For being the first three dimensional game in the series, it has not lost it's playability or athmosphere, what often happen when forced to change to 3D. Controls are quite well thought out, there are four action keys "ASDW" and direction keys. There are lots of boxes to push, which are one of the basic puzzle themes.
Most of the action sequences are either based on timing or leaping, gripping and hanging. If you die, the game starts automaticly from the sequence and you can start all over again until you get it right.
You don't need to know what happened in the prequels to enjoy it, but I would recommend to play them also. This game as well as it's prequels has a plot theme with Neo-templars and strong refering to illuminati, as well as ley lines, mysticim, mad scientists and hackers that know too much and gets killed. There's no much to complain about this game, since it has been made with thought and skill, unlike many sequels have.