I would play whatever you want. The different classes are great, but much of the time the opinions of others will not match your own ideas of a good time. Personally I play fighters most of the time. I know others who play nothing but Mages or Clerics. One gal I game with every thursday evening would never play anything but a Monk, given a choice. The point is to play what you want, how you want. Now, I am speaking of PnP (Paper and Pencil) D&D. I have never gotten into BG2 so much that I would know all the ins and outs of the characters in that system. I have the game and the expansion, Throne of Bhaal. I have it loaded into my system right now but, I haven't played it in months. I have never finished the game and probably never will. I know others will be along shortly to give you more concise info. I speak as an old PnP RPG'er.
Experiment with the ones that intrigue you and go from there.
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The line between good and evil is razor sharp. Be careful of misteps,
lest you find yourself spitted upon your own blade.
[This message has been edited by Wulfere (edited 10-25-2001).]