Don't know if it's possible, but I'll try and see if any exist...

Xeranx

I've been spoiled game-wise in a number of ways. My first MMO was Star Wars Galaxies (SWG) and I liked the sandbox style of the game. But what spoiled me in that game was that it gave me character creation and customization that allowed for a decent level of individuality. Sometimes, those rare occurrences when I saw the character before the name overhead, I could tell who was who in my guild just based on how they were dressed. That was awesome and I loved it.

Fast forward some to the reveal of All Points Bulletin (APB). The character creation of that game made my mouth water. Unfortunately the game wasn't much when it was released, but the character creator was top notch. Frankly I think many will agree that there is no game out in the past or today that comes close to the level of character creation in a game since APB. As a result, I can't help but disappointed when I get into a game and want to work on creating the character I want to play. I ran into this with DC Universe Online (DCUO) and Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR).

Now DCUO spoiled me in terms of combat. The delayed hot button action per attack was gone. I didn't have to rely on it to defend myself or go on the offensive. I could open up with an ability or open up combat with a salvo of blows/bullets. It's what kept me playing for two years despite the lack of character creation (which I often refer to customization).

I don't know if anyone can help me here, but I would like to find an action-oriented mmo that has good to rich character customization (creation), and doesn't also look like aesthetics were the last thing on the minds of the developers (referring here to Age of Conan). I know I'm outing myself as a shallow gamer, but hopefully I can still get some help.

mindw0rk

Try TERA. It has great combat, good graphics, varied character creation. And overal well done MMO if you dont mind killing alot of monsters

Tygranir

Check out Black Desert. The game isn't out yet, but they recently released a character creation demo. It was quite.... impressive.

Rusque

GW2 is quite beautiful and combat is faced paced. And since it's B2P it's something you can check out for little cost while keeping your eyes open.

Also, check out games like Vindictus and Dragon Nest. They're F2P but fun for a romp.

Anireth

TERA doesn't have all that much character customization. Maybe during creation, but every armor looks the same all the way to max level. Additionally, sorcerers use discs as weapon. While in theory they have as many different looks as other weapon, in practice they are way to small to notice any intricate designs, especially while it's displayed shrunk while out of combat.

And they removed any challenge during regular gameplay when making BAMs soloable.

Otherwise it's a nice game.

Vindictus on the other hand..not sure about the options during character creation, long time since i created one, i don't think there were that many. But with the different armors and the ability to fuse (apply visuals to another item) and the many colors, you can really create your own style. Additionally, your female chars can wear what its basically a chain bikini, but you can run around without showing any skin at all, too. I instantly recognized various people based on their appearance, and repeatedely players asked how i achieved my characters looks, something that won't happen when you can't have your unique style. End-game equipment is very costly, and some dyes are quite costly, too. But: You only need end-game equipment for the stats, good looking equipment is distributed amongst all levels. If you are willing to spend money, you can buy addiitonal armor with unique looks, or go for the costumes that is worn over the respective armor piece.

And combat is rather unique amongst MMOs.

Problems lie in the fact that the boats (maps) are player hosted, which you need a good computer and a fast connection for. And the 24 man raids, while server hosted, are even worse, because they skimp on the server. I find the lack of perfomance in some maps disturbing (e.g. Pantheum).

And sometimes Nexon is rather shady with their events. Like, they make a event where you can get a free item. To get this item, you need for keys etc. You can get two keys during another event for free. The other two keys? Good luck getting them. Oh, i forgot: Obviously you can buy them for NX (Nexons currency).  Or when they made a bingo event, but even when drawing a thousand numbers, you never get anything above 40 (when using numbers 1-50).

It was still a lot of fun, and some things should be included in other MMOs, like, a meaningful way of low level characters to contribute to a raid (via environmental weapons that do things players can not do on their own), or the break off mechanic t hat actually changes combat (a dragon without a tail can not do a tail swipe..).

Guild Wars 2 just got a major update that makes a lot of stuff easier to understand, and obviously actiivaty is on a rise right now. It does feature a lot of customization, but similar to TERA, you will run around in nearly the same armor during levelling, unless you go out of your way to get something more distinctive.

Once you are level 80 this all changes. The biggest problem (besides acquiring of course) may be to decide which armor to use.