What I can say is that even though most the races can pick the same style of classes, some of their skill sets can be quite different, you could look at this website: http://lineage.pmfun.com/list/skill
I'm not sure how outdated it is as there is some skills missing, but it can give you the just of it I think, check the skills carefully and see what races skills serve you better for what ever class you pick, just keep in mind that at the 4th class transfer at 85, all races pretty much become the same thing anyway.
What I can say is that even though most the races can pick the same style of classes, some of their skill sets can be quite different, you could look at this website: http://lineage.pmfun.com/list/skill
I'm not sure how outdated it is as there is some skills missing, but it can give you the just of it I think, check the skills carefully and see what races skills serve you better for what ever class you pick, just keep in mind that at the 4th class transfer at 85, all races pretty much become the same thing anyway.
imo don't try to get an idea of this game before you start playing yourself. Join in. Do mistakes, be a newbie. Those are the moments you will remember when you advance :)
I will never forget my first days in lineage 2. Nostalgic (CRY)
Click on the upper right corner "Skills" then when that page comes up, choose the race to observe their racial skills. When you choose e.g. Human you will see two buttons or text called "Racial Skills" and "Awakened Skills". Click on both to see what they are like for every race.
You will get a good idea of what race to select based on your needs. As for big swords and shields. Tank usually is sword/shield. Not like aion where it uses 2 handed swords for being a tank. There is another class called a Warrior that can use any weapon e.g. 2 handed sword, blunts, fists etc.
Please note that form lvl 1 to 85 is a different class to what you will be playing from awakening class. Just letting you know.
wow...the list is endless...it really depends on "your" playstyle...Tanks in L2 take the beating for the grp with the DDs ( damage doers killing the mobs), Tanks use sword and shield...DDs ( damage doers) use a variety of weapons depending on the class you choose, they can wield Dual swords, Blunt weapons, Fists or as a mage class, can use a "Summons"...i suggest you go to http://lineage.pmfun.com/ and compare the classes before ya decide...do your homework so ya wont be disapponted...keep in mind you have room an an account for 7 toons...make a few, play em and see what ya like best...then delete the ones ya dont care to play...enjoy :D...oh and like chippi said at lvl 85, Tanks for example ( Dark Avengers, Paladins,Temple Knights,Shilien Knights) ALL become a "Sigel Knight" once "Awakened"..they will ALL have the exact same skills except for their particular "Race" skills...go here to see the "Awakened Race Skills" http://www.lineage2.com/en/game/patch-notes/goddess-of-destruction/awakening/awakened-race-skills.php
I would suggest having a *quick* read of the L2 site, pick a character and having a go.
Follow the levelling quests up to level 41 (2nd class change) and try some of your skills out at that level. (this should only take 4/5 hours casual play)
It's not going to give you the full picture, but at least you can get in-game and meet some people.
If you don't like this class, create another one on the same account. repeat until you are reasonably happy. All the while you will be earning about 2m adena each time, which can be shipped over to the final character you chose.
Just read about classes and races a bit.
Choose the one that sounds nice to you, there is no THE ONE class/race. May some races appeal more to certain classes but It's a game, you can always reroll