I loved the first one. I never noticed any rocky parts myself. It could be a bit difficult and it doesn’t hold your hand, but that’s what I loves about it.

I do remember that many people complained about the diffuculty of combat, but most of those issues could be solved by training and learning master strikes asap.

I would really recommend playing it. The story is great, it lets you know more about certain characters and it has some really awesome and funny quests, for example the one where you meet/get to know Godwin.

It’s certainly worth it if it goes on sale.