I looked at D:OS1 again to see how character creation is done. I think D:OS has one of the best character systems I know and talents are NOT a big problem in this game.
They weren't because they didn't matter in a combat context. That's what we (I) are trying to avoid in the sequel.
My biggest problem (regarding perks) was, that dialogue choices gave you such things. You answer one time in a spiritual way and you are fearless forever (until you answer in an opposite way). People chose answer A over answer B because they wanted perk A, not because answer A made sense for this char in this situation.
Don't get me started on perks. I'd just remove the whole concept. We aren't talking about them, because I totally forgot about them. They were even worse lulz.
The biggest problem in D:OS1 was that my chars had no personality. They were a set of stats and skills walking around, solving quests and do lots of fighting. But in D:OS2 other chars will react to your race, background and reputation, so there is also improvement.
They were virtually blank slates. Most other characters and npcs are flamboyant and outspoken enough though, just like in all Larian games. They might not be serious or deep, but eeehh. It's either blank slate with no true involvement in the story because you don't exist, not really, you are just a problem solving machine; OR forcing some kind of backstory on your characters. That isn't bad at all, though. KotOR2 managed to perform miracles with a backstory for the PC. Torment as well. Though to be fair, they are introducing "origins", but by "origins" they truly mean backstories. If they could explore and develop all of them in a meaningful and non-trivial manner throughout the game it will be great. Though I somehow think the origins are just going to be gimmicks.
I think the devs do most things right. Keep the stat system similar to D:OS1 and use your many new writers to make more and more interesting character interactions (party members among each other when working together or against each other, and how party members interact with other people in the world.)
There is room for improvement in the stat department as well, but I will have more in-depth thoughts when the EE comes out.
regarding the last posts: Both D:OS1+2 have lots of fighting that cannot be avoided so it makes sense that players chose combat related talents. Things would look different if there was a peaceful solution for most hard encounters, but I do not think this will happen.
Exactly. That's why we need a more thought-out talent system, because the combat isn't going to be avoidable (maybe, we'll see).
