This is a specification for exactly what needs to appear on the selection screen and what the needed functionality is, as well as a few opinions about the look and feel.
In brief:
Ability to choose a class from a list. (list in the general sense, not just a straight list)
Class should appear in 3D preview form.
Descriptive/flavor text of class.
A bar chart of key attributes, such as HP, MP, speed, etc. (Figure 3-5 key stats)
Information on equipable weapons and items for that class.
Pros/Cons and innate abilities of class.
Things we don't need now but should leave room for or plan around:
Ability to choose a race or side before the class list, different sides with different class lists. Descriptive text of each side.
Customize model with skin, color scheme, decals, etc.
Customize class by choosing abilities - need to list abilities and provide descriptions.
In Depth
The way I envision the character select screen working is that the screen loads up with Orc (default character) selected. The Orc has a description, a graphical summary of major attributes, information about weapons, items and armor. (Does not have to be complete info, just get the general idea across.) Maybe a +/- style listing of pros and cons to the class. From this screen you can click on something (list item, graphic, whatever) to switch to a different class, which will load a different model and descriptive text, chart, etc. The player can switch between all the different classes until they make a decision.
We need to keep in mind things we might want to add later, in terms of choosing races as well as classes under those races, customizing looks in various ways and choosing abilities. Since we aren't sure what those will entail we should just keep them in mind and not make overly-restrictive decisions now.
All I will say about look and feel is that it is better IMO to have an interesting, distinctive look rather than a windows-type look. Some element of depth or use of something other than basic controls like list and comboboxes, or at least some graphical niceties.
Included is my mock-up, illustrating the functionality required, not the layout or presentation. Just what needs to be on screen in one form or another. Please do not think the selection screen must look anything like this!
Model
Description/Flavor Text
Tabs to select class
Key attributes chart
Allowable Equipment Summary
Pros/Cons, innate special abilities (IE troll regeneration)
