The early game was tough and I never expected to have to fight Balteus for 6 or 7 hours before defeating him, but then the game eased up after having got down some of the mechanics and the timing. The game became much easier after Balteus and I really started having fun. The ending I chose was pretty interesting and did leave me wanting to see the other endings. Overall If you can beat Balteus, I think you will be fine playing the rest of the game.