Definitely worth the wait!
The gameplay is interesting and it's simplicity is one of the key factors for the high score I've given. It's easy to understand, but takes time to master when you decide in what to specialise, bearing in mind that you have all sorts of weapons and spells to choose from.
The game offers a variety of places to explore, all of which look very nice, if not perfect - caves, swamps, fields and ancient ruins... and more! Overall, the island has a distinctly mediterranean look, which makes it fantasy, yet believable.
Risen offers outstanding dialogue, all of which is voiced (we get to hear John Rhys-Davies and Andy Serkis a.k.a. Gimly and Gollum). For the story are responsible names like Rhianna Pratchett (do I need to tell you whose daughter she is?), James Leach (Fable) and Andrew S. Walsh (Prince of Persia).
I'm still at chapter 2 of the game, but already planning on another play through, since I chose a certain path at the beginning and I want to see what the other side has to offer.
So why are you still reading this? Go play!