Hey, first time posting here. I picked up DOS 2 early access a couple days ago and just completed a first play through. So far I'm pretty excited about what this game has in store. I hope to put together a post with more detailed feedback once I've had a chance to spend a little more time with the game, but in the meantime I had some thoughts about how to improve the options for creating custom characters that I would like to put out there.
While I think the premade origins are a really cool idea, it would be nice if it were also possible to give custom characters some narrative background and connection to the world rather than them being blank slates. The tags system is a great start, but while it gives you the ability to choose two “origin” tags on top of your race and gender tags these only really provide you with some unique dialogue options. There’s nothing that defines or explains who your character is, where they are from, what they used to do, or how they ended up in Fort Joy.
So my suggestion would be to divide selectable tags into two categories, origin and characteristics. Each custom character could choose one origin, which would come with something of a simple backstory, some unique interactions and dialogue, and maybe even a unique side quest or two. These backgrounds would obviously not be nearly as specific or as developed as the named origin/companion characters but it would at least be something that grounds your custom character in the game world and explains how you ended up as a prisoner at the start of the game. Each character could then have the option to choose two (or three?) characteristic tags that unlock additional unique dialogue options in the same way the current tags do. These could maybe include things like the personality traits from DOS 1 (compassionate, vindictive, pragmatic, etc.) but also other fun quirks (like the mystic tag that gives you visions).
So for example, you could create a roguish character with the following tags:
Origin: Thief. Includes a backstory about how you used to run with a thieves guild until you got arrested and handed over to the magisters after a heist went bad. Gives unique dialogue and quest resolutions related to crime and shady dealings (like current outlaw tag). Has a unique side quest where you run into a former guildmate who says he has information for you about the one who ratted you out to the authorities… and asks you to do him a sketchy “favor” in return.
Characteristics: Witty (unlocks funny and snarky dialogue options like current jester tag); vindictive (unlocks dialogue options and quest resolutions relating to seeking vengeance against those who have wronged you).
In addition to the above, I also think it would be nice if custom characters had a few different options to select from for their special source power. While the premade characters each have their own unique power, custom characters are all stuck with time warp. It would be great to have a choice of five or six different powers that appeal to different builds and character archetypes. Just spit balling here, but maybe there could be a skill that allows you to teleport around and simultaneously backstab every enemy in a radius simultaneously (sort of like a mass backlash) for roguish types, a powerful self-buff to damage and movement speed for physical fighters, a good old aoe megablast (like the one Windego uses when she escapes the ship) for damage-focused mages, a powerful mass heal, or a demon summon. There should be enough options for players to have something to pick that fits their character concept and creates some variety among custom characters.
Anyway, these are my thoughts on the matter. I would be interested to hear what other people think about this.
