Don't just play the demo--get version1.5 and you might love it!
There is so much to do in this game that it can sometimes be overwhelming. You can go through and try to do every single side quest in each town/village/city, which is a LOT of fun. Every quest has a little story behind it that can sometimes be pretty interesting.
You can also choose to be a heart-less SOB, and go around slaughtering the inhabitants of each town/village/city, which can be pretty fun too. Either way you gain experience and level up!
So basically, you have a lot of freedom---it's a true role-playing game in the sense that it feels like you can pretty much do as you wish--and that the things you do bring consequences (short and long term).
Nothing in the game will totally amaze/floor you---however, it really is a great well-rounded game offering hours and hours of fun. This is especially true if you have a good sense of humor. I've laughed so hard playing this game--for instance, just the way your character will chuckle or say "Pathetic!" after you've slaughtered an entire city (so maybe I have a diabolical, sick sense of humor...).
The only legit complaints I've heard so far are about the voice-acting--it's a bit bland sometimes, and over-the top at other times, but it makes me laugh so I like it.
Other complaints I've heard are about the horses--just get a better horse! The first horse you get does suck, I agree. But if you find a better one that is more trained you'll be happy.
So in conclusion--no the game is not perfect--but I give it a little higher score than GS did, just because it has kept me entertained for longer than most games have in the recent past...