Actually, I didn't mind the route to Sparta. It was actually kinda fun. It kept me on my toes. I died many times...many many times. Usually when I was debating on whether or not to use a bandage or not, for fear of needing it later on. It took me quite a few tries to defeat that lizard guy. That area is almost like a strategy game, imo.
In the end...there was not a monster left on that damn trail. I destroyed every last one of them. Moohaha!
And Rand's skills are cool. Useful. I was kinda sad to find that the game wasn't finished.