The Guild 3 is a family dynasty simulator set back in Europe 1400. The appeal comes in by laying the foundation of your dynasty. You can do anything from farming to making your coin by taking it from unfortunate others.
As for progression, you can further your family by becoming a shrewd business person, or taking over offices to manipulate the law in your favor.
It is graphicly passable, and an alright musical score. The meat of the matter is the options available to you at any time to build, sidestep, or overcome anything in the game to progress.
Money is the main way they maintain flow and progression in the game. You can "live" and continue as a beggar, but to become a "full citizen" (to have access to application process for office) you'll need to rake in some dough performing in some profession.
Overall, I rate it a decent time killer.