Dark Souls (Spiritual successor to Demon's Souls)

[Asura]

Don't really have a starting class as such. You just make your character into what you want as you play.

I suppose then, what I'm asking is if there is anything I should really avoid, or if the game is well-balanced.

For instance, Mass Effect generally has four approaches; specialising in weapons, biotics (magic), technology or a mixture - but everyone knows that the game is vastly easier if you just pick soldier (weapons) because, ultimately, a lot of situations require you to shoot stuff in the face. Ditto for Deus Ex Human Revolution, how you could pick up awesome non-combat skills but then you'd be screwed fighting the bosses.

[Brad]

Well I started deprived (nothing) and went for a strong build putting levels into stamina and strength and trying to get the strongest armour and shield etc. And that was fine. I also did a nimble build with leather armour and no shield with a focus on dexterity and that was fine too, requiring you to be nimble with the dodge button.

I would think, but don't know for sure, that spreading yourself across multiple disciplines would be a bad idea though.