In general this maybe true, but in this implementation I enjoyed the increasing difficulty and as I could choose which part became more difficult, it did not feel like punishment, but rather a self chosen difficulty. Definitely, recommended to play.
Like others said the water theme (including the waste being almost modern art) and music was very enjoyable. A score board would have been awesome (also got till year 6). However at the end right clicking did not lead to close combat attack.