven to be very difficult in the past. It's easy in the beginning because they have so many hit points. But later in the game, there is a craving for some wicked spells.
I think I might have to get out th old Sword for this one. I had most succes in book one as a specialist fighter and for my first attempt am going to try continue that success.
For new games I generally choose a distance profession. Be it magic type or ranger with some skill in alchemy or magic. Once I've gotten used to the play of the game and gotten a few or all the quests out of the way, I'll try the other 'types'.
As for roling for stats at the beginning, I try for highest I can get in the fields I've choosen for that session.
Sometimes the dragon wins... Help save the earth. It's the only planet with CHOCOLATE!