Wing Commander 3 looks awesome with its live action video, etc. that the first two games don't have. I'll just be completely honest: I'm totally new to the Wing Commander series and I'd like to start with the most "accessible" one. This seems like a good starting point (and if it isn't, let me know!), but I would also like to know one thing:

If I haven't played either of the first two (and if the third is one of the best to start with), will I be able to "get into" the third and understand the story, etc.?

It's been a while since I've played them, but I don't think you'll have any real problems beyond some references in the intro video. The manual probably has some background to help out in that department. Things pick up pretty quickly with a new carrier and mostly new crew.

I'd say jump in with #3 and have fun. It's quite a ride.

I'm going to disagree slightly with Nomad Soul. The series has a continuous storyline, so from that perspective, you'd be jumping into the middle. There are characters who show up in all three, and there will be references to stuff that happened in the other games. You'll appreciate things more if you've played them in order.

The graphics progress from 1-3, but the basic formula stays more or less the same - and it makes for tons of fun. So I'd recommend all of them. Having said that, I also grew up playing them, and the sprite graphics of WC1 & 2 don't bother me (actually I'm fond of them).

On the other hand, if you do just start with WC 3, as Nomad Soul said, you'll probably figure out pretty quickly what's going on in the plot anyway. (And moreover, the GOG releases are missing the expansion packs right now - so you can't play through the whole plot even if you wanted to.) WC3 is a great game just on its own.

So, if you don't care about missing some references and really can't stand the old graphics or whatever, then you can't go far wrong with Nomad Soul's advice: 'jump in with #3 and have fun.' :)

Back in the day I started at three. Never bothered me that I hadn't played the original . Everything made sense...man versus cat.

I'd jump in at three too.

I started with WCIII as well and really didn't feel like I missed out on all that much. Later on when I played WC and WCII there where a few "oh ok that's where that came from" moments, but for the most part starting with WCIII is like starting with Star Wars Ep IV (maybe that's a poor comparison since WC and WCII don't suck like SW I-III do).

I also started with number 3, had no issues keeping up the with the story - but with all three games on GOG, you might as well get them all...

Like the others have said you shouldn't have any troubles if you start with number 3. However, I feel that one of series main strengths is the story. Attachment to characters based off of time spent with them and the background knowledge of them as well really do enhance the story. Also, if you really like number 3 it may be a bit more difficult to go to earlier chapters of the series, slightly different controls, older graphics and what not.

I say if you have the time and no real reason not to do it, then I highly recommend 1 & 2 first. You'll be glad you did.

I would advise you to start with the first. Not only is there an history continuity, with recurring character - but it is the same with the ships. For instance, the Rapier is the top-notch (human) fighter in WC1, but fairly average in WC2 as "new" fighters progressively phase it out. This is even more common with the Kilrathi's ships, for instance the Dralthi, still not phased out in WC4 despite being there (in earlier version)since WC1.

It's incredibly rare that I do so, but I would also recommend playing this series in order. WC3 is the most story-heavy game of the series in the original trilogy and it's important to put all that story in context. The story is great in these games.