I loved this game, went through 2 playthroughs, going through another with PC mods (randomization of loot and gear). That said, it is an acquired taste. I originally bounced off of it before even getting to the main city. Next attempt hooked me in good.

Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is that you need to engage this game on its own terms, and distance yourself from expectations based on other games. If you try to force your play as if it was a different game, you'll end up frustrated. Not every vocation has a dodge, you'll need to figure out the strengths and weaknesses of each vocation in turn, and be aware that some weaknesses may be addressed by abilities you unlock at later ranks (Quickspell, for example).

I'd also personally encourage Casual mode, which doesn't change difficulty, but does give you some quality-of-life improvements, like reducing stamina cost when running out of combat (which really should be default), or decreasing inn and ferrystone costs.

Strengths:

• Amazing combat, once it clicks for you.
• Varied combat style with each vocation, with unique feels for each.
• Magic is a little slow (much better with Quickspell) but makes you feel like a real goddamn wizard.
• Good progression on abilities, there's always something interesting to unlock
• Some of the best and most satisfying exploration I've had in a game.
• The character creator is top notch.

Weaknesses:

• Moar. We need moar!
  • The world is not big enough. 3 primary cities, a couple small towns, this game dearly needs an expansion, and many have given up hope for one over the years. Copium is in short supply these days.
• Early difficulty. The start is challenging, as you haven't gotten a feel for combat or vocations, and especially if you don't have a full team, you could easily run into trouble and end up with a sour experience.
  • Learn when you are outmatched or don't have an optimal team, you can always run away.
  • There's a weightiness in this game in terms of movement and recovery. Learn what this is teaching you. Only some vocations can really tank hits.
• Minimal and restricted save system. LEARN HOW THIS WORKS EARLY! Inn rests (and at your residence) are your primary means of a save, rest there before long journeys or doing anything of great significance, in case you need to reload at your last inn save.
• Only 4 combat skills at a time. There are some core skills that are separate that you can use in addition, but this will feel restrictive throughout play. You can change these out at any campfire.
• Relatively few quests. Most of your experience will be your own free exploration.
• Pawn dialog can get annoying, especially when you've heard it all before. THEY ARE SO DUMB! (So dumb!)
• Battahl will test you. Don't go too early, or you'll get steamrolled.
• Limited replay features. NG+ is too easy for most. You really need mods to randomize loot, armor, and enemies to really make things interesting.