You need to play all 3. MML2's ending does call for a sequel but it's fine. I'm more angry with the cancellation because I really enjoyed the Legends universe and I believe there is still a lot they can do with it.
But 1 and 2 are both in my top 50 games, and that's a lot of credit to MML2 considering it has the single worst area in any game in history (naturally it's a water level).
--
HBJ - Second City Saint
~Project 1000~