You dont need to play the original game to understand the plot to this one. . This is a generic 3rd person action game..
Graphics: This is definetly not a spectacular looking game, and the levels are "action movie" generic. The graphics are really not that good, but at least you can tell whats going on. The opening cutscene was really nice though.
Sound: There is an assortment of really short little action movie techno tunes, and they keep repeating over and over. The action is so tense, you barely notice it. All the explosion sounds, gun clicks, gunshots, and yells are really nicely done.
Value: You'll play this game for 2 hours straight when you get it, and you'll say "man, this is awesome!" But it will get boring in 3 days, guaranteed. This is a great rental at best,
This is a good action game, but there are plenty more out there that do the whole "slow motion" thing better. I would recommend Max Payne, or Enter the Matrix. You'll have fun with this game, just not for very long.