Will I be overwhelmed?

[Tharn]

I was looking at the different classes in preparation for the retail launch of WoW in Europe and I can't help but feel ... a wee bit overwhelmed.
I have played MMORPG's before, SWG and DAoC to name a few, but this time I feel really out on thin ice. What class? They all seem to be riddled with micro-management issues and a need for super know-how.
...
I want to be able to run around a little solo, but I also want to be of some use in a party/raid whatever comes along. I want to be able to stand on my own feet firmly, yet I want to play an integral role in other peoples characters lives.
...
As it looks right now, it weighs between mage / warlock / hunter.

First: Every class in WoW was designed to be able to do quite well solo. If you're concerned about mage, then yes, you'll need to party with one or two guys sometimes, where you'll be getting adds too often.

Second: You start with two skills - one usualy combat and one non-combat (like Fireball/Ice Armor on mage). And you learn new skill every even level (until a certain point) - so you have enough time to learn all about your latest arsenal. The game isn't that fast paced to not know what to do.

At some later point you'd need some UI mod which brings you additional toolbars (typical are Cosmos, CT-mod or Gypsy), because you'll need more icons than what basic UI gives. But do this switch only and only when you feel you're running out of icons you're regularly using in combat, not sooner. By then you'll have exact idea what you need.

Third: There's enough posted typical talent builds. Look at them and read on each of them - especially those which explain why. After 10 levels you'll probably have some idea how you'd like to play so you can even adjust the builds a bit. But think most about the close levels (say up to 30). Then try some talent calculator. You'll most likely screw up (who doesn't ;) ), but you can respec later.