KiNgBrAdLeY7: Barbarian is the most difficult character to play with. Compared to other characters, he is slower, and apparently more clumsy/brutish. You have to keep the right distances from enemies (according to what weapon you hold at the time, what is its reach, how slowly you swing it and its special moves' reach), keep in mind that his moves even with locked-on enemies are extremely easy to miss, his back attack lacks the accuracy and straightforwardness of the back attacks of the others, and that he is more vulnerable to interrupts from his special moves, because he swings slowly heavy, large weapons, with difficult and complicated moves on top of that.
Barbarian is not for your first playthrough. Steep learning curve. If you get to know the game and its mechanics well, you will have a great time playing as one; if he is on your first playthrough, though, you might even hate the game and go for uninstall... Begin with knight. Or amazon. Many combos, lots of choices, good speed, simple moves. Barbarian is hardcore.
I've only ever played with Barbarian, specifically because it's the hardest. Bought this game when new, I still have the game with the stand-up fold cardboard tower with all combo's printed on it. I have also never played it with the combat lock on. Much more satisfying with it off. Players can start with Barbarian, they will just be saving more at the beginning. the only character with the required challenge. The characters are essentially the skill level, Sargon the knight is the easiest.
