I found classic mode to be adequate for my tastes or maybe even harder than expected. I even had to reload quite often during combats or level up and then go back. I dont consider myself newb to tactical rpg's but this game can be tough at times. Also sometimes frustration from higher difficulties makes me stop playing the game... Mind that I also tried to keep certain NPC's alive and didnt wear best armor just because I didn't like how it looked :P