This was one of those PlayStation releases that surprised me considering it had a decent amount of 2D in it. Then I got disappointed when I saw the 3D levels and realized we would not be seeing similar treatment for 16-Bit classics like Lion King and Mickey Manio (both featuring similar 3D levels).
Definitely has an early "God of War" feel to it when fighitng bosses though.
The first comment I read on youtube when I was watching a gameplay of this game was that it was the "God of War" of the PlayStation 1, by the way, I have never played any God Of War.
It is very close to that of God of War, obviously more basic and less cinematic but the core elements are there. Even the bosses that are 2D, like the centaur one (I believe that is what they are called).
Dynamite Headdy on Sega Genesis had an even more basic "God of War" style boss battle or two. So did Clockwork Knight on Sega Saturn.
God of War is a fun series. If you play it, just enjoy the journey, virtually ignore what others say to do in each one till after you play it for yourself. Basically go in knowing as little extra than you do now for the maximum fun.