I bought the game. Really loving just about everything so far.
The game is gorgeous (this being the GC version and previously only having the PS2 games may have something to do with it though), with the PoP-ish architecture and art design that's a joy to look at and even more so to navigate.
As mentioned before--no Godsmack. Although I swear some of the same music from SoT often pops up. Not a bad thing, though.
No more angry grunting and threats from the Prince, instead so far expressing his shock and horror of what he came home to. Sound effects are very WW-ish.
What I've played so far is paced very well. If you're a vet of the series, you can jump in but not feel like your intelligence is being insulted. The game refreshes you while introducing you to new techniques quickly but managably.
As for combat--well, so far it's tough but fair. The stealth kills are very useful. Remember in say, Mark of Kri or Tenchu, sneaking up behind an enemy and plunging your sword/sai into a baddie's neck? Now imagine in after wall running, rebounding off a shutter, grabbing said baddie's neck, spinning around his back--lights out.
However, if you fail, the enemies are VERY tough. So far even two enemies can really be a handful, although I'm without the dagger or time or any way to rewind/slow time. I expect more weapons and skills to make the road smoother, though. So far you can find new weapons laying around that will grant you a new combo, like WW.
Definite winner. I haven't played as Dark Prince yet, however, so I'm very early in the game still.