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Mass Effect 2 Hints
Character Creation Tips
1 of 8: If you're new to Mass Effect 2, you can do very well with the default character, though you might be able to do a bit better if you custom-create a character using the following tips.
2 of 8: The first thing you'll need to do after choosing to start a new game is pick a gender. (Assuming you don't import an existing character from a playthru of the first Mass Effect game.) Note that there are no gender-based bonuses or penalties, so you don't need to worry about that. The only effects of gender choice are cosmetic (what you look like) and romantic (which squad members you can have a romance with).
3 of 8: After that is the list of gameplay-related options. If this is your first time playing the game, I advise you to leave the combat difficulty at "normal" and let your squad members (but not your character) level up automatically. Experienced players will probably want to change both of those settings.
4 of 8: As for the other three gameplay options, you should probably leave all of them on their default "yes" values.
5 of 8: Following that is the Prologue: Attack on the Normandy section of the game, complete with mini-mission and unskippable cut-scenes. When it's finally over, you'll be able to choose a first name and say whether you want a quick-start or custom character.
6 of 8: Choose a custom character, then customize his appearance if you like.
7 of 8: You'll then get to set his class and background.
8 of 8: If you're still not sure what to do, play through the game as a soldier on "normal" combat difficulty the first time, then either as a different type of character the second time, or as a soldier on a higher difficulty setting. (Note that playing any character type other than soldier on the "hardcore" or "insanity" combat difficulties is pure suicide for anyone who isn't already a total master of the game.)
