I've just finished the game. To summarize - Lionheart is a good game, certainly worth your time, although it has its problems. What people say about it is true, but the game gets you going long enough, so that by the time you realize it starts getting boring, the end appears on the horizon, so really no big deal there. The beginning of the game (let's say 1/3 of it, taking place in Spain) is close to perfect. Unusual setting, numerous and interesting quests, good combat system. Were the rest of the game on this same level, we would certainly have another legendary title by Black Isle. However, the developer's problems (financial, if my memory serves me well) weigh heavily on the second part of the game. Whereas in France, Mantillou is still a pretty little village and there are some good quests, the two most important ones - the caves of Nostradamus and the tomb with the Lance, become suspiciously long and tiresome. After that, the game is all about fighting, which brings us to the next issue - the lack of balance. There are so many enemies around that you can level up at least once (very often twice) in every area, even at the end. Remember that Assassin Master from the beginning of the game, the one that was a mini-boss later? Well, guess what - you will be killing them every ten steps and two at a time - nice. Moreover, the game gives you a false sense of power. Investing in the right skills (like evasion) might make you feel quite OP at some point, while a little bit later you feel seriously underpowered, or flooded by large groups of enemies you will end up luring your way one at a time. Nevertheless, it's never difficult enough to make you feel hopeless. Provided you play as fighter, obviously, because magic won't get you far (with one exception of the fortitude branch, which is a must-have, as there are never enough potions around). Also, while playing as a melee the whole game, I feel like the ending battle would be so much easier for the archer.
