I like it better actually. I got a bit bore with Titan Quest after I reach Egypt. Sacred open world is really make the game like "adventure" instead of following the dot.
Customization and skill tree are also better I think. (Though on console they take a bit of time to get used to the menu...)
@JPL
My Sera is now level 21, I am a bit into the main quest (reach human settlement and on the way to Orc land). I bought my mount at level 12 @@ so I have been running everywhere with it.