It's a really good game to start on, whether it's catching up or never played. Still didn't stop people from asking me on the stream what had happened to that point though. >.> It's a fresh start though, new story, if you don't know the history, it won't be an issue.
Controls are very different, but if you play Souls type games, oe played Hellblade you should be fine. God of War is what Hellblade could have been, with a big budget.
Also the soundtrack is AMAZING. It's done by Bear McCreary, you've probably heard something he's done if you've watched TV since the Battlestar Galactica reboot.
The puzzles are good, not too easy, or hard, just frustrating enough. Lots of things to explore, absolutely gorgeous.
And the kid? Actually useful. I'd put him on par with Ellie; he doesn't talk all the time, actually gives you tips and help, and doesn't feel like one long escort mission. I read somewhere that at one point they were going to ditch the son, can't really imagine how the game would be without him.
The fight first fight with The Stranger is something everyone who likes a good action sequence should check out on Youtube, even if they don't plan on playing that game. It's a great way to start the game and can only get better, honestly.