I think I'd agree with that. I loved the history involved in the games with things like the sinking of the Lusitania mentioned, for instance. Storyline wise, I think Covenant was more forgettable. Still a great game, but I remember being more impressed with the original. My initial thoughts about SH:C at the beginning of the game was that it was too dungeon orientated. I played up to the Rhondda in my first sitting and just got a bit bored of them then. I did enjoy the bits in Russia and Japan though, I must admit. The bit with Ouka was really sad. Though not quite as sad as the bit with Alice. =/
Great series of games. I love the quirky humour, such as finding that porn magazine in Dehuai's tower to trade with Roger Bacon in the first game. Albert Simon was most excellent.
Never played From The New World because I didn't like the look of it and I was told it was disappointing so I never got around to it. Love SH and SH:C though. Props to it for mentioning Wales and Britain in a computer game.