I have never heard about this series before this remake, so I didn't know what expect.
My first impression was mixed - graphics wasn't bad, but I know about nicer games and controls was clunky. When I was playing longer time, my impression was improved, mainly dark settings and atmosphere were very good. There are many fights, bosses, platformer sections and a several easy puzzles. Combat is a little harder at the beginning but I got used it - you can learn great combos and tactics against different enemies. When you finish level, you earn points and you can upgrade your health, combos or you can buy charms for your hero and bonuses like a original game from 1989, original soundtrack or subtitles for the story - you can't undstertand what characters say until you upgrade these points.
The game is short, it takes 3-4 hours to first complete on easy difficulty, but I think there is solid replayability. SotB insn't for everyone, but fans of the original trilogy and dark platformers will be happy.