I've only played it on the GameCube, but I'd still recommend Prince of Persia Sands of Time. Although it's an action game it's far less button-bashy than the sequels, usually a few slow button presses at roughly the right time can have the desired effect; it's the platforming that's emphasised, and it's some of the best around.

I would recommend either sequel, but there is more emphasis on quick combos and after having played through Sands of Time again I can safely say it's the best in the series.