I haven't played this game yet, but 3E rules are VERY different from 2E. Literally a completely different game and system. 3.5E has some serious changes to it as well.
I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for, character creation is still very similar to 2E... at least in these kind of games (i'm only familiar with NWN). Proficiencies have been replaced by Skills and Feats (Special Abilities). I'm sure the manual that came with it should be sufficient. I know the NWN was more than enough for me to get started, and i had no clue as to what 3E rules were... i was completely baffled when i first saw how leveling, multiclassing, skills/feats, prestige classes, etc. But the manual did a good job IMO.