Part of the problem is that I have pingeon-holed this game as a type of game it isn't. My impression was that this game is pure action and combat but that isn't the case. It does require a bit of exploration and the environments change (such as when the boulder comes down the stairs and breaks a hole in the wall).

I have now put on my Gothic 1 and Gothic 2 hats and have changed my playstyle from just beating things up to beating things up + exploring carefully. Looks like there is quite a bit to explore in the asylum area before taking on the boss. But dammit @SpoonFull for saying there is a BIG surprise for beating the boss the first time. Grr….