Before you even have to opportunity to develop your character, you’ll have to create one. In starting a new game, you’ll be prompted to craft a character from a limited number of parameters that include face/skin appearance, hair style and color, and race. Dungeon Siege II features four distinct races, each with female and male counterparts: human, dryad, half-giant, and elf. Humans are the most versatile of the races, starting the game with two free skill points and no specific advantage in one skill area. Dryads and elves specialize in nature magic, while the former concentrates on melee attacks and the latter ranged attacks. Half-giants focus on melee attacks, obviously a result of their massive size and strength. The differences among races have an affect on character development, making it easier to develop ranged skills as an elf for example. While the differences between each of the playable races are good, customization is rather limited; more options in defining your character’s appearance would have been appreciated.​