Game is fun and the world building is enjoyable. However, close to the endgame (SPOILERS) there is a single race that comes out and is just utter trash design. Developers really screwed the players at this point making a game mechanic very frustrating, and almost unwinnable REQUIRED to proceed. There are other challenges that are surmounted prior to this point, but this one option throws all your prior work out on its face and laughs at you. Get it on sale for the world and game play up until this point, or pass completely if you are someone who has to finish a game completely.
First off, don't want to hear the "git gud" from the hardcore fans. I do like the game; I do like the mechanics. It is satisfying for the most part to play, however the difficulty on the 'Normal' setting is beyond ridiculous. I'm an older person who has played these type of CRPGs since Bard Tale on 5.25" disks, so I get it harkens to old school days of difficulty and rules/prep. That said, the Hargulka battle is really over the top. Stag Lord - no problem with some thought and preparation. I have a full party of 7th level characters (Val, Amiri, Tristian, Octavia, Linzi) ... I'm a ranger with a bear companion. We buff with blur, haste, bless, mage armor, barkskin, heroism, shield of faith. I put down grease around the enemies before engaging. Hargulka wipes my entire party in seconds. Grease and entagle - walks right thru. The devs missed the mark on fun in this. I get some surprises and encounters should be challenging, some even that you avoid. This one is neither (you can't avoid it). Anyone looking to buy this for enjoyment needs to realize it will become a chore in regards to strategy and devours the fun of trying to advance the story (yes, STORY mode exists so don't throw that out there either - Normal mode should be accessible to anyone who has played a real CRPG like Baldur's Gate or Icewind Dale). Back to trying other strategies I guess.
