Linkyshinks said:
I have never played it 
For shame. It's one of the few games that truly has a script and plot comparable to films. If they producers of the forthcoming movie stick closely to the ideas and tone of Sands of Time, it should be a great film. Also, the environmental puzzles are great.
The fighting really just serves to break up the puzzles, and allow you to fill up on that all important sand of time. The focus on fighting was another one of the fuck ups in the sequels.
Personally, I love giving myself little challenges in the game. Once you've played through a few times, try completing it without dying or using the sands once.
Only downside: the final boss (one of only two in the game) is unadulterated crap. A major let down after the lovely plot twist. Still, it's a great ending.
"This man has advanced communist views ... He dresses in a bohemian fashion both at his office and in his leisure hours."